Marketers Association of Zimbabwe

The Marketers Association of Zimbabwe (MAZ)’s 14^th Marketers Convention. which was held in Victoria Falls from 25 to 28 October, was a huge success as evidenced by the positive testimonies that are being given mostly on the LinkedIn platform by the delegates and speakers who attended the event.

This year’s meeting, which was held under the theme: “The future is now: Marketing, PR and Communication winning through sustainability and innovation,” was held at the Elephant Hills Hotel.

The delegates commended very highly some key aspects of the convention such as the speakers, the ambience and branding of the venue, side activities and the benefits of the event like networking.

Overall impression

ABC Auctions Head of Business Development, Kiaran Knight (pictured right) commented very highly of the convention.

“This was a tremendous event that I was very proud to be a part of. Some terrific speakers and leaders shared some really impactful messages that all businesses need to hear,” Knight posted.

“I attended the Marketers Association of Zimbabwe’s 14th Annual Convention in the beautiful resort town of Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. With close to 200 delegates in attendance, I must say the convention was superbly organised, branded, and well attended,” posted a delegate, Rumbie Moyo.

Speakers, moderators and breakaway sessions

Each attendee who commented on the event heaped praises on the nine speakers who presented during the event.

“(Family business advisor and techpreneur) Tsitsi Mutendi, (Zimbabwe Tourism Authority Chief Executive) Winnie Muchanyuka, (Jester Media Services Group Chief Executive Officer) Pilate Machadu and (SocialMe Creative Digital Agency Chief Digital Officer) Tinashe Nyaruwanga were the highlights for as contributors, all are impressive human beings who are wielding their experience, knowledge and wisdom to add serious value to their environments,” said Knight.

The convention’s speakers were drawn from diverse backgrounds which enriched the event, adequately addressed the topics and resonated with the meeting’s theme.

“This year’s convention featured nine esteemed speakers from (the) academia, media, marketing, and corporate strategy covering topics including financial acumen in marketing, the media landscape in Zimbabwe, measuring the impact of marketing and public relations campaigns, how marketing technology is shaping the future of business and marketing, and one of my personal preferences, interpersonal skills for managing cross-functional relations,” posted Moyo.

Nedbank Zimbabwe Marketing Public Relations and Communications Senior Manager, Mary-anne Kwidini marvelled at the speakers’ passion for their respective crafts.

“The just ended 14^th Annual Marketers’ Convention was held at Victoria Falls. The convention had a power-packed lineup of speakers who shared their personal and professional experiences with the delegates. One thing they all have in common is the passion and grit that it takes to build powerful brands,” she commented.

For Kwidini, the experience involved more than just being a delegate. She also moderated for her boss, Nedbank (South Africa) Marketing and Corporate Affairs Group Executive, Khensani Nobanda’s presentation session.

“The major highlight for me was moderating for our Group Executive for Marketing and Communications, Khensani Nobanda whose presentation left delegates pumped, challenged and ready to level up their creativity game,” Kwidini posted.

The format of the convention included breakaway sessions to discuss various topics.

“The convention also comprised breakaway sessions, with panellists discussing digital marketing trends and their relevance in brand building, as well as marketing and public relations roles in the environmental, social and governance (ESG) conversation. I was honoured to be a panellist together with Lillian Mbayiwa, the Old Mutual Group Head of Marketing, Public Affairs and Sustainability, who is also the current MAZ President, Irimayi Muzorewa, the Delta Beverages Marketing Director and the engaging facilitator Kazhanje Liberty Kazhanje, Head of Marketing for Ecocash,” Moyo said.

Side activities

The event was not just about presentations and breakaway sessions. It was also about the delegates enjoying a bit of the Victoria Falls resort city through activities that encourage team building and relaxation.

“It was a splendid programme, punctuated with dinner at the A’ZambeziRiver Lodge, cruises on the mighty Kasambabezi(Zambezi) River and the mesmerising Simunye – We are One, a theatrical production presented by the Victoria Falls Theatre Company. The show was truly remarkable, and everyone loved the music, the dances, and the beautiful love story,” Moyo said.

Networking and takeaways

For Knight, the event was not only about presenting. The meeting provided him with an opportunity to network and discuss various issues with other speakers and delegates.

“I had countless insightful conversations with senior corporate leaders, entrepreneurs, and a large amount of talented young men and women who have a large desire to make a difference and meet their potential.

“The main lesson taken away from this event was that we don’t create success or influence in a vacuum. True success comes through relationships, collaboration, and intent and a great place to start is getting among like-minded people in organisations like Marketers Association of Zimbabwe.” Knight commented.

Moyo described the edition of the event as one of the best conventions so far as she benefitted from the networking opportunities that it presented.

“A big thank you to the Marketers Association of Zimbabwe for hosting one of the best conventions to date and creating a forum for networking and collaboration. I learned a lot and connected with excellent individuals,” she submitted.

Kwidini summarised her takeaway thus: “As a future-fit marketer, it takes stepping out, taking bold steps, thinking outside the box and raising the bar within our teams, agency partners and gaining support and buy in from key stakeholders.”