Cardiff Business School hosts 2024 Academy of Marketing Conference

Marketing academics from around the world recently gathered at Cardiff Business School for the 2024 Academy of Marketing Conference to delve into the latest advancements and research in the field.

The Academy of Marketing, a learned society for marketing researchers, educators, and professionals, hosts an annual UK conference. The first was in Harrogate in 1966, and Cardiff University hosted the 34th and 56th conferences. This year's 56th conference at Cardiff Business School drew 375 delegates from 37 countries, featuring 300 paper presentations over 3 days.

The main conference theme, Fusing Resilience and Power for Public Value – Igniting Marketing’s Social Spirit, aligned with Cardiff Business School’s public value ethos. Sustainability was a key focus, with all conference materials being eco-friendly and locally sourced, and all activities held within walking distance.

Conference eco-tote bags were made from furniture fabric offcuts supplied by BOF. Implementing the theme of marketing social spirit, the conference team worked with sponsors from local small businesses including BOF, Manumit, Big Moose, Let Them See Cake, and the Gower Gin Company.

Professor Anne Marie Doherty, Vice President of the Academy of Marketing, said:

“As Vice-President of the Academy of Marketing, and on behalf of the Academy’s Executive Committee, I am writing to congratulate the whole Cardiff team on what was a tremendously successful conference! The public value nature of the conference shone through, and our members really appreciate your dedication to providing a sustainable conference.”

The conference began on Monday 1 July, with the Academy of Marketing Doctoral Colloquium, chaired by Professor Matthew Robson and funded by The Marketing Trust. 41 doctoral students gathered to discuss their work with peers and experienced research mentors in a collaborative and friendly atmosphere. The colloquium concluded with an awards dinner at Charterhouse.

Keynote speakers included:

• Professor Neil A. Morgan, Welsh Family Chair in Business and Professor in Marketing at University of Wisconsin - Madison.
• Professor Ken Peattie, Head of the Marketing and Strategy Section at Cardiff Business School.
• Chloe Smith, Co-founder of Bigmoose, a Cardiff-based charity with a clear intention; do fun stuff that inspires people to live happier, healthier and kinder lives.

Feedback from conference attendees included:

“It was a fantastic experience to attend the 2024 Academy of Marketing conference hosted by Cardiff Business School. The theme 'Marketing: Fusing resilience and power for public value - igniting marketing's social spirit' was both inspiring and timely.” Dr Xiuli (Shelly) Guo, University of West Scotland

“A big thank you to Cardiff Business School for hosting an incredible Academy of Marketing Conference 2024. Using local suppliers and being more sustainable has definitely been noticed and appreciated, along with raising the bar for all subsequent conferences.” Sianne Gordon-Wilson, Queen Mary University of London

“Another great gathering at the Academy of Marketing Conference at Cardiff Business School. A special shout out to the conference organisers, especially Carolyn Strong, who put her heart and soul into making this the best local and sustainable experience possible!” Journal of Business Research

In addition to the conference, awards recognised delegates' various achievements. Prizes went to those with the oldest past conference merchandise, the delegate who travelled the furthest by train (from Porto), the delegate who travelled the furthest overall (from Otago), and the daily step challenge winner, Kelly Harvey from Cardiff Business School.

Social events included a wine reception at the National Museum of Wales, sponsored by the Chartered Institute of Marketing, and a conference dinner at Mercure Holland House Hotel with musical entertainment by Chris from Cardiff Business School’s Facilities Team’s band.

The conference was organised by Professor Carolyn Strong and the conference committee, which included: Dr Carmela Bosangit, Professor Nicole Koenig-Lewis, Dr Zoe Lee, Dr Olaya Moldes Andres, Professor Matthew Robson, and Professor Eleri Rosier. The event was managed by Beverly Francis, Julia Leath, and John Parry-Jones, with graphics and communications by Hannah Pearce.