ADASIA 2019


ADASIA is the most prestigious and renowned Advertising conference in Asia. This year, ADASIA returned to Pakistan after a gap of 30 years to be held in the city of colors and splendor, Lahore. The conference was held in collaboration with Center for Global and Strategic Studies (CGSS), Pakistan Advertising Association (PAA) from Pakistan and Asian Federation Of Advertising Associations (AFAA).
It was an excellent opportunity for Pakistan and its advertising fraternity to portray a soft and positive image of Pakistan worldwide. ADASIA 2019 marked participation from globally renowned speakers and delegates.
The conference was held for three consecutive days; 2nd, 3rd and 5th December at Alhamra Art's Council, Lahore.
ADASIA 2019 Day 1 commenced with the National Anthem of Pakistan and Recitation of Holy Quran after which a display of Pakistan's culture and traditional music took place.
Welcome Address was given by Mr. Javed Jabbar - Chairman ADASIA 1989, he recalled fond memories of the previous ADASIA held in Lahore and mentioned that ADASIA is an excellent opportunity for Pakistan and it's youth to showcase their creativity and entrepreneurship talents. Mr. Javed welcomed all the guests attending ADASIA 2019.
Ms. Maya Watono- CEO of Dentsu Aegis Network Indonesia from ADASIA 2017 Bali passed the Baton of ADASIA 2019 to Mr. Sarmad Ali and shared her views about Pakistan's impeccable beauty and the hospitable nature of Pakistani people.
Mr. Sarmad Ali, Chairman ADASIA 2019 welcomed the guests to Lahore and talked about the importance of advertising in the region, he discussed that Pakistan is honored to be the host of ADASIA 2019.
Mr. Raymond So- Chairman AFAA shared his thoughts about Pakistan and how excited he is for ADASIA 2019 being held in Pakistan after 30 years. Mr. Raymond praised the hospitable and friendly nature of Pakistanis, he specially praised the advertising community in Pakistan and said that he sees great potential for further improvement.
ADASIA 2019 day 1 congress begun with a conversation between Mr. Richard Quest- CNN Anchor form UK and Sir. Martin Sorrell - Chairman of S4 Capital Limited, UK the conversation was very engaging and included many tips and tricks about Advertising, they mentioned about the two ‘pillars’ which he believes will change the business of advertising: content and programmatic.
Mr. Richard Quest was back again with an interactive session with the Audience about leadership and qualities leaders must possess.
The conversation was followed by a key note from Mr. Ali Rez- Creative Director, BBDO ME & Pakistan, on Driving Social Change Through Advertising, Mr. Rez mentioned how advertising can bring about slow and gradual societal change, he even quoted several Pakistan's advertisements which send positive messages in the society.
Mr Yasuharu Sasaki - Executive Creative Director Dentsu Inc, Japan spoke about Enhancing Society with Digital Creativity, he discussed how in this digital age, creativity cannot only change advertising, but it can change society as well.
ADASIA 2019 Day 1 was concluded with a conversation with Mr. Fawad Khan- Pakistani Actor and Ms. Atiqa Odho- Chairperson, Focus PK they discussed about the recent advertising and digital media trends and how media and influencers can play a positive role for societies.
The day ended with a traditional Pakistani dinner at Food Street Lahore and a stunning Sufi performance for international Delegates.
ADASIA day 2 begun with a keynote from Mr. Guan Hin Tay from Japan, Global Executive Director for S.E Asia about Imperfect Beauty, he discussed about Imperfect stories and how they bring out the beauty in any brand.
Mr Bharat Avalani, Chief Knowledge Officer, AFAA presented his keynote address on World Ad Congress. He commented about the beauty of Pakistan and how safe it has become for everyone.
Third speaker for Day 2 was Mr. Vange Kourentis, Former Head of Marketing & Digital Media, Manchester United UK, he talked about building the biggest football club in the World both n and off pitch. It was followed by a conversation with two creativity masterminds of Pakistan, Mr. Shahzad Nawaz, Film maker and designer from Pakistan and Mr. Faraz Maqsood Hamidi a globally renowned poet from Pakistan, talked about Curation of Madness in every field related to Art and Creativity.
Ms. Samina Khayal Baig- Pakistani Mountaineer talked about her journey in the Mountains she told the audience about her motivational journey through her keynote, "No Mountain too Easy nor Too High". A power packed Women and Power panel featuring Dr. Zeelaf Munir- CEO, EBM, Ms. Frieha Altaf CEO of Catwalk Event Management and Ms. Seema Jafar- CEO Bond Advertising and moderated by Ms. Atifa Silk - Brand Director of Campaign Asia, they talked about the role of women in any field, they enlightened the audience about the importance of women for progressive nations.
Next, Mr. Marcus Peffers, CEO, World Services, M&C Saatchi from UK gave a keynote about how Communications can solve humanity's most challenging problems and the need of more simple ideas which leave a longer effect on people.
Mr. Raza Jaffer - Founder Global Sustainability Network from Pakistan joined the conference with his key note address about Ending Modern Day Slavery, he talked about the SDG's of UN and how his organization is working for a better tomorrow.
It was followed by a Motivational talk from Mr. Niaz Malik, CEO Zong, Pakistan in which he shared his journey of success with a disability. The congress ended with a keynote from Mr. Wille Eerola- Global Marketer, Suomi he discussed how Pakistan will be the hub of Advertising globally, he appreciated Pakistan and said Pakistan is something you can't learn from the news."
ADASIA 2019 Day 2 was ended with a lively Bulleh Shah night at the Poet, with a soul warming performance from Mr. Arif Lohar, the famous Punjabi Folk Singer followed with a traditional Pakistani Dinner. ADASIA 2019 started from an inspirational and engaging keynote from Ms. Randi Zuckerberg- CEO Zuckerberg Media from US, she shared her Entrepreneurial journey from the frontlines of Social Media, she mentioned how her brother established Facebook. She commented on Pakistan and it's inspirational women and how she fell in love with the Lahore's history and beauty. Ms. Randy ended her keynote with a customized song about Social Media and life.
Day 2 continued with a discussion by Mr. Tom Goodwin- Head of Innovation for Zenith Media from USA about The new rules for Business in the Post- Digital Age". He mentioned how our future won't fit in the containers of today.
A lively Panel on Art and Creativity, Romancing the Future featuring Ms. Salima Hashmi Pakistani artist, Mr. Rashid Rana, Pakistani artist and Ms. Adeela Suleman Pakistani sculptor and Artist educated the audience about how Art has no borders and the creative industry in Pakistan.
Mr. Usman Peerzada- Pakistani Veteran Actor recited a heartfelt poem about Lahore, "Tell Me What Lahore Beholds"
Followed by Mr. Julian Boulding - President, thenetworkone from UK he talked about the new age communications Agency Eco-system he mentioned the gradual shift towards Corporate social responsibility. Mr. Wasim Khan- MD, Pakistan Cricket Board from Pakistan discussed Pakistan's favorite PSL, he discussed how PCB built up the brand which revived cricket in Pakistan.
Mr. Fernando Machado - CMO, Burger King, America, took forward the conference with his keynote, Be Afraid, "Be very afraid, But Do it!"
A certificate distribution ceremony was held to appreciate the ADASIA 2019 Ambassadors and to awad them with certificates for their dedication and contribution.
Closing Address was given by President of Pakistan, Dr. Arif Alvi. He talked about the revival of Advertising industry in Pakistan, he commented on the positive role of Media and how it can change the Pakistani narrative to build a positive image of Pakistan.
The Conference ended with a star studded Macao night at PC Hotel, Lahore which introduced the ADASIA 2021 which will take place in Macao, to the audience.
Mr. Keyvin, Chairman ADASIA Macao 2021 congratulated Pakistan on a successful event and setting benchmark so high for ADASIA.
Mr. Sheikh Rasheed, Minister of Rialways, Pakistan also joined the conference and praised CGSS, PAA and AFAA for conducting ADASIA 2019 in Lahore.
ADASIA 2019 marked the participation of more than 20 National and International speakers with around 700 participants, including Foreign delegates, Media personnel's, Advertising fraternity of Pakistan, analysts, media personalities, students ambassadors and representatives of public and private sector attended the Conference.

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