For the third consecutive year, Nedbank Namibia, in partnership with media partner Future Media, hosted a successful watch party for local marketers to participate in the streaming of the Nedbank Integrated Marketing Conference (IMC).
The event, held on September 19, 2024, brought together over 20 Namibian creatives and marketers at Nedbank Namibia’s stunning Sky Garden in Windhoek, allowing them to join Africa’s premier marketing event virtually while fostering growth and collaboration within the local industry.
The local watch party provided Namibian marketers with access to the main event in Johannesburg, where Southern Africa’s top marketing professionals united. When these professionals come together, magic happens – and this year, that magic was on full display. The conference, held under the inspiring theme “Challenge Yourself. Keep Learning. Keep Leading,” the conference drew an enthusiastic crowd of 800 in-person attendees in South Africa, with over 50 local creatives and marketers joining virtually from Nedbank Namibia’s stunning Sky Garden in Windhoek.
Since its inception, the Nedbank IMC has been all about celebrating marketing’s crucial role in business success, championing the idea that it absolutely deserves a spot at the boardroom table.
The sixth instalment of the event was a lively platform that uplifted the marketing industry and helped attendees set the tone for their future marketing efforts. True to IMC CEO Dale Hefer’s promise, it avoided “death by PowerPoint” and uninspired sales pitches, delivering instead a day filled with hard-hitting and relevant insights.
The event featured an impressive lineup of 26 speakers, both local and international, including startup CEOs, industry leaders, and communications strategists from diverse sectors. Among the speakers unpacking the theme were Futurist, Author, and Founder and CEO of the marketing consulting firm BrainReserve—Faith Popcorn; Author, Celebrity Chef, Entrepreneur, TV Host and Philanthropist—Miles Kubheka; CEO of Cannes Lion-winning marketing and communications agency X3M Ideas—Steve Babaeko; Founder of SoloUnion and 2022 and 2023 Cannes Creative Marketer of the Year—Matthew Bull; and more.
Through dynamic addresses, vibrant panel discussions, and interactive Q&A sessions, attendees explored essential topics like digital transformation, customer-centric strategies, and the crucial role of innovation in marketing. Industry leaders enthusiastically highlighted the importance of embracing change, fostering collaboration, and pursuing personal growth, inspiring everyone to elevate their marketing game.
A highlight of the event was Dr Alistar Mokoena, the Country Director at Google South Africa, who passionately emphasised the game-changing role of AI in marketing, proclaiming, “AI is not a threat but an opportunity.” His inspiring message urged marketers to see AI as a powerful ally and to embrace it ethically to fuel innovation in their strategies.
Young marketing strategist Marko Starvo also captivated the audience with his presentation, “Thinking Like Gen Z: How to Sell More to Tomorrow’s Customers.”
At just 20 years old, he shared eye-opening insights into the incredible buying power of this emerging demographic, challenging marketers to rethink their approaches and recognise the undeniable influence Gen Z has on market dynamics.
Local participants who joined the discussions virtually at Nedbank Namibia’s campus shared their excitement about the innovative content and practical strategies presented during the conference.
Attendees, including invited guests from various Namibian brands, agencies, and creative fields, enjoyed the screening and were treated to an outdoor networking event complete with delicious food and refreshing beverages.
“Every insight shared fundamentally reshaped my understanding of marketing,” said attendee Vera Njong, founder of Windhoek-based Akah Consultancy. “The presentation by the Gen Z strategist made me reconsider our perceptions of this generation. If we want to drive revenue, we need to move beyond stereotypes and truly understand their market impact.”
Another attendee, Wendy Naruses, Marketing and Communications Manager at Sanlam Namibia, praised the event’s focus on a crucial topic: the future of AI in marketing.
“It demonstrated how AI can empower us as marketers to navigate the digital landscape and drive innovation across Africa.”
Kudzai Sibanda, a business developer at Ogilvy Namibia, also valued the discussions surrounding AI’s growing influence.
“I appreciated how the conference encouraged us to embrace AI rather than approach it with skepticism. The speakers provided guidance on how to ethically integrate AI into our strategies. In Namibia, we often hesitate to be bold in our marketing concepts, but today we learnt that it’s okay to take risks.”
The emphasis on authenticity resonated with Diego Talaya, Brand Manager at Namib Mills, who highlighted the importance of innovative brand storytelling that connects with local audiences.
“Authenticity is crucial for brands, and teaching customers to embrace it is essential,” he said.
Laurencia Prinzonsky, Marketing and Communications Manager at Sanlam shared her excitement about the sessions, stating, “This is my first time attending the conference, and I’ve been impressed by how the insights on execution align perfectly with my personal growth goals.”
Nedbank Namibia’s Communications and PR Manager Selma Kaulinge celebrated the event’s success, reinforcing the role of the bank’s IMC watch party in nurturing professional development within Namibia’s evolving marketing sector.
“We aimed to share exceptional content with Namibian marketers, and the knowledge gained here is vital for our local community. The Namibian industry is very small, and there is so much to learn from platforms such as the IMC,” she remarked. “Attendees left with insights that will benefit not only Nedbank but the entire Namibian marketing industry, and we look forward to hosting this event in the future.”
Zelmarie Brandt, Head of Marketing at Future Media, commended the IMC’s positive impact, highlighting the significance of collaboration with Nedbank South Africa to bring this enriching experience to Namibia. She emphasised the power of media partnerships, stating, “Media connects marketers with their target audiences. Our partnership with Nedbank for the IMC has enabled us to share inspiring stories and valuable insights for the benefit of the entire industry.”