SLIM Dialog Brand Week 2024 concludes in grand style

SLIM Brand Week Project Chairman Kevin Almeida

Sri Lanka’s biggest marketing event of the year, SLIM Dialog Brand Week 2024 concluded in style recently, amidst active participation from across industries, with all sessions being sold out. 

The 3-day symposium, held from 13 to 15 March at Waters Edge, SLIM Dialog Brand Week 2024 was no doubt the most anticipated marketing event in Sri Lanka’s marketing calendar. This flagship event, organised by the Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing (SLIM) in collaboration with Dialog Axiata, surpassed all expectations, solidifying its reputation as the preeminent gathering of marketing minds in the country. 

Project Chair Kevin Almeida said: “We are very pleased with the outcome of this year’s event, and we extend our gratitude to both those who attended the event, and our panels of experts who made it all possible. A special thanks to Dialog Axiata our title partner and all other financial and non-financial sponsors for supporting us in this endeavour. This year’s event was articulated around exploring solution-driven branding strategies tailored to Sri Lanka’s unique context. We set out to deliver insights on emerging digital trends, innovative marketing, branding and business strategies shaping the future of Sri Lankan corporate brands to exploit the domestic market while exploring global avenues. However, I believe we have achieved more than that, by connecting people and bringing the fraternity together, helping to create new partnerships that will bear fruit in the future! Having understood this year is a stepping-stone for the upcoming year, we at SLIM are looking forward to reach unprecedented levels next year.” 

SLIM Events 2023/2024 Vice President Gayan Perera said: “This year’s edition of SLIM Brand Week made a significant impact amongst the budding brand marketers in the country, by enriching their knowledge in branding in today’s dynamic context. This year, all the sessions were carried out physically to entice maximum engagement, and followed by networking opportunities full of fun and entertainment. My gratitude goes to the distinguished speakers of all three days, our title sponsor Dialog Axiata and other valued sponsors/partners, the Project Chair and his committee for raising the bar of this event, and making it one of the most sought-after marketing events in the country.”

The theme of this year’s event, ‘The Road To Transformation Begins Here’ was one that the industry could identify with, reflecting the pressing need for innovative strategies amidst a backdrop of economic challenges. Accordingly, the event witnessed several keynote addresses, interactive workshops, and panel discussions. Conducted by industry experts across a broad sphere of disciplines, these sessions directly addressed the most pressing issues facing today’s marketers. Industries such as FMCG, IT, tea, apparel, telecommunication, e-commerce, luxury-wellness, tourism, and advertising were prominently represented. 

Under SLIM’s strategic direction, SLIM Dialog Brand Week played host to over 20 industry-leading speakers, who provided a wealth of insights and best practices spanning diverse industries and aspects of marketing. From digital transformation to experiential marketing, and data analytics to brand storytelling, the 10+ sessions offered something for everyone, regardless of their level of expertise. The speakers and panel discussions represented diverse disciplines, including marketing, branding, sales, information technology, human resources, and research & development. Their extensive expertise helped to provide marketers with keen insights into the concerns of various industries and businesses, which will help them to create solutions-driven strategies for brand development.

One of the defining characteristics of SLIM Dialog Brand Week 2024 was its emphasis on inclusivity and diversity. Participants hailed from across the spectrum of the marketing ecosystem, including marketing students, seasoned professionals, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders. This diverse mix of perspectives helped to inspire rich dialogue and collaboration, creating a fertile ground for innovation and learning.

In addition to the main conference sessions, the event featured a range of ancillary activities designed to provide additional value to participants. These included interactive workshops that provided hands-on learning opportunities, while networking sessions facilitated meaningful connections that could lead to important synergies in the future. The exhibition area, showcasing the latest technologies and solutions from leading vendors, was a hive of activity throughout the event.

Beyond the event itself, SLIM Dialog Brand Week 2024 was able to make a tangible impact on the broader community. A series of outreach initiatives, including mentorship programmes for aspiring marketers and partnerships with local educational institutions, highlighted the event’s commitment to nurturing talent and driving positive change.

SLIM said participants left Sri Lanka’s biggest marketing event of the year with a renewed sense of purpose and inspiration, armed with actionable insights that can help them to propel their brands forward in an increasingly complex and competitive marketplace. Looking ahead, SLIM Brand Week remains determined to continue to shape the future of marketing in Sri Lanka for years to come.