Professor Wibke Heidig, Honorary Research Professor at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) and Professor at Albstadt-Sigmaringen University in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, has represented the University at two prestigious international marketing conferences, sharing research that addresses some of the most relevant consumer and retail trends.
Over the past two weeks, Professor Heidig joined researchers from around the world in Lithuania and Germany, where she presented two collaborative research projects and engaged with fellow academics on the latest developments in marketing, sustainability and consumer behaviour.
At the Academy of Marketing Science World Marketing Congress (AMS WMC 2026) in Vilnius, Lithuania, she presented the paper Too Abstract to Act? Developing a Typology of Consumer Climate Engagement Based on Social Exchange and Construal Level Theory. The research, undertaken with Stefanie Wannow of THM University of Applied Sciences and Martin Haupt of Albstadt-Sigmaringen University, explored what encouraged people to move from simply being concerned about climate change to taking meaningful action.
A few days later, Professor Heidig travelled to Berlin to participate in the 32nd Recent Advances in Retailing and Consumer Science (RARCS) Conference, where she presented Tails of Loyalty: Exploring the Role of Pet Amenities in Customer – Store Relationships. Co-authored with Tim Nierobisch of Hochschule Hannover, the study explored how pet-friendly facilities could influence customer loyalty and strengthen relationships between retailers and their customers.
For Professor Heidig, the conferences were much more than presenting research. They provided an opportunity to exchange ideas with international colleagues, receive valuable feedback and explore new opportunities for future collaboration.
Her participation continues to strengthen DUT’s international research partnerships while highlighting the University’s contribution to global conversations on marketing, sustainability and consumer behaviour.
Pictured: Professor Heidig (right) presenting at the Academy of Marketing Science World Marketing Congress in Vilnius, Lithuania.
Alan Khan
