The Himalayan Times Brand Fest

4th - 5th Dec, 2025

Royal Tulip Kathmandu Gwarko

Countdown

About The Himalayan Times BrandFest 2025

About Us

The Himalayan Times (THT), Nepal’s number one English daily, has been a trusted voice in Nepalese households for over a generation, fostering a relationship enriched by credibility, relevance, and consistency. Returning on 4–5 December 2025, THT BrandFest Nepal presents an engaging two-day summit that brings together insights, real-world examples, and meaningful conversations on the ever-evolving landscape of branding and marketing. Building on the momentum of BrandFest 2024, this year’s edition welcomes eight distinguished international speakers who will share global viewpoints and emerging trends shaping the future of branding. Complementing these keynotes, panel discussions featuring leading Nepali experts will offer grounded perspectives tailored to Nepal’s market reality. With a curated mix of theory, practical illustration, and strategic direction, BrandFest 2025 aims to broaden understanding, spark inspiration, and raise the standards of branding practice nationwide.

Discover More

Meet Our Creative Speakers

Speakers

Jupiter Huidrom

Senior Vice President, Integrated Media Strategy at Weber Shandwick.

Kandeban Balendran (KANDEE)

Founder & CEO, Academics Group / Miami Ad School Sri Lanka & Maldives

Linzi Boyd

Founder, One Earth Platform & Author of Brand Famous (United Kingdom)

Mohammad Akrum Hossain

Chief Creative Officer at :POP5 (Bangladesh)

Preetesh Sewraj

CEO of the LOERIES (South Africa)

Ritu Pradhan Malla

Co-Head at NIBL Equity Partners

Ronita Mukerjee

Executive Director Client Services, Landor and APAC Healthcare Practice Lead, India

Sheila Berman

Global Data Product Excellence at Brenntag, Singapore

Suhayl Limbada

Market Lead & Chief Marketing Officer KFC Thailand.

Our Agenda

AGENDA

08:00 – 09:00

Registration and Refreshments

09:00 – 09:10

Welcome Address - Ravin Lama, Managing Director, The Himalayan Times

09:15 – 9:30

Opening Ceremony: Lighting of the traditional “Panas”

09:30 – 10:30

From Fame to Impact: How Brands Can Shape a Better World

Linzi Boyd

Founder, One Earth Platform & Author of Brand Famous (United Kingdom)

10:30 – 11:00

Tea/Coffee Break

11:00 - 12:00

Creativity in Emerging Markets: How Underdog Nations Build Powerful, Purpose-Driven Brands.

Mohammad Akrum Hossain

Chief Creative Officer at :POP5 (Bangladesh)

12:00 – 13:00

Networking Lunch

13:00 – 14:00

Innovation for Brand Communications

Preetesh Sewraj

CEO of the LOERIES (South Africa)

14:00 – 15:00

Lead. Learn. Or Get Out of the Way

Kandeban Balendran (KANDEE)

Founder & CEO, Academics Group / Miami Ad School Sri Lanka & Maldives

15:00 – 15:30

Tea/Coffee Break

15:30 – 15:45

Rebranding Nepal as Investment Destination

Ritu Pradhan Malla

Co-Head at NIBL Equity Partners

15:45 – 16:25

Panel Discussion: Tourism Branding: Experiences, Storytelling and the Power of Place, Moderator: Asst. Professor Dr. Sushil Awale

16:25 - 16:30

Closing Remarks: MC

08:00 – 08:55

Registration and Refreshments

09:00 – 10:00

AI can imitate. It can’t imagine.

Ronita Mukerjee

Executive Director Client Services, Landor and APAC Healthcare Practice Lead, India

10:00 – 11:00

Brand Builders or Brand Killers: The Hidden Power of Data Management

Sheila Berman

Global Data Product Excellence at Brenntag, Singapore

11:00 – 11:30

Tea/Coffee Break

11:30 – 12:30

Belonging Beyond Platforms: Creating Seamless Brand Experiences

Jupiter Huidrom

Senior Vice President, Integrated Media Strategy at Weber Shandwick.

12:30 – 13:30

Networking Lunch

13:30 – 14:30

Go Big or Go Home: The Provocative Masterclass on Growth through Culture

Suhayl Limbada

Market Lead & Chief Marketing Officer KFC Thailand.

14:30 – 15:00

Tea/Coffee Break

15:00 – 15:55

Cannes Film Showreel 2025 by Ravin Lama

15:55 – 16:00

Vote of Thanks and Closing Session - Ravin Lama, Managing Director, The Himalayan Times

18:00 – 20:30

Networking Cocktails and Dinner

Why BrandFest 2025 ?

Since our last gathering, the world of branding has shifted into an era shaped by connection, authenticity, and community. Consumers today are looking for more than products—they want purpose, belonging, and brands that genuinely understand their values. BrandFest 2025 is designed to explore this changing landscape and help businesses navigate the emotional and cultural dimensions of modern branding. This year’s edition brings together industry leaders, marketers, and innovators to reflect on how brands can build real relationships, foster trust, and create shared meaning in a world increasingly driven by belonging. Through engaging keynotes, in-depth discussions, and real-world case studies, BrandFest 2025 offers a space to rethink what it means to connect, inspire, and lead in today’s human-centred marketplace.

What to Expect at BrandFest 2025

BrandFest 2025 offers an immersive experience built around the theme Branding in the Age of Belonging. Attendees can look forward to:

Insightful Discussions: Learn from global experts as they share how leading brands are building trust and loyalty through authenticity, inclusion, and shared values.
Innovative Ideas: Discover fresh strategies, tools, and approaches that help brands create emotional connections and stay relevant in a fast-changing world.
Meaningful Connections: Connect with peers, creatives, and industry leaders who are shaping the future of branding through empathy, collaboration, and purpose-driven thinking.

Together, we will explore how the idea of belonging can guide the creation of stronger brands and deeper, longer-lasting relationships.

Learning Objectives 2025

Understand Evolving Consumer Expectations: Gain clarity on how today’s audiences look for meaning, connection, and shared experiences beyond products alone.
Build Brands That Foster Belonging: Learn practical strategies for creating inclusive spaces and interactions where people feel recognised, valued, and connected.
Leverage Authentic Communication: Explore how transparent, human-centred messaging strengthens trust, credibility, and long-term engagement.
Engage Audiences as Active Participants: Discover ways to involve your community in shaping brand experiences, encouraging stronger loyalty and advocacy.
Design Impactful Brand Experiences: Develop campaigns and initiatives that resonate emotionally, inspire sharing, and leave lasting impressions.

Who should attend ?

THT BrandFest is designed for branding professionals, marketers, entrepreneurs, innovators, and anyone passionate about shaping the future of branding across industries and disciplines. It is an ideal platform for:

Decision-makers responsible for steering their organisation’s branding and marketing direction
Branding, advertising, and marketing professionals seeking fresh perspectives and practical ideas
Communications and media practitioners who help shape brand narratives and public engagement
Students, lecturers, and academicians interested in current trends and emerging brand strategies
Anyone who cares about brands and branding, and wants to explore how belonging influences the next chapter of brand-building