The Chartered Institute of Marketing East of England Digital Marketing Conference reassures humans that they won’t be replaced by robots

By Bryndley Walker, PR Executive, CIM

• First in-person Chartered Institute of Marketing East of England Digital Marketing Conference in two years
• Packed agenda focused on technological advances in digital marketing
• AI myths debunked

19 July 2023: The fifteenth Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) East of England Digital Marketing Conference has returned to Cambridgeshire after a two-year face-to-face hiatus.

Bringing together local and national marketing figureheads at the Imperial War Museum, Duxford, the conference saw professionals come together to discuss the latest trends, exchange tips and share best practice.

Featuring heavily on the agenda was artificial intelligence (AI), with session leader Dr Dave Chaffey reassuring attendees that they won’t be replaced by robots.

Dr Dave Chaffey, digital strategist and co-founder of online marketing training platform and publisher Smart Insights, said: “There’s no doubt that generative AI tools that can write copy, create images and automate tasks will change the scope of what marketers do, but it’s important to remember that these tools need to be guided in order to support our marketing goals.
 
“Our research shows that the adoption of AI by marketers is already mainstream, but I believe that the human experience and insight behind successful marketing strategies and campaigns cannot be replicated. Marketers won’t be replaced by robots in the next few years, but they may be replaced by other people who can use AI tools more effectively.”

Delegates were welcomed by a number of attendees from CIM, including CEO, Chris Daly, Director of Customer Experience and Digital, Stu Kaley and Marketing Community Manager Philip Preston. The day kicked off with a review of digital marketing insights and trends followed by sessions on email marketing, managing social media engagement and AI. Panel discussions also covered the effects on both business to business (B2B) and business to consumer (B2C) marketing.

Philip Preston, CIM Marketing Community Manager said: “It was great to be back in the flesh today after hosting the conference online last year. Last year's streamed event was a huge success, but we've missed the dynamics and interaction that this very popular event has always provided.

“Technological advances are changing the face of digital marketing. It’s an exciting time to be in the rooms where these conversations are happening. This conference always proves an effective way to stimulate curiosity and professional growth.”

Paul Mackman, Managing Director of The Mackman Group who are sponsoring the event said: "It’s a pleasure to support the East of England Digital Conference once again, having sponsored the event in previous years. Digital marketing represents an important central specialty in our marketing services and as both a headline sponsor, and CIM affiliated business, The Mackman Group is committed to knowledge sharing and promoting CPD for marketing professionals across the East of England. This event has also provided a great opportunity to meet ambitious organisations seeking a marketing partner."

The CIM East of England Digital Marketing Conference was open to CIM members and non-members. A top line up of speakers educated and entertained attendees in presentations and in the popular streamed (B2B / B2C) discussion groups. Speakers at the event included Dave Chaffey from Smart Insights, Elizabeth Lane from IAB UK, Anna Stanley from Anicca Digital, Kiran Kapur from Cambridge Marketing College and Edwina Mullins from SocialB.

CIM has recently launched a suite of new AI courses designed to equip marketers with the knowledge and insight needed to deploy this powerful new technology both ethically and effectively. 

Notes to editors

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For further information, please contact Emma Dent at Pelican Communications emma.dent@pelicomms.co.uk

For CIM enquiries

James Delves

Head of PR, Content and Community, CIM

James.delves@cim.co.uk

Bryndley Walker

PR Executive, CIM

Bryndley.walker@cim.co.uk

About CIM

For over 100 years, CIM has supported the marketing sector. With members in more than 100 countries, CIM strives for business leaders and opinion formers to recognise the positive contribution professional marketing can bring to business, society and the planet. We support, develop and represent marketers, organisations and the profession all over the world. Our ability to award Chartered Marketer status recognises a marketer’s commitment to staying current and abiding by a professional Code of Conduct. While our diverse range of training courses and world-renowned qualifications, enable modern marketers to thrive in their roles and deliver long-term success for businesses. Find out more about CIM by visiting www.cim.co.uk