Inspiration: 10 Year Anniversary Party | UAE
UAE
6:30pm to 10:00pm // 11 February 2026
Register now
Celebrating a decade of bold marketing leadership in the UAE
2026 marks a landmark moment for The Marketing Society GCC as we celebrate 10 years of inspiring, challenging and championing marketing excellence in the UAE. To honour a decade of progress, ambition and vibrant community, we are bringing our flagship Annual Lecture to the region for the very first time.
To mark this special GCC edition, we are thrilled to welcome one of the industry’s most respected and provocative voices: Mark Ritson. Mark is a renowned marketing expert, celebrated professor, columnist and consultant to some of the world’s most iconic brands. Known for his sharp insight and straight-talking style, Mark will share candid lessons from his career, reflections on leadership, and the realities of marketing at the highest level.
The evening will celebrate the Society’s journey over the past decade, recognising our founding Members, Board Members, partners and the initiatives that have shaped our community – and bringing together the people who have made the last 10 years what they are. It promises to be a night that reflects on where we’ve been, celebrates how far we’ve come, and looks forward to where we’re heading next.
The Speakers
Sophie Devonshire
Venue
Venue to be announcedDate
11 February 2026Dress Code
Smart CasualAbout The Annual Lecturer
The Marketing Society Annual Lecture is one of our most anticipated and prestigious events of the year. Each edition welcomes a prominent global business leader who shares the candid story of their career - an honest, open conversation exploring the decisions, turning points and failures that shaped them.
We go deep:
- What makes a truly great marketing leader?
- What hard-won lessons have defined their journey?
- What challenges did they face - and how did they overcome them?
- And ultimately, what wisdom would they pass on to the next generation of marketers?
Our Annual Lecture has earned its reputation by featuring high-profile leaders at the top of their game - names such as Carolyn McCall, Gary Coombe, Sir Dave Lewis, Sir Stuart Rose, Sir Charlie Mayfield, Lord Puttnam, Paul Polman, Amanda Blanc, and most recently Google’s Matt Brittin.
WHAT TO EXPECT
A vibrant gathering of members old and new
Stories from our journey so far and celebrations of the people who’ve shaped our community
A chance to hear from one of the most influential voices in global marketing
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