An Orientation-Dinner and a curtain raiser for AdAsia 2019 was hosted in Karachi, by the Chairman, Organizing Committee AdAsia Mr. Sarmad Ali and the Chairman of Pakistan Advertising Association (PAA) Mr. Ali Mandviwalla. The two industry-leaders informed the advertising community, media fraternity, advertisers and marketers about the international stalwarts who will be speaking at the Congress.
AdAsia is the largest and most prestigious advertising congress in Asia, organized bi-annually, since 1958, by the Asian Federation of Advertising Associations (AFAA). AdAsia 2019 is the 31st edition in this series and the second one to be held in Pakistan. Prime Minister – Imran Khan has been invited to inaugurate the event, themed as ‘Celebrasian: Celebration of Advertising and Creativity in Asia’. The culturally-rich metropolis of Lahore has been chosen as the venue for this mega-event, to promote the soft image of Pakistan.
The President of Pakistan – Dr. Arif Alvi has also conveyed a special message to the Congress delegates and international investors, saying: “As Pakistan is now achieving rapid socio-economic progress. It is the right time to invest and capitalize on the emerging opportunities, while our advertising revenues will increase manifold over the next few years. International delegates must visit the historic city of Lahore and also explore the beauty of Northern Pakistan.
Mr. Sarmad Ali stated that; “It is an honor for Pakistan to host AdAsia 2019 after 30 years. The previous event held in 1989 was a memorable endeavor that set the course and direction of the advertising industry in Pakistan. This year, we are once again committed to using the Congress to carve the way forward for the advertising and marketing communications industry.
Mr. Javed Jabbar – an iconic figure of Pakistan’s advertising industry, also graced the orientation dinner in Karachi. He appreciated the consistent efforts and success of the communications professionals in the country and said: “Bringing AdAsia back to Pakistan after 30 years is a significant step towards correcting the very unfairly negative image of our country in many part of the world. It will demonstrate the actual Pakistan. We are a nation of peaceful, pluralistic people who are warm hearted and extraordinarily hospitable as every foreigner who visits Pakistan for the first time is pleasantly surprised to discover,” said Javed Jabbar. “AdAsia 2019 will enable overseas visitors, in particular, to note that there is a robust and active dimension to our communication, media and marketing despite the ongoing economic meltdown. In Pakistan, there is energy, creativity and they will get to experience our rich and splendid culture too. I am looking forward to the great showcase that will be opening up in December in Lahore.”
Hosting the AdAsia Congress once again is a tremendous achievement. This mega-event will place Pakistan on the global advertising map, as a highly progressive nation making great contributions in the global economy.”
Globally renowned speakers like; Former Secretary of State of UK – Lord William Hague, CNN’s Chief Business Correspondent – Richard Quest, Founder & CEO of Zuckerberg Media – Randi Zuckerberg, Former Marketing Director of Manchester United – Peter Draper, Founder of WPP plc – Sir Martin Sorrell, Global Chief Marketing Officer of Burger King – Fernando Machado and Head of Innovation at Zenith Media – Tom Goodwin have already confirmed their participation as speakers at AdAsia 2019.
Mr. Ali Mandviwalla appreciated the overwhelming response that the Congress has so far received and said; “AdAsia Lahore will inspire the deployment of the evolving technologies that have revolutionized communications in the modern world. This will be a resourceful platform for industry-leaders to learn from each other and formulate collective strategies for combining our expertise to accelerate collective growth. Stimulating topics and experiences, shared by the most learned speakers will be the highlights of this Congress.”
The organizers also announced details of the sponsors and partners of AdAsia 2019 including that of EBM as the Platinum Partner.