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4th World Marketing Forum


Global Marketing Leaders Convene in Manila for 4th World Marketing Forum and

53rd National Marketing Conference

 

 Philippine Marketing Association, Asia Marketing Federation Highlight AI and Sustainability in Landmark Summit

 

MANILA, Philippines – Global marketing leaders, innovators, and professionals gathered in Manila for the 4th World Marketing Forum and the 53rd National Marketing Conference, hosted by the Philippine Marketing Association (PMA) in collaboration with the Asia Marketing Federation (AMF). Held from November 5 to 8, the four-day summit addressed critical topics shaping the future of marketing, including artificial intelligence, sustainability, and next-generation consumer engagement strategies.

Drawing around 2,000 participants, the event brought together delegates from 19 countries, including Japan, Thailand, Indonesia, and Bangladesh. It showcased Manila’s role as a hub for regional thought leadership in marketing and emphasized collaboration to address global and regional challenges.




The summit began with an exclusive Ambassador’s Night at Casa Buenas, Newport World Resorts, where PMA President Kathy Mercado welcomed international delegates and set the stage for discussions on marketing’s evolving role in driving economic growth and innovation across Asia. The evening laid the groundwork for the insights and connections that would unfold over the next three days.

On November 6, the World Marketing Forum took center stage at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, capturing attention with a Star Wars-themed presentation. The forum featured global marketing luminaries, including Philip Kotler, who joined virtually to discuss strategies for resilience and adaptation in a rapidly changing business environment. AMF Founder Hermawan Kartajaya shared insights on emerging trends, while speakers from PwC , Nielsen, and StoryIQ explored the transformative potential of artificial intelligence and data-driven marketing in shaping consumer insights and engagement.




The National Marketing Conference,  held on November 7 under the theme “Marketing Wars 6.0 and Beyond,” brought the challenges of the modern marketing landscape into focus. Fine Hygienics CEO James Michael Lafferty stressed the importance of foundational marketing principles, urging marketers to prioritize storytelling and authenticity over fleeting digital trends. Entrepreneur RJ Ledesma shared strategies for building resilience in volatile markets, while a panel discussion led by executives from Chowking and CIBO Philippines examined strategies for connecting with Gen Z and Gen Alpha consumers.

Beyond the conference sessions, the summit also highlighted the Philippines’ cultural richness. Delegates participated in a Hop-On-Hop-Off tour of Manila organized by the Department of Tourism and capped the day with a gala night at Goldenberg Mansion. The event featured traditional Filipino performances and a tour of Malacañang Palace, offering international participants a glimpse into the country’s history and heritage.

The summit concluded on November 8 with the Asian Marketing Excellence Awards at the Hilton Grand Bar, recognizing outstanding achievements in marketing across the region. Thailand’s Minor Food Group was awarded the Marketing 3.0 Award, while Pyathai-Paolo Group was recognized as Marketing Company of the Year. Individual awards honored emerging talents and innovators, highlighting the diverse contributions shaping the future of marketing across Asia.

PMA Director Albet Buddahim underscored the relevance of the summit in addressing the challenges faced by marketers today. “This event tackled the wars marketers face—balancing generational shifts, navigating the explosion of digital platforms, and choosing which battles to prioritize. It provided tools and insights to navigate these complexities successfully,” he said.

PMA Executive Vice President Michelle Ballesteros emphasized the summit’s focus on sustainability and its role in fostering responsible marketing. “This gathering reinforces our commitment to marketing for good—advocating for strategies that not only drive business growth but also protect the planet and improve lives,” she said.

By addressing the most pressing issues in marketing, the 4th World Marketing Forum and the 53rd National Marketing Conference highlighted the growing influence of Asia in shaping the future of the industry. Through participation from marketing leaders, global companies, and cultural showcases, the event underscored Manila’s pivotal role as a hub for collaboration and innovation, providing actionable insights for marketers navigating rapidly shifting dynamics and setting a benchmark for industry events across the region.

The event is supported by a network of allied organizations, including the Asia Center for Small Business- Philippines (ACSB), Chamber of Real Estate & Builders' Associations, Inc. (CREBA), Philippine Youth Entrepreneurs Association (PYEA), AI Global Council, The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry - National Capital Region (PCCI-NCR), Global Compact Network Philippines (GCNP), International Council for Small Business (ICSB), Malaysia Chamber of Commerce,Inc. (MCCI), Hotel and Restaurant Association of the Philippines (HRAP),Philippine Plastics Industry Association Inc. (PPIAI), Out-of-Home Advertising Association of the Philippines (OHAAP).

 

Newport World Resorts serves as the venue partner, while supporting partners include Exlink Management & Marketing Services Corporation, AQA Advertising, and Katapult Digital. Additionally, Shoppertainment LIVE, Uniquecorn Strategies PR, Philippine Business Coalition for Women Empowerment, and ZOE Broadcasting Network served as the PR and communications partners.

 

About World Marketing Forum (WMF)

The World Marketing Forum (WMF) is an annual, by-invitation-only event hosted by Asia Marketing Federation (AMF) and devoted to marketing professionals worldwide. The forum aims to promote ongoing discussion on the latest development in marketing and sharing of global best practices with attendees from academia, business, and government. The inaugural event was held in 2021 in Kenchoji Temple in Kamakura, Japan, while the second and third were held in Puri Lukisan Museum in Ubud, Bali and Thailand respectively.

 

About National Marketing Conference (NMC)

The National Marketing Conference (NMC) is an annual event of the Philippine Marketing Association that brings together marketing experts, business leaders and individuals to talk about the latest marketing trends and practices globally. It is the most-awaited conference in the field of marketing in the country and considered to be the official gathering of marketers.

 

About Philippine Marketing Association (PMA)

Founded in 1954, the Philippine Marketing Association (PMA) is the premier marketing association in the Philippines, dedicated to promoting excellence and ethics among marketing professionals. PMA stands as a strong pillar of support and source of direction for marketers in the Philippines and across the region, pushing for excellence and unparalleled service to the marketing and business community. Engaged in various educational programs and networking events, PMA continues to be the cornerstone of innovation and leadership in the marketing field.

 

About Asia Marketing Federation (AMF)

The Asia Marketing Federation (AMF) is an organization of National Marketing Associations in the Asian Region. It exists to serve the marketing community across the region by elevating industry standards, fostering cross-border expertise, exchange, and most importantly, transforming the values that drive how businesses market to their customers. As one of the foremost governing bodies in the Asian marketing industry, AMF brings together a diverse group of member countries, including:

  • Bangladesh – Marketing Society Bangladesh (MSB)
  • Cambodia – Marketing Association of Cambodia (MAC)
  • China – CCPIT Commercial Sub-council
  • Hong Kong – Hong Kong Institute of Marketing (HKIM)
  • Indonesia – Indonesia Marketing Association (IMA)
  • Japan – Japan Marketing Association (JMA)
  • Korea – Marketers Society of Korea (MASOK)
  • Macau – Macau Marketing Institute
  • Malaysia – Institute of Marketing Malaysia (IMM)
  • Mongolia – Mongolia Marketing Association (MMA)
  • Myanmar – Myanmar Marketing Society (MMS)
  • Philippines – Philippine Marketing Association (PMA)
  • Singapore – Marketing Institute of Singapore (MIS)
  • Sri Lanka – Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing (SLIM)
  • Taiwan – Taiwan Institute of Marketing Science (TIMS)
  • Thailand – Marketing Association of Thailand (MAT)
  • Vietnam – Vietnam Marketing Association (VMA)
  • African Marketing Association (AMA)

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