Experts underscore importance of tech to growing $20b event industry

The players and stakeholders in the event business in Nigeria have advocated the adoption of technology to deepen the craft of event business and grow the industry that is at present valued at about $20b.

This assertion was made during the masterclass sessions of the 2023 BusyBee Event Business Summit in Lagos themed: ‘Tech in Event Business- The new narrative, which was delivered by Show Director, Experiential Planner Expo (EPEX) Dubai, Mr. Ibrahim Bashir.

Other speakers at the summit include Group CEO, Wakanow, Mr. Bayo Adedeji; Chief Experience Officer, WOW Connect Services/TEPS, Tobi Olanihun; Senior Growth Associate, TIX. Africa, Arese Osakwe; Founder/CEO, Mirus Events, Kunmi Ariyo; Founder/CEO, Ife’ctiv Touch, Adeife Adeyemi; CEO Nwandos Signature Events, Maria Nwonu; CEO, Blurange Consult, David Odunlami; Hakeem Ogunsanya ; Head Start Ups Lagos Innovates at LSETF and Folake Rolake Abiola of 4La Story amongst others.

In his remark, Bashir said: “Without technology, there is no future in anybody’s life and business, including event industry,” adding that the world is dependent on so many things and most of them are tied to technology.

“The event industry has witnessed a remarkable transformation due to rapid advancement in technology. One of the most evident impacts of technology on the event industry is enhancement of engagement and interaction.”

According to him, technology enhances how delegates experience events and secondly it is how organisers curate events using technology. He said with technology, event organisers can engage more people for information such as feedback through Apps and tech platforms on real time

Bashir who shared his experience in organising events, especially destination marketing, said data has become instrumental to the success of their shows. “When everybody registers for shows, you can listen to what the crowd says and use it to organise the next event.

Speaking on the importance of leveraging tech to grow business, Group CEO of Wakanow, Adedeji said: “In every business, data guides you to know what to build on tech, what you need on tech and your ability to leverage tech to grow your business.

He said: “Data allows you to know where to go and what you are building. And when you understand the customer through data, you can then build, whether it is an observatory, whether it’s physical, whether it’s digital, whether it’s numbers or binary numbers. It’s about starting from data and it’s about starting from knowledge of your customers, knowledge of your market, knowledge of your people,” he said.

The convener of the summit, Bisi Sotunde told the participants, who are members of Well Watered Garden Tribe (WWGT), that their participation opens the door to a community that thrives on collaboration and shared knowledge.

According to her, WWGT is not just a network, it is a testament to the power of unity and growth. Commenting, CEO Lamimoire Event, based in Lagos and Abuja, Olamide Waltong, described the event as insightful and inspiring, promising to deploy as much tech as possible in her business. She commended convener of the summit for inspiring many and trying to carry many people along as she grows.