THE 14th edition of the Marketers Association of Zimbabwe (MAZ) annual convention started in Victoria Falls yesterday amid calls for marketers to embrace new technologies and innovation skills to remain relevant.
This year’s conference is being held under the theme: “The Future is now-marketing, PR and communications winning through sustainability and innovation.”
It is being attended by marketers and sector partners especially in the media, from Zimbabwe and abroad.
Various expert speakers including Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Minister Monica Mutsvangwa who will be the guest of honour today, are lined up to speak.
In his welcome remarks, MAZ executive secretary, Mr Gillian Rusike, said the past year has been testament to the innovation, creativity and dedication of marketers worldwide.
“From groundbreaking campaigns to cut-edge technologies, we have witnessed the power of marketing in shaping the future of businesses and transforming the lives of consumers,” he said.
“This convention is an opportunity for us to come together, share our experiences and learn from one another.”
Mr Pilate Machadu, chief executive of Jester Media Services Group implored marketers and media to work together.
“Innovation is key in media and other sectors of the economy so that we continue to offer value to consumers,” he said.
“Marketers and advertisers should take advantage of the media space and let’s continue to collaborate as an industry and embrace ethics to make sure that the campaigns we do will uphold high standards of professionalism and operation.”
MAZ has experienced significant growth marked by an expanded client base, creation of innovative programmes.
The association has also launched the Marketers Association Business Institute, an arm responsible for undertaking training and career development activities for marketer, sales professionals, customer experience managers, public relations professionals and other business related professionals.
Some of the topics lined up for discussion include leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance effectiveness of marketing and PR campaigns, critical financial intelligence, successful integration of e-commerce into day-to-day business operations, measuring impact of marketing campaigns and others.
Chronicle
