Shaz Smilansky, marketing director and co-founder of London-based experiential agency Blazinstar, has been appointed to the advisory board of the Experiential Marketing Forum (EMF) – www.experientialforum.com.

"Smilansky's addition to the board brings yet another early and successful entrant in the experiential brand-building field into the community's development and planning," said forum director and founder Erik Hauser. "She and Blazinstar have a history of generating innovative engagement strategies that demonstrate tangible business results across all sectors, from cosmetics to telecoms. We're delighted to have her presence and contributions."

Of her appointment, Smilansky added: "I am very pleased and honoured to be included in such a fantastic group of international marketing pioneers. Our role is increasingly more valuable in helping brands really connect and build lasting relationships with their target audiences. I look forward to serving on the EMF board to further help its members understand the experiential marketing landscape and develop creative concepts and campaigns that add value to consumers while generating long-term return on investment for brands."

The Experiential Marketing Forum has more than 6,000 members from around the globe, and currently is translated into 11 languages. It's a virtual ‘think tank’ of professionals, students and others who share ideas and keep abreast of trends in marketing communications and media. The EMF is affiliated with the International Experiential Marketing Association, a professional organisation that advances experiential marketing.

Smilansky is author of the book, Experiential Marketing, scheduled for release in February 2009 by Kogan Page, of which EVENTS:review will be publishing extracts over the coming months.