Marketing and Communication Professionals brainstorm on a better industry at the second edition of MARCOM Meet and Connect in Douala

The second edition of the MARCOM Meet and Connect took place in Douala on Friday, November 8, bringing together marketing and communication professionals who shared ideas on the challenges and solutions to problems plaguing the domain.

This second gathering had a wider scope as compared to the previous, which focused mainly on the stories and experiences of the professionals in attendance.

Discussions were centered on the fundamentals of the profession and addressing misconceptions.

According to Larry Agbornyenty the brain behind the MARCOM Meet and Connect initiative, he felt the need to launch the idea, following the multiple concerns that had been raised by his friends and colleagues about the “dormant” state of Marketing and Communications (MARCOMs) in Cameroon.

“Many friends in the marketing and communications industry articulated the fact that our industry is dead” Mr Larry said. “So Marcom comes to revamp and reawaken the Marketing and Communications industry and position it as a strategic pillar for business, organizationational and nation growth” he added.

He highlighted the need to create a strong community “through which we can help each other.”

Participants were particularly concerned about the fact that people are not yet versed with the fundamentals. “There is a lack of transfer of knowledge between the younger and the older professionals in the field. What students learn in school is different from what they meet in the field” Bekondo José, a marketing expert pointed out.

Yann William, a senior business development expert on his part, said another big problem is the lack of data. “We don’t have data to back up our marketing…You can only get efficient marketing when you have data. We need to find a way to create companies that can provide data. There are small marketing and research companies in the country, but we need more” Nkono said.

Another key challenge observed was the dwindling creativity and ephemeral brand storytelling as voiced by Serge Eyebe, leading creative and founder of rising advertising blog La Sauce.

The event ended successfully with the professionals present expressing excitement to meet new people in the field and widen their network.