Bahrain-based brand futurist Vahid Mehrinfar, founder and executive principal of Vahid Associates Brand Futurists, has been appointed to the global advisory council of the Asia Brand Congress.
The Asia Brand Congress, an annual summit, now in its 17th year, attracts luminaries from across the international branding and communications industry. This year's congress, will be held under the theme "Communicating a Brand that Connects, Engages and Inspires Audiences", and is set to take place on September 25 and 26 in India's commercial capital, Mumbai.
Putting Bahrain on the map once again, Mr Mehrinfar said: "Conferences like the Asia Brand Congress are essential to stimulating discussion and engaging key industry leaders in a meaningful dialogue about the challenges currently facing the industry. Sharing best practices and creating forums for the creative exchange of ideas is crucial, and will ensure we are adequately prepared to deal with changing market conditions as the industry enters an exciting new phase of growth.
"As the local industry continues to expand, I look forward to playing a key role in establishing a regional brand forum, which will act as a neutral and unbiased body and provide agencies with the impetus to evolve into world class brand consultants. By default, the advertising environment in the Middle East region has been trading-oriented, without adequate regulatory or quality emphasis. We have just not nurtured enough home-grown indigenous brands, and hence often run the risk of losing out to international agencies."
Mr Mehrinfar will be working alongside other distinguished industry specialists on the summit's global advisory council.