The 2025 edition of the MARKETING EDGE National Marketing Stakeholders’ Summit officially opened today, September 25, with Publisher and Chief Executive Officer of MARKETING EDGE Group, John Ajayi, setting the tone in his opening remarks.

Themes of the Summit

The publisher described this year’s dual themes “AI Integration: Leveraging New Technologies to Achieve Business Objectives” and “New Creator Value: A Reassessment of Traditional Creative Industry” as timely and highly relevant to the realities facing brands, businesses, and thought leaders.

Artificial Intelligence as a Business Driver

He emphasized that artificial intelligence has become central to global business strategy, with the market projected to reach $826.70 billion by 2030. Citing surveys that show almost 90 percent of business leaders now consider AI fundamental to their operations, he explained that AI-driven tools enable firms to uncover insights, predict trends, and streamline processes to enhance decision-making, customer satisfaction, and competitiveness.

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Spotlight on the Creator Economy

Addressing the second theme, Ajayi turned attention to the fast-growing creator economy, estimated at $250 billion in 2024 and expected to double to $480 billion by 2027. With over 200 million content creators worldwide, he said marketers are moving beyond vanity metrics to focus on measurable outcomes such as conversions, customer acquisition, and revenue attribution. Social commerce, projected to reach $2.9 trillion by 2026, is at the heart of this shift, powered by creators shaping how consumers connect with brands.

Keynote Speakers and Expectations

Ajayi noted that the summit, serving as a digital build-up to tomorrow’s EDGE Awards, will feature keynote addresses from Baba Awopetu, Lead Strategy Consultant at Stragmar UK, and Obi Asika, Director-General of the National Council for Arts and Culture. He commended their global perspectives and wealth of experience, expressing confidence that they, along with other panelists, will deliver thought-provoking insights.

Promoting the Brand Idea

Reiterating MARKETING EDGE’s mantra of Promoting the Brand Idea, Ajayi explained that the summit was designed to broaden understanding of contemporary marketing challenges and foster innovation through knowledge exchange. He applauded the efforts of his team in organizing the event and expressed hope that the discussions would spark fresh ideas, strengthen collaboration, and provide actionable takeaways for industry stakeholders.