A feast of networking is on the menu at IMM Institute Gala Dinner

The IMM Institute will host its annual Gala Dinner at which it will present its esteemed IMM Excellence Awards on 7 March 2025. The dinner will not only honour those who have excelled in the fields of marketing and supply chain excellence but also offer an opportunity for professionals in those fields to mingle and network.

Irene Gregory, CEO of the IMM institute, says that the dinner, to be held at the Maslow in Sandton, brings together professionals in both sectors given that there is an increasing need for the integration of marketing with supply chain.

With marketing being a key driver of creating demand for products, it is essential to bring suppliers on board to ensure they can fulfil product orders in a timely manner to meet increasing demand, says Gregory. ‘Achieving this involves seamless collaboration between marketing and supply chain teams, eliminating silos and ensuring that all practices uphold the highest standards in environmental, social and governance affairs,’ she explains.

Gregory noted, ‘In a dynamic environment, it’s vital for brands to adapt to meet a modern audience’s expectations. This means engaging with consumers where they are and on their preferred platforms, while also demonstrating an unwavering commitment to principles of the circular economy.’

‘Our Gala Awards Dinner promises to be an informative and glamourous evening during which networking opportunities abound,’ says Gregory. ‘We have an incredible line-up for the event, featuring Govan Whittles from Carte Blanche as our host, with extra oomph provided by the amazing Simply For Entertainment,’ she says.

Gregory adds that the IMM Institute is ‘excited to have award-winning marketing and media entrepreneur, Pat Mahlangu, deliver the keynote address.’

Mahlangu, who has more than a decade of experience in the sector, is the founder of Pat on Brands, a digital platform at the forefront of brand insights. As an internationally certified marketer, he has several degrees, including a Masters in Commerce, which he achieved from the University of Johannesburg.

An author and lecturer who has served on various industry bodies, Mahlangu has founded several companies and is committed to youth empowerment, creating the Top 16 Youth-Owned Brands Awards. In 2023, he was named one of the Top 200 Young South Africans by Mail & Guardian and was honoured as the Emerging Marketer of the Year by the IMM Institute.

‘At the banquet, we will bestow the coveted IMM Institute Excellence Awards in ten categories,’ says Gregory.

Of particular importance at the Awards Dinner are the two Lifetime Achievement Awards in Marketing and Supply Chain respectively, which will be bestowed alongside other accolades:

– Marketer of the Year;

– Emerging Marketer of the Year;

– Marketing Student of the Year;

– Corporate Marketing Team of the Year;

– Supply Chain Professional of the Year;

– Supply Chain Student of the Year;

– Corporate Supply Chain Team of the Year

– Entrepreneur of the Year

‘It’s going to be a thought-provoking and exciting evening, and I look forward to seeing marketing and supply chain professionals there,’ Gregory ends.