The Marketing Perception Problem

A conversation about one of marketing’s most uncomfortable truths: the perception problem.

“Marketing isn’t just a department. It’s the difference between a business that’s noticed and one that’s not.”

Whether you’re a marketer who has ever felt the need to justify your existence in a meeting, or a business owner who knows marketing matters but isn’t quite sure how to get the most from it, this evening was made for you.

We’re bringing together six brilliant voices for a very important (and often not discussed) conversation about one of marketing’s most uncomfortable truths: the perception problem.

Marketing professionals are increasingly being asked to do more with less, to navigate redundancies and restructuring, and to prove their value to people who don’t always understand what they do. At the same time, business owners are investing in marketing without always knowing what marketing is there to do and how important it is as a department in shaping business decisions.

This isn’t a lecture. It’s a proper conversation, held in a warm and welcoming space, with people who get it.

What we’ll get into

• The perception gap: Why marketing is undervalued and how we sometimes contribute to that ourselves as marketers
• Marketing vs leadership: Where the disconnect really comes from, and who has a role in closing it
• Backing yourself: What it actually looks like to own your decisions and your expertise
• For business owners: Understanding the real value of marketing and why it's important
• Language & labels: How the way we talk about marketing shapes how it’s perceived, for better or worse
• Personal branding: A candid take from people doing it

There’ll also be an open Q&A, so bring your questions!

The evening, in full

Venue: Browne Jacobson, Cardiff

Date: Wednesday the 29th of April 2026

Running order:

• 5:30pm - Doors open, drinks & mingling
• 6:30pm - Panel discussion begins
• 7:30pm - Open Q&A with the audience
• 8:00pm - Event closes, further mingling & refreshments

Who’s it for? In-house marketers, freelancers, agency folk, and business owners across Wales, all career stages welcome.

Tickets - £5

Clwb Marketing is completely self-funded and independent. Every penny from ticket sales goes directly into making events like this one happen. Keeping them accessible, high-quality, and free from commercial agendas and sales pitches.

Your £5 helps us keep doing this.

Refreshments included. Spaces are limited and capped to just 40 people. Hosted by Clwb Marketing

Any questions? hello@clwbmarketing.com