The University of Malta's Marketing Department recently hosted an engaging "The Future of Marketing: Society, Machines, and Post-AI Perspectives" seminar at the Malta Business Registry. The event, held on 24 April, brought together industry leaders, academics, and students to explore the evolving landscape of marketing in the digital age.
The day began with a warm welcome from Prof. Franco Curmi, followed by an insightful opening address by Mr Theodoros Papadopoulos, Chief Digital Officer at the Bank of Valletta. Mr Papadopoulos set the tone for the day, emphasising the transformative role of digital technologies in marketing.
A highlight of the morning was the panel discussion on "Forward Thinking: Industry Perspectives on Marketing鈥檚 Future." This session featured prominent figures including Marguerite Mifsud Magrin, CMO at iMovo; Jonathan Gauci, CEO at DeepEther Labs; Stuart Langridge, SEO Lead at CoinMarketCap; and Karl Laspina, Head of Operations at Bolt. The panellists shared their experiences and insights on how emerging technologies are reshaping marketing strategies and consumer engagement.
Ms Emma Brincat took the stage to discuss "Exploring the Dynamics of Marketing Automation," which explains how automation is increasingly becoming integral to effective marketing strategies. This was complemented by Ms Jolene Samhan's presentation on "The Impact of AI Service Agents on Consumer Behaviour Outcomes," which offers a deep dive into how AI is influencing consumer interactions and expectations.
After a brief coffee break, Prof. Deniz Lefkeli from Luiss University tackled the critical topic of "Consumer Privacy in the Digital Age." Her talk provided valuable perspectives on the challenges and ethical considerations in managing consumer data responsibly.
Dr Elaine Marie Grech presented an engaging session on "Nudging Behaviour Change through Gamification," showcasing a practical experiment in enhancing physical activity through gamified marketing techniques. This session illustrated the potential of gamification in driving behavior change, a vital aspect of contemporary marketing strategies.
The seminar included Prof. Curmi discussing the exciting study opportunities available in the MSc Strategic Management and Marketing, and MSc Strategic Management and Digital Marketing programs, followed by Prof. Lefkeli introducing the MSc Marketing Double Degree Programme. In conclusion, Prof. Emanuel Said, Dean of the Faculty of Economics, Management and Accountancy, highlighted the importance of continuous learning and innovation in this dynamic field.
The event was a resounding success thanks to Dr Daniela Castillo's meticulous coordination and Ms Claire Ellul's administrative support. The seminar offered participants a comprehensive overview of current trends and future directions in marketing. It provided a valuable platform for networking, sharing ideas, and inspiring the next generation of marketers.
The University of Malta鈥檚 Marketing Department looks forward to continuing these discussions and fostering further collaborations in the vibrant marketing field.
