On 18th September, IMC CEO Dale Hefer welcomed over 3300 communicators from over 20 countries to the Nedbank IMC, confirming its place as the continent’s top marketing showcase. The line up of global leaders from as far afield as Dubai, Accra and London included Charl Bassil, Chief Brand Officer of the BBC. His opening address was a heartfelt call to action for marketers to be brave, be kind and believe in the industry’s ability to effect positive change. Modern Marketing was a proud media partner of the event.
In his opening message, Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Solly Malatsi, emphasised the industry’s role as a key growth multiplier and the conference’s global reach and ability to shine a spotlight on the skills, talent and innovation of this sector.
Major Mandisa Mfeka, South Africa’s first black female combat pilot, received a double standing ovation and inspired marketers to ‘not be afraid to go against the grain’. Her message and many others, highlighting how creative bravery, resilience and integrity are challenging but necessary ingredients to building brands that make a real difference.
Jason Quinn, Chief Executive: Nedbank Group Limited and Khensani Nobanda, Group Executive: Group Marketing and Corporate Affairs, Nedbank Group Limited, engaged in an honest and thought provoking discussion around why marketing deserves a seat at the boardroom table; agreeing that bold ideas, brave leadership, and authentic connections make marketing a key commercial force.
Another stand out presentation was from Vaughan Croeser, VP of Marketing at South African Breweries. His very own marketing team’s choir performance showcased collective harmony, leaving delegates wowed and proving that ‘a team that sings together, wins together!’
The conference also featured an industry-first partnership with the SABC, with their GCEO Nomsa Chabeli and SAfm’s live broadcast adding to the day’s success.
Industry leaders who presented at the conference also included:
– Melusi Mhlungu – Founder and Chief Creative Officer, We Are Bizarre.
– Ryan Sauer – CEO Redwood Analytics.
– Craig Shapiro – Executive: IP, ENS.
– Bryony Rose – Director, Yext Enterprise International Business.
– Mukona Ligege – Student, AAA School of Advertising.
– Nozizwe Sibisi – Student, University of Johannesburg.
– Micaela Wathen – Student, University of Pretoria.
– Stacy Jayne Saggers – Commercial Growth Director, Insights Division, Kantar.
– Lyn Bird – Corporate Vice President for Industry Solutions Delivery (ISD) at Microsoft.
– Dr. Gillian Hammah – Chief Marketing Officer, Aya Data.
– Welcome Witbooi – Inspirational Speaker.
– Zubair Timol – Partner and Global Vice President, Culture at Meltwater.
– Dean Oelschig – Founder and Managing Partner of Halo.
– Bridget Harpur – Head of Marketing, VW Group Africa.
– Mbalenhle Bhengu – Founder of Mind Switch and Marketing Lecturer.
– Darren Morris – Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Lucky Hustle.
– Preetesh Sewraj – CEO, The Loeries.
Registered delegates may access all presentations on the event app for 3 months. The Nedbank IMC 2026 will take place on the 17th September. Information to follow.
NEDBANK IMC CONFERENCE
www.imcconference.com
