Chicago, IL – February 28, 2006 – ACNielsen and Spectra, companies of VNU, Inc., today announced Consumer 360® 2006, to be held May 16-18 at the Desert Springs Marriott in Palm Desert, California. Showcasing What’s Next? in the Fast-Moving Consumer Packaged Goods Industry (FMCG), this year’s conference is expected to shed unprecedented light on the future of the industry.

Consumer 360 is the premier marketing information conference for the FMCG industry, with more than 1,000 industry professionals in attendance at the 2005 event. This year’s conference has been revamped to feature more actionable client solutions and comprehensive industry insight than ever before. Through the expert insight of guest speakers, real-life examples of top manufacturers and retailers winning in the marketplace, and hands-on training sessions, participants will learn how to solve their most pressing business issues and gain a competitive advantage in the marketplace.

Kicking off the two-and-a-half day event is Andrew Zolli, well known futurist and forecaster who specializes in helping institutions see, understand and respond to change. His vision of What’s Next? in the industry will provide views that drive foresight and prediction for attendees. His opening is followed by key industry experts and additional guest speakers.

“No other conference combines this remarkable line-up of up-to-the-minute learning experiences, practical consumer solutions, and innovative uses for your current investments,” said Tom Markert, Chief Marketing Office of VNU Marketing Information. “Manufacturers and retailers have for years, gained actionable insights from Consumer 360, and this year’s program will feature an even more exciting experience as we focus on the most up to date insights, current trends and a look at the future.”

In addition to a robust general session agenda, the workshops and training sessions have been restructured to provide richer content, and an engaging learning experience that attendees can leverage every day. New this year are several in-depth, interactive “Super Sessions” – double sessions that will provide unique analysis and insights surrounding: the Future of Health & Wellness, U.S. Consumer Packaged Goods Retailing—Past, Present & the Future, Winning @ Retail—The Next Generation, Hot Topics of the Day, and Industry Operatives: The Future of Collaborative Category Management.

For more information and to register for Consumer 360, visit www.consumer360.com.

About ACNielsen
ACNielsen, a VNU business, is the world’s leading marketing information provider. Offering services in more than 100 countries, the unit provides measurement and analysis of marketplace dynamics and consumer attitudes and behavior. Clients rely on ACNielsen’s market research, proprietary products, analytical tools and professional service to understand competitive performance, to uncover new opportunities and to raise the profitability of their marketing and sales campaigns.

About Spectra
Spectra, a VNU business, serves the fast moving consumer goods industry with consumer-centric marketing solutions, creating marketing ROI by measuring the consumer behavior impact of all demand side spending. Spectra provides clients with world-class segmentation and targeting services that help them identify high-value consumers, uncover new opportunities and execute marketing and sales efforts at the store level. For more information, visit www.spectramarketing.com.
  

Contacts:  Danell O'Neill, ACNielsen, 1-847-605-5312; Tiffany Graves, Spectra, 1-312-583-5237.