ESSEC Asia-Pacific demonstrated its innovative approach to education by hosting “Navigate Digital Media & Discover Wine: An Evening of Insights” on 13 December 2024. The event attracted 79 registrants, with 30 diverse professionals and students attending, showcasing the strong interest in ESSEC’s MSc in Marketing Management and Digital (MMD) program.

The evening opened with an advanced marketing masterclass, “Effective Advertising: Challenges and Opportunities in a Digital Media Environment.” Two distinguished speakers led the session: Professor Gautam Kiyawat, Professor of Management Practice at ESSEC and a digital marketing strategy expert, and Madina Kalyayeva, Managing Director and partner at Tilt and an ESSEC Executive MBA alumna. Together, they explored cutting-edge developments in digital advertising and focused on practical strategies for business success in today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape.

To complement the academic rigor of the masterclass, ESSEC partnered with The Vintage Wine Club to offer an expertly curated wine-tasting experience. This segment provided an excellent platform for professional networking, demonstrating ESSEC’s commitment to combining theoretical knowledge with practical business relationship-building skills.

The event received enthusiastic feedback from participants. Mariessa Jeffrey, completing her final year at Nanyang Business School, noted: “The session struck an ideal balance between educational content and engagement. The pacing was perfect, making even complex concepts accessible and interesting.”

Wilson Soon, a second-year National University of Singapore student, shared his perspective: “While the wine tasting initially drew my attention, the marketing masterclass exceeded my expectations. The speakers’ enthusiasm and clarity in presenting advanced digital marketing concepts were impressive.”

The success of this hybrid event highlights ESSEC Asia-Pacific’s ability to create meaningful learning experiences that bridge academic excellence with real-world networking opportunities. It exemplifies the school’s innovative approach to education, combining professional development with sophisticated networking activities that prepare students for leadership roles in the global business community.

The evening concluded with vibrant discussions among attendees, speakers, and faculty members, reinforcing ESSEC’s position as a leading institution for advanced marketing education in the Asia-Pacific region. This event serves as a model for future educational initiatives that blend professional development with experiential learning opportunities.