The 15th Annual Marketers Convention, held from October 23 to 26, 2024, at Elephant Hills Resort in Victoria Falls, marked another remarkable chapter in the Marketers Association of Zimbabwe’s (MAZ) ongoing legacy of excellence. With the theme “Disrupt to Redefine: The Future of Marketing Excellence,” this year’s convention brought together industry leaders, influencers, and professionals for an event packed with inspiration, insight, and impactful discussions.

The convention kicked off with Paul Makaya, Founder and Agency Head of Bergast House, delivering an exciting presentation on “Disruptive Innovation in Advertising: Redefining the Ad Landscape.” His session ignited thought-provoking conversations about how disruptive forces are reshaping the world of advertising and how marketers can stay ahead in an increasingly dynamic environment.

That evening, delegates experienced an unforgettable night at The Boma, enjoying a traditional Zimbabwean dinner and drum show. The cultural exchange added an enriching, memorable dimension to the event, allowing attendees to unwind and connect.

Day 2 of the 15th Annual Marketers Convention commenced with an insightful presentation by Dennis Mambure, Head of Marketing and Corporate Affairs at Absa Bank Botswana. His session on “Global Trends in Disruptive Marketing: Lessons from Leading Markets” captivated attendees as he shared key global marketing trends, offering valuable insights into how leading markets are adapting to disruptive forces. Mambure’s presentation highlighted the importance of staying ahead of trends and aligning marketing strategies with evolving global dynamics.

Following Mambure, Abraham Makamba, Executive Managed Services at Liquid Intelligent Technologies, took the stage to explore “Leveraging Generative AI for Next-Generation Business Intelligence.” His session delved into the transformative potential of generative AI in driving business innovation and enhancing marketing strategies. Delegates were introduced to cutting-edge technologies that are shaping the future of business intelligence and providing marketers with the tools to make more informed, data-driven decisions.

The official opening ceremony of the convention took place next, with MAZ President Lillian Mbayiwa delivering a powerful address. In her speech, she emphasized the pivotal role of disruption in marketing, urging attendees to embrace change and proactively redefine their strategies. She underscored MAZ’s achievements over the past year, including the continued success of the MAZ Business Institute and the upcoming collaborations with the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), set to provide members with access to global expertise. Mbayiwa’s remarks set the stage for the dynamic discussions and exchanges that would follow throughout the day.

The day also featured a thought-provoking session by Mabel Mun’gomba, CEO of Belcomm Zambia Limited, who explored “The Revolving Role of the CMO: From Marketing to Business Leadership.” Mun’gomba discussed how Chief Marketing Officers (CMOs) are evolving into broader business leaders, shaping strategic decision-making processes beyond traditional marketing functions.

Eng. Kudzai C. Chikumbirike, Group Executive Head of Cybersecurity and RegTech at ZB Financial Holdings, presented on “Ethical AI and Responsive Data Usage,” addressing the growing importance of ethical considerations in AI and data usage within the marketing field. His session provided essential insights into how marketers can leverage these technologies responsibly, ensuring compliance with data protection regulations while still driving innovation.

The afternoon featured an engaging panel discussion on “Marketing and Sales in a VUCA Environment: A Look into the Zimbabwean Context.” Moderated by leading industry professionals, the panel included Maureen Chirambaguhwa, Acting Commercial Director at TelOne Zimbabwe, Andrew Tawodzera, Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications at AFC Holdings, and Irimayi Muzorewa, Marketing Director at Delta Corporation. The panelists shared valuable perspectives on how Zimbabwean marketers can navigate a Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous (VUCA) environment, offering practical strategies for success.

Another significant discussion focused on “Sustainable Branding: Marketing’s Role in the ESG Revolution.” Panellists Rumbidzai Moyo, Strategic Partnerships and Private Sector Engagement Manager at CARE International in Zimbabwe, Lindiwe Thebethebe, Marketing Executive at CABS, and Prosper Mutsiwiri, Secondment Marketing & Communications Manager at ZETDC, explored the role of sustainability in modern marketing. They highlighted how brands can integrate Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into their marketing strategies, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable future.

The day’s sessions culminated in a presentation by Vinod Sharma, Chief Technology Officer at M-Pesa Africa, on “Disruptive Technologies and the Future of E-Commerce.” Sharma’s session provided valuable insights into the evolving role of technology in e-commerce, focusing on the disruptive innovations that are transforming the industry and offering new opportunities for growth.

The President’s Dinner, hosted by National Foods, rounded off the day’s events. Past MAZ President Lillian Mbayiwa delivered a recap of the association’s achievements and officially handed over leadership to the newly elected board.

To conclude the three-day convention, Unaiswi Nyikadzino, Lead Consultant at StandOwt, and Agrippa Mugwagwa, Managing Director of Xarani, delivered closing presentations. Nyikadzino’s session on “Driving Business Model Change: The Marketing Advantage” and Mugwagwa’s insights on “The Rise of the Digital/Disruptive Business Model” wrapped up the convention on a high note, leaving delegates with a wealth of knowledge to apply in their marketing strategies moving forward.

The final evening was a delightful cultural experience at Chipala, an African boma-themed eating house, where delegates enjoyed an open buffet of traditional Zimbabwean dishes.

The success of this year’s convention was made possible thanks to the generous support of corporate sponsors including National Foods, Delta Corporation Limited, Econet Wireless Zimbabwe, Financial Gazette, Old Mutual, Image Magic Corporate, ZB Financial Holdings, Joina City, ZINARA, Liquid Intelligent Technologies, Passion Events, Premier Corporate Gifts, Winfield Strategy and Innovation, Hyundai-Automotive Distributor Incorporated Pvt Ltd, Nissan Clover Leaf Motors, and many others.

The 15th Annual Marketers Convention was an outstanding success, reaffirming MAZ’s commitment to redefining marketing excellence and empowering Zimbabwean marketers to take bold steps into the future.

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