The inaugural Brands and Beyond 2024, organized by BrandGuff, has made a powerful impact, setting new benchmark for branding and marketing conferences in Nepal. Held at Hotel Yak & Yeti on August 15-16, the event brought together over 150 professionals, including global branding experts, local business leaders, creative professionals and marketing enthusiasts, creating a vibrant and collaborative environment.
An International and Local Blend of Expertise
Brands and Beyond 2024 was curated to provide the latest trends and strategies in branding marketing. The event featured an impressive lineup of international keynote speakers, each a luminary in the global creative and branding marketing arena. The two-day event included:
• Karpat Polat, Creative Chairman at KARPAT
• Josiah Tay Guan Hin, Creative Chairman at BBDO Singapore
• Prathap Suthan, Chief Creative Officer at Bang in the Middle
• Rajiv Menon, Chief Executive Creative Officer at Ogilvy
• Subho Sengupta, Digital Marketing Consultant
These international experts delivered thought-provoking sessions that delved into the challenges and opportunities facing today’s brand marketers, from navigating cultural nuances to harnessing the power of AI for personalization and innovation.
Three masterclasses were conducted by:
• Jayant Savant, Creative Consultant
• Sourajit Ghosal, Founder of Storm Communications
• Tanvir Hossain, Executive Creative Director at Sun Communications
Highlighting Nepal’s Leadership in Branding
The event wasn’t just about global perspectives; it also emphasized the importance of local expertise and the practical application of global best practices in the Nepali context. Two insightful panel discussions featured prominent leaders from Nepal’s business and branding marketing:
• Mr. Laxman Humagain, Chairman of the Advertising Board (Government of Nepal)
• Harkirat Bedi, Business Head at Dabur Nepal
• Ujaya Shakya, Founder of Outreach and Author of Brandsutra
• Vidushi Rana, Director at Goldstar Shoe
• Ashankan Malla, Partner at A.M Legal
• Abhaya Pd. Gorkhalee, Additional General Manager at Dabur Nepal
• Saurav Karanjeet, Head of Marketing at Unilever Nepal
• Asra Bhattrai, Marketing Consultant for Nepal and Bhutan, The Coca-Cola Company
• Punam Singh, Chief Marketing Officer at MAW Enterprises
• Ravi Singhal, Managing Director at Aleph Group Inc, Nepal
Moderated by Mannsi Agarwal and Kashyap Shakya, these discussions provided a comprehensive look at how brands in Nepal can leverage global practices while staying true to local culture and values.
Networking and Collaboration
Brands and Beyond 2024 also offered ample opportunities for networking and collaboration. Attendees connected with industry leaders and peers during two key events:
An exclusive networking evening hosted by BrandGuff at the newly opened Hilton on August 15, providing a relaxed environment for sharing ideas and forging new partnerships. A private gathering organized by Outreach Nepal, Nepal’s largest marketing services group, on August 17 at Dusit Princess Kathmandu. This event was attended by key global speakers and Nepali business and brand leaders, fostering deeper connections and collaborations.
The energy and knowledge shared at Brands and Beyond 2024 have set a new benchmark for Nepal. The event not only introduced global best practices but also adapted them for the Nepali market, ensuring that the insights were both innovative and practical.
BrandGuff, an online portal dedicated to covering unique brand and marketing campaigns, aims to uplift Nepal’s branding and marketing sector. With the success of Brands and Beyond 2024, BrandGuff has positioned itself as a key player in fostering innovation in the marketing and creative industry.
For more information about Brands and Beyond 2024 and future events, click here.
