Bangladesh Brand Forum hosted 11th Digital Summit

Bangladesh Brand Forum recently hosted 11th edition of the “Digital Summit”, presented by Meghna Group of Industries (MGI), at Intercontinental, Dhaka, according to a press release.

The event served as a premier platform for distinguished industry leaders, digital experts, marketing professionals, and business strategists to convene and explore the dynamic and ever-evolving digital landscape.

Delivering the opening remarks, Sajid Mahbub, group CEO and executive editor of Bangladesh Brand Forum, emphasised the importance of embracing digital evolution as a necessity rather than an option. He stated, “We are witnessing an era where digital transformation is no longer a distant concept it is happening all around us, redefining how businesses operate and how brands engage with their audiences. The digital renaissance calls for innovation, agility, and a profound understanding of consumer expectations. This summit is designed to equip industry leaders with the knowledge, tools, and strategies to rethink their approaches, foster deeper engagement, and navigate the complexities of today’s fast-changing digital terrain.”

The summit facilitated in-depth discussions on how businesses and brands can navigate the complexities of digital transformation while staying attuned to shifting consumer behaviors and emerging technological innovations.

Guided by the overarching theme “Digital Renaissance: Innovating for Tomorrow’s Consumer,” this year’s summit took a forward-thinking approach to analysing the intersection of technology, consumer psychology, and brand engagement.

The discussions underscored how brands must rethink their strategies to forge stronger and more meaningful connections with the next generation of consumers, particularly Gen Z and Gen Alpha.

The event featured a meticulously designed agenda, comprising an exciting lineup of two Keynote Sessions, four Panel Discussions, and two Insight Sessions, all aimed at offering deep insights and practical solutions for digital transformation.

The 11th Digital Summit featured two exclusive keynote sessions conducted by reputed speakers like Zaved Akhtar, chairman and managing director, Unilever Bangladesh Ltd, president, Foreign Investors' Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), and Mahtab Uddin Ahmed, leadership consultant, Telecom Expert, president, Institute of Cost and Management Accountants of Bangladesh (ICMAB); founder and managing partner, Build Con Consultancies Ltd.

Javed Akhter shared valuable insights on the transformative role of AI and data-driven strategies in modern business operations. His keynote session highlighted how AI has become a fundamental tool in solving business challenges, with Unilever deeply integrating AI across its operations. He emphasised the importance of personalisation and multi-channel strategies in meeting the diverse needs of today’s digital consumers. Data analytics, machine learning, and advanced algorithms are enabling businesses to anticipate market demand, manage inventory efficiently, and refine marketing strategies for maximum impact.

The panel discussions featured timely and impactful topics like “The New Age of Consumer Engagement: Hyper-Personalization & Experience Economy,” “Data-Driven Creativity: Marrying Insights with Innovation,” and “The AI Revolution in Digital Marketing: Navigating the Future,” and Cancel culture & digital marketing: Surviving in the Gen Z era.

"In the first panel discussion, panelists discussed how brands are moving beyond traditional mass marketing, focusing instead on creating personalized, trust-based relationships that resonate on an individual level, while maintaining a strong balance between privacy and security.

The panel and insight sessions included distinguished and reputed local speakers like Ahsanur Rahman, Svp - Head of Media and Digital Marketing, Bkash Ltd; Urfi Ahmad, General Manager, Vml Bangladesh;  Dipesh Nag, Managing Director, Grameen Danone Foods Limited; Sayeda Umme Salma (Jhumur), Chairman and Ceo, Brandgear; Muhammad Nafeezul Bari, Head of Digital Transformation and Innovation, Adcomm Limited; Md Ehsanul Hoque, Regional Partner Director, Apac, Mediam Bangladesh Ltd;  Arifur Rahman, Director - Digital Media, Starcom Bangladesh; Kaymun Amin, Founder And CEO, AdPlay Technologies Ltd; Joshua Adhikari, Regional Director - South Asia, Eskimi; Tanzeen Ferdous, chief executive officer, Delivery Ltd; Drabir Alam, chief operating officer and director, X - integrated marketing agency; Munaf Mojib Chowdhury, head of brand and communication, Axentec Plc; Md Saimum Hossain, co-founder and head of business, Geeky Social;  Assistant Professor, University Of Dhaka; TasfiaTasbin, Co-Founder and CEO Markopolo. Ai; Ayesha Farzana, senior vice president, Grey Advertising Bangladesh Ltd; Sharmin Rahman, head of corporate brand, Grameenphone Ltd; Hasib Hasan Chowdhury, executive creative director, Adcomm Limited; Jaiyyanul Huq, chief creative officer, Dotbirth Limited; Raquib Chowdhury, executive creative director, X - Integrated Marketing Agency; Mahadi Hasan Sagor, managing director, GEEKY Social and Ishtiaque Shahriar, executive vice president and head of department - Digital Assets and Communications, Communications Division, bKash Limited.