SLIM IGNITE 2020: ‘Thriving marketing in economic turbulence’

• National forum on changing today’s uncertainties into tomorrow’s opportunities  
  
   

A national forum under the theme IGNITE 2020 will be held on 25 July from 6 p.m. onwards at BMICH bringing together marketing professionals, expert marketers and business corporate personalities in an all-star event designed to inspire fresh thinking as we step into the year 2020, concentrating a power packed day of change. 

“It is the marketers who can change the course of direction towards of tomorrow’s opportunities. A slowing economy and the tragic events of 21/4 has made everyone take a ‘wait and see’ approach to business. Innovation and action has been replaced by caution and procrastination. The time to ‘wait and see’ is over and it’s time to act and unite. 

“As marketers we have a responsibility to change this image and it is only marketers who can do it and it is no doubt that this national forum will IGNITE all of us to set a new dimension in our companies and businesses that we represent in driving that change towards prosperity,” quoted SLIM President Suranjith Swaris. 

SLIM National Initiates Project Chairman Charaka Perera and the brainchild of this event elaborating further said: “The Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing is taking charge of bringing about a change in attitude to stay true to the mission of ‘Establishing marketing as the driving force which enhances Business and National Value’. Creating a forum of this calibre by rallying elite business heads to put the country first is the only way forward. Bringing together leaders and innovators across different fields, not just traditional white collar business, will truly inspire fresh thinking in businesses that we operate.  

“The forum will ignite a message of unity, through real-life and practical examples with shared experiences in how to overcome obstacles and challenges in the economy. The ‘Thriving marketing in economic turbulences’ forum will show how marketing and marketers are the key to unlock the untapped potential in periods of uncertainty through three tiers, which is exclusive for the invitees. No other forum has brought together such a diverse yet experienced industry shattering panel. The stories and experiences aren’t in any text books. These are lifelong marketers who haven’t played by the rules.” 

“Being the National Body for Marketing in Sri Lanka, SLIM is wholeheartedly dedicated to taking the initiative in this endeavour. We need to develop a clear roadmap taking into consideration all factors leading to economic stability which will in turn point the compass toward economic prosperity if all variables of the equation add up. Thus, the topic ‘Thriving marketing during economic turbulence’, given that marketing is a major component of the equation,” added Charaka.

The all-star panel comprises of: 

• Keynote Speaker Armed Forces of Sri Lanka Commander-in-Chief Lt. General Mahesh Senanayake –Sharing his insights to the essence of marketing in National security governance and how it leads to positive image shift
• The world’s greatest off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan – Made the ‘Doosra’ a household name and a part of everyday conversation
• Laugfs Chairman/Group CEO W.K.H. Wegapitiya – Sharing his knowledge and expertise to withstand market uncertainties and transform challenges into opportunities through marketing
• Mother Sri Lanka Chairperson Janaki Kuruppu – Superimposing the SRILANKAN brand through an art of image-based marketing 
• Sanath Ukwatte – A chair from the tourism sector to affirm marketing as a key function in overcoming the tourism hit
• Dr. Ravi Fernando – To endorse the assurance for corporate marketing functions in Sri Lanka, through governance in driving economic factors towards prosperity
• Moderator CIC Industrial Solutions CEO Graham Marshall – With over 25 years in leading multinationals, he will ask the probing and relevant questions that will stimulate the panel 
  
   

“If each business head does his/her utmost to make their business thrive through effective marketing, igniting as one despite the current situation, the entire economy will gather momentum and propel the country toward stability which is the need of the hour. We must wake up and take charge without waiting for anyone else to take the reins. Let’s all join in action,” further cited Suranjith.

Joining with SLIM in event sponsorships are Nations Trust Bank, Auto Miraj Group, Nivasie Developers Ltd., Perera & Sons Bakers Ltd., while the service sponsors are Mullen Lowe Sri Lanka, TV Derana, Wijeya Newspapers, Fox FM and Fox Entertainment, Anantaya Resorts & Spa, Ant Work, LMD and BMICH.

We invite you to ignite as one for our country through marketing and join with SLIM to take our country to stability and prosperity.