Brand Power: The Hidden Asset Behind Successful Businesses

Business Networking Evening in Shenzhen

Brand Power and Intellectual Property in China

On the evening of April 2, 2026, Personal Connect is hosting a special business networking event at our office in Futian, Shenzhen. Organized in cooperation with Giannoccaro Design and Creative Agency Ltd, the evening will bring together entrepreneurs, founders, and professionals for an engaging discussion on branding, business value, and intellectual property protection in China.

The highlight of the evening will be a talk titled:

Brand Power: The Hidden Asset Behind Successful Businesses

While most business owners track revenue, margins, and operational performance, far fewer are able to clearly explain the value of their brand as a strategic asset. Yet in many industries, brand strength is the key factor that determines why some companies can charge significantly more than competitors, attract stronger clients, and build trust much faster in crowded markets.

This discussion will explore how brand value works in real commercial terms and how it influences pricing power, market positioning, and long term enterprise value. The session will offer practical insights into the factors that strengthen a brand and the common mistakes that can quietly erode it.

The presentation will be delivered by the leadership team of Giannoccaro Design and Creative Agency Ltd, a firm recognized internationally and named among the Top 5 Retail Marketing Services Companies in China by Retail Tech Insights (USA).

Featured Speakers

Jochen Michael Thomas

CEO
Giannoccaro Design and Creative Agency Ltd.

Jochen Michael Thomas has spent more than three decades building and scaling businesses across multiple industries and regions. His entrepreneurial career began in South Africa where he launched the country’s first energy drink in the early 1990s. Since then he has founded and operated ventures across sectors including franchising, publishing, and creative services.

Jochen later expanded his work internationally, operating in South Africa, London, and China, gaining extensive experience in cross cultural business environments. Since 2012 he has led Giannoccaro Design and Creative Agency, focusing on building operational systems that allow creative work to scale while maintaining commercial discipline.

Known for his strong focus on operational strategy, Jochen approaches branding not only as a creative discipline but also as a business asset that must deliver measurable results. His work emphasizes building high performing teams, establishing clear frameworks for delivery, and ensuring that creativity and commercial performance support each other.

In addition to his role as CEO, Jochen serves as an expert consultant to the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), where he contributes his experience in entrepreneurship and sustainable business development.

Damon Frank Giannoccaro

Founder and Creative Director
Giannoccaro Design and Creative Agency Ltd.

Damon Frank Giannoccaro is the founder and creative director of the agency and brings nearly thirty years of experience in marketing, branding, and creative strategy.

Before establishing his own agency, Damon worked with internationally recognized agencies including Ogilvy and Hunt Lascaris, gaining extensive experience working with global brands and complex marketing campaigns.

For more than fifteen years Damon has focused on the Chinese market, helping international companies position their products and services effectively while also supporting Chinese brands looking to communicate with global audiences. His cross cultural experience has given him a unique perspective on how brands can bridge markets and connect with diverse audiences.

Damon also contributes actively to education and international development. He serves as a senior lecturer in branding and marketing at Istituto Marangoni in Shenzhen, one of the world’s most respected design and fashion institutions. In addition, he works as an international design expert for the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and serves as a member of the advisory board and international faculty at the Institute of Fashion, Arts and Design.

His work focuses on helping companies develop clear brand identities and long term brand strategies that create real business value.

Special Guest Session

Intellectual Property Protection in China

Michael Shen

Intellectual Property Lawyer

Trademark & Copyright Protection in China

The evening will also feature a practical discussion on intellectual property protection presented by Michael Shen, an experienced lawyer specializing in intellectual property law.

Michael’s practice focuses on trademarks, patents, copyrights, and corporate legal counsel. He has extensive experience handling administrative cases such as trademark cancellation, opposition, and invalidation, as well as civil cases involving trademark infringement.

Over the years he has provided legal services to numerous companies covering trademark registration, licensing, transfer, and rights protection. He has also assisted enterprises in building internal intellectual property management systems and risk prevention frameworks, helping businesses establish comprehensive strategies for protecting their brands in China.

During the event Michael will share practical insights on trademark protection and copyright considerations for companies operating in the Chinese market.

Event Details

Date: April 2, 2026
Time: 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm

Location:
Personal Connect
18A, Building C, Greenview NEO Building
6011 Shennan Avenue
Futian District, Shenzhen

深圳市福田区深南大道6011号
绿景NEO大厦C栋18A

Admission Fee: RMB 150 per person

Seats are limited and advance registration is recommended.

Following the presentations there will be time for open networking and discussion, providing an opportunity to connect with members of Shenzhen’s international business community.

About the Host

Personal Connect is a Shenzhen based firm specializing in recruitment, HR advisory, and business support services for international companies operating in China. Through regular events and professional discussions, Personal Connect aims to create opportunities for entrepreneurs and professionals to exchange ideas, share knowledge, and build meaningful connections.

If you would like to attend the event, please scan the QR below to reserve your seat.

March 13, 2026