JAMMU, Jul 5: The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Jammu successfully concluded the International Marketing Conference (IMC) 2026 at the Mandapam Auditorium, reaffirming its position as a leading centre for global research, innovation and management education. The two-day conference brought together renowned academicians, researchers, journal editors, industry experts and scholars to deliberate on the future of marketing in the age of artificial intelligence, digital transformation and sustainable business practices.
The valedictory session was presided over by Prof. B.S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, with Prof. Arvind Sahay, Director, MDI Gurgaon, as the keynote speaker. The event was also attended by Prof. Denish Shah of Georgia State University, Prof. Jabir Ali, Dean, Faculty and Research, IIM Jammu, and conference co-chairs Dr. Rashmi Ranjan Parida and Dr. Archana Sharma.
In his keynote address on “Combining AI and Neuroscience for Marketing and Branding,” Prof. Arvind Sahay highlighted how Artificial Intelligence is transforming customer engagement, branding, pricing and strategic decision-making. He encouraged participants to move beyond merely using AI to building AI-powered solutions while emphasizing that technology should complement, not replace, human intelligence, creativity and emotional understanding.
Prof. Denish Shah praised the overwhelming participation of researchers and described the near-full auditorium of paper presenters as a reflection of the conference’s academic success. He appreciated IIM Jammu’s world-class infrastructure and encouraged delegates to build lasting global research collaborations.
Addressing the gathering, Prof. B.S. Sahay congratulated the organizing team for successfully hosting the 13th AIM–AMA Sheth Foundation Doctoral Consortium and IMC 2026. He said Artificial Intelligence is reshaping marketing, business and management education by driving innovation and enhancing customer value. Stressing the importance of global academic collaborations, he said such initiatives would contribute significantly towards the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
Prof. Jabir Ali emphasized the growing importance of interdisciplinary research and expressed confidence that many papers presented during the conference would be published in reputed international journals.
The conference received 280 research paper submissions, with 176 scholars participating across six thematic research tracks and three plenary sessions. Research discussions focused on AI, digital marketing, consumer behaviour, sustainability, branding, blockchain, quick commerce, financial technologies, rural markets and responsible business practices.
During the valedictory ceremony, Prof. S. Bharadhwaj of Great Lakes Institute of Management, Chennai, received the prestigious Rao & Reddy Mentoring Award 2026 for his outstanding contribution to mentoring doctoral scholars. Best Track Awards and the Dr. Lalita A. Manrai Memorial Conference Best Paper Awards were also presented to recognise exceptional research contributions.
A major highlight of the conference was the plenary session by Prof. David W. Stewart of Loyola Marymount University, who spoke on consumer protection, ethical marketing and public policy, emphasizing the need for responsible governance and consumer trust in AI-enabled marketplaces.
The conference concluded with a renewed commitment to fostering global academic partnerships, advancing cutting-edge marketing research and promoting sustainable, technology-driven business innovation.