Stirling marketing experts explore the power of political branding

Leading UK marketing experts are to gather at the University of Stirling to discuss the power of political branding and its impact in major campaign victories – including Brexit and Donald Trump’s road to the White House.

Academics from across the UK will share their latest research on the significance of branding in politics, at a free one-day event hosted by the University’s Stirling Management School, on 10 May.

Speakers include some of the UK’s foremost experts in their field, including Dr Jenny Lloyd from the University of Bristol – who will present a session entitled: ‘Has Brexit broken British political brands?’ – and the University of Bournemouth’s Dr Darren Lilleker, who will host a debate on the role of ethics and political branding.

Stirling’s Professor Iain Black will discuss grassroots political branding and share his research on the community led activities and groups that emerged during the Scottish independence movement and 2014 referendum.

The event has been organised by Dr Mona Moufahim, of the Stirling Management School.

Event organiser Dr Mona Moufahim, Senior Lecturer in Marketing and Retail at Stirling, said: “During the 2015 general election, there was much discussion within the marketing industry about a brand crisis in the political sphere, and many commentators have attributed Trump’s victory to his superior branding strategy.

“However, political branding remains an under-researched area and key issues including ethics and its impact on democracy, need more exploration. We wanted to bring the leading players in this field together, delve beyond the sensationalist headlines and spark further debate about the role of marketing in today’s politics.”

The event has been made possible thanks to the University’s ‘Marketing the Brave’ legacy funding.

Those wishing to attend the event, or looking to access the workshop’s full programme, should email Mona Moufahim.