Players and stakeholders in Nigeria’s burgeoning event industry are championing the infusion of technology to propel the sector forward, with its current estimated valuation standing at an impressive $20 billion. This resounding call for integration resounded during the masterclass sessions at the 2023 BusyBee Event Business Summit held in Lagos. The summit, which adopted the theme ‘Tech in Event Business – The New Narrative,’ featured insights from prominent industry figures, including the Show Director of Experiential Planner Expo (EPEX) Dubai, Mr. Ibrahim Bashir.
Distinguished speakers at the summit comprised influential personalities such as Mr. Bayo Adedeji, the Group CEO of Wakanow; Tobi Olanihun, Chief Experience Officer of WOW Connect Services/TEPS; Arese Osakwe, Senior Growth Associate at TIX. Africa; Kunmi Ariyo, Founder/CEO of Mirus Events; Adeife Adeyemi, Founder/CEO of Ife’ctiv Touch; Maria Nwonu, CEO of Nwandos Signature Events; David Odunlami, CEO of Blurange Consult; Hakeem Ogunsanya, Head Start Ups Lagos Innovates at LSETF; and Folake Rolake Abiola of 4La Story, among other notable figures in the industry.
During his remarks, Ibrahim Bashir emphasized the indispensability of technology, asserting, “Without this, there is no future in anybody’s life and business, including the event industry.” He elaborated on the profound impact on the event industry, particularly in terms of enhancing engagement and interaction. Bashir highlighted two key facets: how it transforms delegates’ experiences at events and how organizers leverage technology to curate and enhance events. According to him, technology enables event organizers to engage a broader audience, gather real-time feedback through apps and tech platforms, and ultimately improve the overall event experience.
Drawing from his experiences in organizing events, especially in the realm of destination marketing, Bashir underscored the instrumental role of data in the success of their shows. He pointed out that collecting data from event registrations allows organizers to listen to audience feedback, providing valuable insights that can be used to organize subsequent events more effectively.
Bayo Adedeji, the Group CEO of Wakanow, further emphasized the crucial role of data in guiding technological advancements and business growth. He stated, “In every business, data guides you to know what to build on it, what you need on tech, and your ability to leverage tech to grow your business.” Adedeji stressed that understanding customers through data is pivotal, enabling businesses to make informed decisions on whether to invest in physical, digital, or other forms of technology.
The convener of the summit, Bisi Sotunde, highlighted the significance of the Well Watered Garden Tribe (WWGT), a community that thrives on collaboration and shared knowledge. Sotunde conveyed that WWGT is not merely a network but a testament to the power of unity and growth within the event industry.
Tech industry
In reflecting on the summit, Olamide Waltong, CEO of Lamimoire Event, based in both Lagos and Abuja, expressed her appreciation for the event’s insightfulness and inspiration. She pledged to incorporate as much technology as possible into her business, commending the convener for inspiring many within the industry and actively fostering inclusivity and growth. The sentiment echoed by Waltong reflects the broader industry sentiment that the integration of technology is not just a necessity but a catalyst for innovation, growth, and the evolution of the dynamic landscape of event business in Nigeria.
