Japan Marketing Association's Unique Conference
On February 28, 2026, the
Japan Marketing Association will host the
Multi-City Conference 2026, regarded as a landmark event in the marketing realm. This innovative conference will take place simultaneously across four major cities - Sapporo, Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka, alongside an online option for participants. The event aims to foster an enriching environment for marketers, researchers, and practitioners to come together, share insights, and advance their understanding of current marketing strategies.
In 2025, the previous
Three-City Conference, was limited to just Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka. This year's expanded format introduces Sapporo to the mix, prompting the change in name to the
Multi-City Conference. The concept behind the conference is to harness collective knowledge and propel collaborations between researchers and practitioners. Utilizing live viewing technology, attendees in different locations can engage with real-time presentations occurring at various venues.
Alongside the scheduled programs, networking events will facilitate further interaction among attendees, creating opportunities for meaningful connections. Participants can look forward to special sessions such as the popular
Research Project Sessions,
Salon Sessions, a regional networking event, and the newly introduced
General Oral Session and
U24 Oral Pitch Session targeted at members aged 24 and under.
Event Details:
- - Date & Time: February 28, 2026 (9:30 AM - 6:10 PM; Networking from 6:20 PM - 8:20 PM)
- - Venues:
-
Sapporo: Otaru University of Commerce Satellite Campus
-
Tokyo: Hosei University Ichigaya Campus, 4th Floor, Ouchi Building
-
Osaka: Mukogawa Women's University, Central Campus, KM Building, 7th Floor
-
Fukuoka: Fukuoka University, Building 2, 2nd and 3rd Floors
- - Online Participation: Join via Zoom
Registration Fees:
- - Early Bird (until February 17):
- On-site participation with networking: ¥7,000
- On-site without networking: ¥3,000
- Online attendance: ¥3,000
- U24 participation with networking: ¥4,000
- U24 without networking: ¥500
- U24 online: ¥500
-
Standard Fees (from February 18): Additional ¥1,000
- - Application Deadline: February 28, 2026
- - Note: Membership in the Japan Marketing Association is required for participation. Media representatives interested in coverage can attend for free after pre-registration.
Program Highlights:
The conference's extensive program includes multiple research projects, salons, and oral sessions, covering topics such as:
- User Innovation: Exploring innovation from unmet needs.
- Art in Business: Latest trends in manga IP development using Kodansha case studies.
- Intellectual Property as a Tool for Marketing: Can intellectual property be the ultimate marketing tool?
- Marketing DX: Analyzing the current state and issues.
Other fascinating topics will be discussed in the Osaka and Fukuoka venues as well, tailored to address various marketing challenges and opportunities.
The Japan Marketing Association's rich history, stemming from its establishment in 2012, includes over 3,200 members committed to advancing marketing practice and research. By participating in the Multi-City Conference 2026, attendees will not only gain valuable insights but also contribute to a broader discussion shaping the future of marketing in Japan.
About the Japan Marketing Association
The Japan Marketing Association is dedicated to cultivating marketing excellence in Japan through the integration of theory, practice, and interdisciplinary exchange. It provides diverse platforms for exploration and innovation, ranging from academic journals to interactive conferences. For more details and to register, visit the official site:
Japan Marketing Association.