Inspiration: Changemakers Conference 2025 | UAE
UAE
8:00am to 4:00pm // 6 November 2025
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Changemakers: Challenge | 6 November | Dubai
Who has stepped up?
- Which brands are defying the greatest tests?
- Which markets are ripe for contesters?
- Who has felt the elation of beating the odds?
- What societal trends have we overlooked?
- How can we overcome personal challenges?
- Which issues will marketers need to confront?
A call to action for marketers to not only adapt, but to lead and drive the change that is needed in today's world. As marketers, we are in a unique position to inspire transformation, disrupt the status quo, and create lasting positive change across industries and communities. We don't just sell products; we shape perceptions, challenge conventions, and spark movements.
At this Changemakers Conference, we’ll dive deep into the stories of those who have answered the challenge to change – the trailblazers who have turned adversity into opportunity and vision into impact. Our speakers will bring you fresh insights and innovative solutions on how marketers can be at the forefront of societal shifts, not just by responding to change but by being the ones who create it.
Join us for a day of empowering sessions that will push you to think differently, act boldly, and harness your potential as a changemaker. From redefining purpose-driven marketing and championing sustainability to leading with authenticity and driving digital transformation, each speaker will offer invaluable lessons on how you can be a catalyst for positive change in your organisation and beyond.
This is not just a conference – it’s a challenge.
A challenge to think bigger, act braver, and make a measurable impact in everything we do.
MORE SPEAKERS
Dominique Rose Van-Winther
Rory Sutherland
Annie Arsane
Andrej Arsenijevic
Charlie Wright
Nazli Berberoglu
Ebru Tuygun
Antonio González
Tanzeed Alam
Venue
Museum of The FutureDate
6 November 2025Dress Code
Smart CasualMADE BY MEMBERS
Made by Members is a celebration of The Marketing Society community – these sessions are created for Members, with Members, by Members. As part of the Changemakers Challenge Conference, these short but powerful five-minute sessions, will spotlight three inspirational Members who will each share a deeply personal story of what challenge means to them. Honest, human, and thought-provoking, these moments are designed to remind us that the strength of our Society lies not just in the big ideas from the stage, but in the lived experiences of the Changemakers amongst us.
ROWENA PRITCHARD
Hidden Disability
After hiding her stammer for over 15 years as a covert stammerer, someone who could mask it well (or so she thought), Rowena is now on a mission to break the stigma. She recently began her journey of advocacy and personal growth, completing the McGuire Programme, arguably the world’s most intensive speech training course—and has just started exploring Toastmasters. It's a long road ahead, but she's embracing the challenge of mastering the “sport” of stammering.
MIKE DAVIS
Regional Director and General Manager for Wasserman Middle East and Africa.
Mike inherently believes in the power of sport and entertainment to effect change more than anything else and has been involved in the development and delivery of many long term behaviour change projects in the region none more so than the hugely successful Special Olympics World Games in Abu Dhabi in 2019, which has proven to be a catalyst to driving inclusion and opportunity for People of Determination all across the region.
Zayne Merzi Sodawaterwala
Zayne’s authentic story is bigger than that of any changemaker, and the embodiment of lasting positive change itself.
He stands as a living testament to the UAE President’s vision for this Year of Community, inspiring nations and generations worldwide to boldly lead with a purpose-driven vision, to rise above every challenge, and to dream, chase and achieve a truly limitless, inclusive, and sustainable future.
Zayne reminds the world that no dream is out of reach, and that the impossible truly becomes possible when passion meets purpose and perseverance.
FULL AGENDA
WELCOME - DUBAI FUTURE FOUNDATION
Abdullah Al Nuaimi, Chief Marketing Officer, Dubai Future Foundation
FROM CMO TO CEO: THE LEADERSHIP LEAP
How do marketing leaders evolve to the top? Discover what it takes to transition from CMO to CEO — building brand culture, leading with purpose, and harnessing the power of networks to drive growth and change.
- Nazli Berberoglu – Chief Executive Officer of Coca-Cola UAE, Oman, Bahrain, and Qatar.
- Ebru Tuygun – Chief Executive Officer, GVGL Marketing Management
- Sophie Devonshire – Chief Executive Officer, The Marketing Society (Host)
WHY ADOPTION BEATS INNOVATION - THE UNTOLD STORY OF DISRUPTION
Every breakthrough in history has sparked both excitement and anxiety, yet ultimately moved us forward. Today’s headlines fixate on disruption, but the real challenge for marketers lies in how innovations are adopted — things often get worse before they get better. By overlaying the J-curve of technologies like AI to consumer expectations, this talk reveals why seamless adoption is now the marketer’s strongest tool. At TikTok, we’ve mastered the art and science of frictionless adoption by treating innovation as infrastructure, not an end product — and that’s the kind of journey marketers must design for.
- Annie Arsane, Head of Business Marketing, TikTok Metap
MADE BY MEMBERS
Made by Members is a celebration of The Marketing Society community – these sessions are created for members, with members, by members. As part of the Changemakers Challenge Conference, these short but powerful five-minute sessions, will spotlight three inspirational members who will each share a deeply personal story of what challenge means to them. Honest, human, and thought-provoking, these moments are designed to remind us that the strength of our Society lies not just in the big ideas from the stage, but in the lived experiences of the Changemakers amongst us.
- Zayne Merzi Sodawaterwala, Global Autism Ambassador and World Champion of Inclusive Excellence
RAISING THE GAME - SUNSET HOSPITALITY
From SUSHISAMBA and Mott 32 to Drift Beach Club and Aura Skypool, Sunset Hospitality has redefined the UAE’s lifestyle and hospitality scene, and taken it global. Antonio shares the relentless ambition, creative discipline and brand vision that turned a homegrown idea into a worldwide success story. A masterclass in scaling excellence while staying true to your roots.
- Antonio González, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman Sunset Hospitality
FROM SETBACK TO STARTUP SUCCESS: THE HUMANTRA JOURNEY
Discover how Charlie transformed personal and professional failures into Humantra’s explosive growth—from a Dubai-based startup to a UK market leader. Gain raw insights into overcoming mental resilience challenges, evolving as a leader, and navigating the strategic pivots that turned setbacks into success.
- Charlie Wrigth, Chief Executive Officer and Founder Humantra
BUILD TO ENDURE: SUSTAINABILITY IS THE NEW BUSINESS IMPERATIVE
Sustainability isn’t a side note, it’s the new business imperative. Andrej will issue a call to action: can marketing keep pace with the UAE’s bold sustainability vision, or risk falling behind?
- Andrej - Executive Creative Director at MCN
- Tanzeed Alam - Sustainability Director, Parsons
MADE BY MEMBERS
Made by Members is a celebration of The Marketing Society community – these sessions are created for members, with members, by members. As part of the Changemakers Challenge Conference, these short but powerful five-minute sessions, will spotlight three inspirational members who will each share a deeply personal story of what challenge means to them. Honest, human, and thought-provoking, these moments are designed to remind us that the strength of our Society lies not just in the big ideas from the stage, but in the lived experiences of the Changemakers amongst us.
- Rowena Pritchard - Marketing Manager, Horizontal Digital
ONLINE SESSION
- Rory Sutherland, Vice Chairman of Ogilvy UK
YOUR FUTURE CUSTOMER ISN'T HUMAN
AI agents are no longer science fiction, they’re starting to shop, decide, and act on behalf of people. Dominique takes us beyond the AI hype with live demonstrations that show how these agents are transforming buying behaviour. Expect a high-energy, practical exploration of how marketers can adapt today to serve customers who think (and act) like machines.
- Dominique Rose Van-Winther – AI business leader and founder of Final Upgrade
MADE BY MEMBERS
Made by Members is a celebration of The Marketing Society community – these sessions are created for members, with members, by members. As part of the Changemakers Challenge Conference, these short but powerful five-minute sessions, will spotlight three inspirational members who will each share a deeply personal story of what challenge means to them. Honest, human, and thought-provoking, these moments are designed to remind us that the strength of our Society lies not just in the big ideas from the stage, but in the lived experiences of the Changemakers amongst us.
- Mike Davis - Regional Managing Director, CSM Sport and Entertaiment
SCHOLARS 2025 - WINNERS MENTAL HEALTH CHARTER
Pechakucha Format
- Isabel Calandrini - Marketing Manager, Sunset Hospitality
- Kimberly Rodejo - Social and Digital Account Manager, House of Comms
GRADUATION SCHOLARS 2025
EVENING DRINKS - MI AMIE , JUMEIRAH EMIRATES TOWERS PARTNERED WITH IAS
TICKETS
Ticket prices
Member Plus
As a Member Plus, your ticket to the Changemakers Conference is complimentary as part of your upgraded membership. Please log in to your account to claim your ticket.
Member Standard
Member Standard: AED295
Members have told us the Conference is a standout event. The challenge for 2025 is to raise the ambition and quality even further. To support this, we’ve introduced a small ticket fee of AED295 per member.
Non-Member
Non-Member Tickets: AED995
Member & Guest
Member and Guest Tickets: AED590
Group Tickets
Discounts are available for group tickets:
5 tickets: AED1400 (5% discount)
8 tickets: AED2245 (5% discount)
10 tickets: AED2655 (10% discount)
15 tickets: AED 3980 (10% discount)
WHY JOIN US
Over 5 hours of training for you and your team
More than 15 inspirational and motivational speakers
300 likeminded marketers
The opportunity to pause and connect
Leave with ideas ready for action
Accelerate your thinking and marketing
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