CIM Future Marketer’s Conference on 26 September

The Future Marketer’s Conference, organised by the student committee of the Chartered Institute of Marketing Sri Lanka has blossomed into a rich tradition in the country. Although it has a relatively short history when compared to other annual events organised by the CIM Sri Lanka – in three years, it has grown to be regarded as an integral element in the experience of being a CIM student, CIM member or an industry professional.

This year’s conference is scheduled to be held on 26 September from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Kingsbury Hotel, Colombo. It will encapsulate the ‘shifting role of a marketer in the modern era’ where there are new and exciting challenges pushing the limits of a marketer’s skill set – and a myriad of ways to apply these skills to create, innovate and execute. The student committee comprising of 13 members who are students and practicing marketers believe that by looking forward to this year’s conference, the participants could know how best to be geared for the changing landscape ahead. 

Four renowned corporate leaders with vast experience and dazzling stories would take the stage to inspire the budding marketers through thought provoking dialogue and valuable insights to lead the next generation of marketing in Sri Lanka. 

MTI Consulting CEO Hilmy Cader will deliver the keynote speech on the topic ‘The New Age Marketer’ which would highlight the leading edge of an evolving marketer who could segregate substance from noise. Unilever Head of Modern Trade Viranga Wickramaratne will speak on ‘The power of consumer insights and engagement’, Team Leadership Specialist and CEO Success Coach Sensei International Ranjan De Silva will share his insights on ‘Adding value to the organisation’ whilst Celcom Malaysia Chief of Marketing and Expansion Nushad Perera will speak on ‘The 2020 digital marketing mix’. 

The conference will conclude with a panel discussion that will appraise how CIM as a professional qualification has evolved over a century, and how it nurtures students to keep pace and stay abreast with the rapidly evolving marketing profession. The panel will comprise of eminent professionals and lecturers in marketing, namely Deepal Lokugalappaththi, G.S. Sylvester, Reyaz Jeffrey, Yarthav Mathiaparanam and Yasas Hewage, the discussion will be moderated by Fonterra, Sri Lanka Marketing Director Roshan De Silva.

CIM Student Committee President Musab Nalir commented “I am greatly privileged to lead a unique team of growing but forward-thinking marketers who have taken the initiative to elevate the Sri Lankan marketing fraternity to a greater height. This year’s conference is fastidiously crafted by embedding an array of pressing, contemporary and must know areas by any marketing professional in the modern era”.

The Future Marketer’s Conference has positioned CIM Sri Lanka on the global map as the first and only region to organise an annual student conference which elevates it to be an epitome of the best. The project chairperson for the conference Gayantha Niyangoda said, “The influence of the marketer keeps evolving and we all need to keep pace with these changes. Unlike 10 years back, the modern era marketers are armed with the tools and technology to give them a leading edge in the race to the top slot in the company where crafting strategies is just a fraction of what the new age marketer does. So I invite you all to join the forum and find out what this transformation is all about.”

People’s Bank is the platinum sponsor of the conference whilst Glitz is the gold sponsor. Takas.lk and Reap Digital will be the event digital partners. 

Tickets for the Future Marketer’s Conference are priced at Rs. 3,000 for CIM students and CIM members/other tickets would be Rs. 4,000. To purchase tickets, please visit the CIM Sri Lanka office at No 20, Deal Place A, Colombo 3. For details and reservations, please contact Gayantha (Project Chair) on 0773174209, Tarshan (Committee member) on 0712300072 or Sandamali at the CIM Sri Lanka office on 0112564860/0765405212.