Inspiration: Changemakers Conference 2025 | UAE

UAE

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.

8:00am to 4:00pm // 6 November 2025

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The Changemakers Conference 2025 | UAE

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

Among her many executive and advisory roles, Dominique’s AI business is consolidated within Final Upgrade, a thought leadership, training & AI-powered consultancy. Final Upgrade al...
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Rory Sutherland

A lifetime spent working on the creative side of the advertising agency Ogilvy UK has provided Rory with the perfect environment for developing a fascination...
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Annie Arsane

Annie spent most of her 19 year career honing her brand building skills at Procter and Gamble. She spent over a decade specializing in Insights...
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Andrej Arsenijevic

Andrej is the Executive Creative Director at MCN, where he leads bold, award-winning work for both global and regional brands. His creative leadership has earned...
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Charlie Wright

Charlie Wright is the Founder & CEO of Humantra, a UAE-born wellness brand redefining hydration with integrity & purpose. After studying law in the UK...
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Nazli Berberoglu

With over 17 years of experience at The Coca-Cola Company, Nazli currently leads UAE, Oman, Bahrain and Qatar business. Prior to the current role, Nazli...
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Ebru Tuygun

Ebru Tuygun, who has nearly two decades of marketing leadership experience in global consulting firms, has established her own global marketing management company,
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Antonio González

Visionary and highly accomplished hospitality entrepreneur, Antonio Gonzalez is the co-founder of Sunset Hospitality Group (SHG) and leads the company as Chairman and Chief Executi...
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Tanzeed Alam

Tanzeed brings 22+ years of experience in Climate Change, Environment and Sustainability strategy and policy advisory for infrastructure, industry, financial institutions, governme...
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Venue

Museum of The Future

Date

6 November 2025

Dress Code

Smart Casual

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

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.

Find out more

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.  

 

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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.

Find out more

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

Headline Partner

TikTok- Corporate MCN - Parent

Event Technology Partner

Cvent

Event Support Partner

G42 Logo

Destination Partner

Dubai Business Event

Evening Partner

IAS

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