On October 16th, 2024, Limassol became the epicenter of marketing innovation with the debut of Marketing Next 2024. Bringing together over 500 attendees, 30+ brands, and 20+ world-class speakers, the event proved to be a trailblazing success. With a mission to cut out the corporate jargon and provide actionable insights, it offered a fresh platform for marketers, media professionals, and innovators to connect, learn, and grow.

We had the opportunity to sit down with Angelos Potamitis and Dimitris Papadopoulos, the minds behind Marketing Next, to unpack the vision, execution, and impact of this landmark event. They shared the inspiration behind their bold vision, reflected on key lessons from their inaugural event, and offered a glimpse into their ambitious plans for 2025 and beyond.

The inspiration behind Marketing Next 2024 stemmed from the recognition of a gap in the Cypriot market. We saw a clear need for a comprehensive marketing event that would bring together industry professionals to expand their knowledge and network. Our vision was to create a platform where marketers could gain insights from top industry experts and stay updated with the latest trends.

While this year marked our inaugural event, we faced challenges as we navigated the complexities of organizing such a large-scale event for the first time. However, the overwhelming response from the marketing community exceeded our expectations. The warm reception and positive feedback from attendees have affirmed our belief in the importance of such an event and have motivated us to continue this initiative in the years to come.

Our primary objective for Marketing Next was to deliver high-quality content from renowned marketers and academics, avoiding the typical corporate jargon. We firmly believed that the caliber of our speakers would attract a discerning audience seeking genuine insights and knowledge. By focusing on the core principles of marketing and providing a platform for open dialogue and learning, we aimed to create a pure marketing event.

The positive feedback we received from both attendees and speakers validates our approach. Many attendees expressed appreciation for the absence of sales pitches and the focus on practical, actionable insights. One particular comment that resonated with us was, "It was refreshing to attend an event where the focus was on learning and networking, rather than just selling products or services."

While we recognize that our inaugural event was a significant step, we acknowledge that there is still room for improvement. We are committed to building upon this solid foundation and refining our vision for future events. Our goal is to make Marketing Next an annual tradition, consistently delivering exceptional content and fostering a vibrant community of marketing professionals.

To ensure a personal and impactful experience for over 500 attendees, we carefully curated a diverse lineup of speakers offering a variety of content to cater to different interests within the marketing and business community. While we opted to forego workshops in our inaugural year to avoid overwhelming attendees, we incorporated engaging panel discussions to stimulate knowledge sharing and foster interactive dialogue.

To maintain an intimate atmosphere, we intentionally limited the number of brands and speakers, prioritizing quality over quantity. This approach allowed for more meaningful interactions between participants and speakers, fostering a sense of community and facilitating networking opportunities.

Throughout the event, we implemented feedback mechanisms to actively gather input from attendees. This enabled us to address any concerns or suggestions in real-time, ensuring a seamless and positive experience for all.

Limassol's dynamic blend of innovation, technology, and creativity provided the perfect backdrop for Marketing Next. As a multicultural city, Limassol offers a diverse range of industries and opportunities for networking. Its strategic location at the crossroads of three regions has attracted significant interest from global companies such as Google, Microsoft, LinkedIn, and Meta, making it a hub for international business and innovation.

Limassol's forward-thinking approach and global outlook set it apart from other cities in Cyprus, which often focus on local markets. By hosting Marketing Next in Limassol, we were able to tap into this vibrant ecosystem and attract a diverse audience of marketing professionals from both local and international backgrounds. This unique setting contributed to the overall success of the event and enhanced the experience for all attendees. Our international speakers were excited  both by the vibe of our event and the venue.

Curating the speaker lineup for Marketing Next was a meticulous process. We sought a diverse range of experts, including representatives from the tech giants (Google, Microsoft, LinkedIn, Meta), as well as renowned academics and seasoned business professionals. Our goal was to create a well-rounded program that covered a broad spectrum of marketing topics, from cutting-edge technology trends to ethical considerations.

While all speakers contributed valuable insights, the presence of representatives from the Big Four tech companies undoubtedly elevated the event's prestige and attracted significant interest. Their expertise in emerging technologies and digital marketing provided attendees with invaluable knowledge and inspired discussions.

Ultimately, the combination of diverse perspectives and practical insights from all speakers made Marketing Next a truly enriching experience for attendees. Each speaker played a crucial role in shaping a comprehensive understanding of the evolving marketing landscape.

The resounding success of Marketing Next 2024 has provided us with invaluable lessons and insights. We've learned the importance of fostering a strong sense of community, curating a diverse and engaging speaker lineup, and creating an atmosphere conducive to networking and learning.

Our ultimate goal is to establish Marketing Next as the premier marketing event in Cyprus. We aspire to create a platform that consistently delivers high-quality content, inspires innovation, and connects industry professionals. While we remain grounded and humble, we are driven by a strong desire to elevate the event to new heights.

The overwhelming positive feedback from attendees has fueled our determination to continue this journey. We are committed to refining our approach and incorporating valuable lessons from this year's event. By focusing on quality content, fostering meaningful connections, and adapting to the evolving needs of the industry, we aim to make Marketing Next 2025 an even more impactful experience.

What: Marketing Next

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Who: Dimitris is a seasoned marketing professional with a strong academic background, having earned both a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Marketing from UK institutions. He has honed his skills in the family business's marketing department (a leading F&B group)  and has also contributed to strategic decision-making as a member of the Board of Directors. In 2023, Dimitris co-founded Marketing Next, a disruptive marketing event, and in 2024, he established P51 Ventures, a boutique venture capital firm focused on empowering early-stage startups.

Angelos Potamitis is a skilled marketing strategist with a proven track record of driving business growth and operational efficiency. With a strong academic background, including a BA in Business Management and an MA in Marketing Communications from UK universities, he specializes in FinTech, tourism, e-commerce, and real estate. As a certified Google Partner, he leads Marketing Nest, his digital marketing agency, and has founded innovative ventures like Brokers Nest, an affiliate marketing platform and the Marketing Next event, which aims to establish itself as the premier marketing event in Cyprus.. Passionate about innovation and problem-solving, he leverages his technical skills and business acumen to deliver exceptional results.