The Marketers Summit - 2023
The Marketers Summit took place from 17-18 February 2023 at The Maldives National University (CA Auditorium). Marketing professionals from various sectors convened to exchange insights and best practices. The event featured keynote speeches, panel discussions, and a hackathon where participants devised real marketing plans. The Gala Dinner Night honored outstanding plans, awarded certificates, and included a raffle draw for sponsor-provided gifts, enhancing networking and collaboration among attendees.
MoU Signing Ceremony & Press Brief
Speaker Sessions Day 1
The Marketers Summit 2023, the first marketing summit held in the Maldives, concluded successfully with more than 300 participants attending the event. The Maldives National University’s Business School facilitated the event at MNU CA Auditorium, which was a packed house. Participants were taken on an amazing journey of the origin and evolution of marketing to successful strategy development and execution.
The event commenced with a commencement speech from Organizing Committee member Mr. Hussain Shahid. He highlighted the role of the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) in developing the marketing sector in the Maldives.
This was followed by the Honorary Speaker, Mr. Ibrahim Waheed, who warmly welcomed speakers and attendees from different nations in their native languages.
Dr. Rohantha Athukorala, President of Clootrack Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Pakistan, delivered the Keynote Speech. He provided insights into data-driven marketing and the metaverse. Dr. Maria Frangieh, Founder and CEO of Socialprise (Lebanon & Dubai), discussed “How to Be Your Own Brand Ambassador,” followed by the “Personal Branding” session led by Ms. Mayssa Assaf, Founder of Mayssa Assaf Academy in Dubai. The final speaker before the session break for refreshment and prayer was Dr. Sachin Bansal, Founder & Chief Explorer of City Explorers (India).
Three exemplary marketing entrepreneurs and their brand success stories were shared with the audience: Kleventi, The Island Perfume Bar, and Beynun Tech. The second session began with Ms. Aminath Zaady, Owner’s Representative at Brennia Resort Management, discussing the challenges in “Marketing a Luxury Resort.” The “Marketing and Media” segment was conducted by Mr. Mohamed Nasih, Co-Founder of Resumo Maldives. Ms. Onalie Dissanayake, Country Head of Chartered Institute of Marketing, Sri Lanka and The Maldives (CIM)-UK, presented on the topic “Marketing Psychology.”
Dr. Hussain Sunny Umar, Founder of Maldives Halal Travel, delivered a well-received session on “Marketing Chemistry.” The event concluded for the day after Mr. Ahmed Munawar, Dean of Kulliyyah of Economics & Management at the Islamic University of Maldives, spoke on the “Preparation of Marketing Budget.” Day one was a full house, and the audience remained engaged throughout the sessions.
Activity Sessions &
Gala Dinner - Day 2
Day Two’s morning session included four panel discussions:
- Role of Social Media Influencers in Marketing
- Women in Marketing
- Importance of Multi-Sector Support for SMEs
- Role of Education in the Marketing Sector
The audience actively participated in the panel discussions, bringing many current issues related to the topics to light. Ms. Mariyam Maaisha, Director of Sales and Marketing at High Rise Pvt. Ltd., provided detailed insights into “Marketing & Event Management.” The session concluded with an activity session led by Dr. Rohantha Athukorala in the form of a competition. Mr. Niushad Shareef, Director of Marketing & Sales at Housing Development Corporation (HDC),
presented the final session of the event on “Marketing and Storytelling.” The audience was emotionally touched by the presentation, providing a beautiful ending to the event.
Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Gala Dinner venue had to be changed to Farukolhufushi, where The Marketers Summit 2023 concluded. Speakers and participants celebrated the event’s success. The winners of the hackathon were awarded for the Best Marketing Plan.
During the dinner, a raffle draw was held for sponsor giveaways, adding an element of excitement to the event. Sponsor giveaways included vouchers by EyeCare Optical, Flyavalhu Resort, Muni Homecare, and Mary Maldives.
Panel Discussions - Day 2
Media Coverage & Sponsors
