The Association of Professional Party Organisers and Event Managers of Nigeria (APPOEMN) has reaffirmed its commitment to professionalising Nigeria’s events industry, with a focus on stronger business practices, innovation, capacity building and global competitiveness.

The association made the commitment at the ninth edition of The Events Industry Conference (TEIC 9.0), a three-day gathering that brought together event professionals, business owners, industry stakeholders and emerging talents for training, networking and recognition of excellence.

According to APPOEMN President, Ayiri Oladunmoye, the conference was designed to provide industry practitioners with the knowledge and connections required to build stronger and more sustainable businesses.

She said the future of Nigeria’s events industry would depend on the willingness of stakeholders to improve professional standards, embrace innovation and work collectively to address challenges within the sector.

“The future of our industry depends on what we are willing to build together,” Oladunmoye said.

Focus on Stronger Event Businesses

The conference, themed “The Great Reset: Reinventing the Event Industry,” placed significant emphasis on the business side of the events sector.

Discussions and masterclasses covered areas including financial literacy, personal and corporate branding, business sustainability, leadership and continuous innovation.

The objective was to help practitioners move beyond project-by-project operations and develop businesses capable of surviving an increasingly competitive and rapidly changing market.

The association believes that stronger financial management, improved professional credibility and continuous skills development will be critical to raising the quality of services delivered across Nigeria’s events ecosystem.

Building the Next Generation

APPOEMN also used the conference to focus on emerging professionals through its “TEIC FutureReady – Building the Next Generation of Event Professionals” initiative.

The programme provided opportunities for practical learning, mentorship and professional development, reflecting the association’s efforts to build a pipeline of skilled practitioners who can sustain the industry’s growth.

The initiative is particularly important as the events sector continues to evolve, requiring professionals to combine creativity with business management, technology, financial planning and customer experience.

Industry Seeks Greater Professional Standards

APPOEMN has continued to advocate for greater structure and professionalism across Nigeria’s events ecosystem, which includes event planners, decorators, caterers, rental companies and other service providers.

The association says its broader agenda includes professional training, certification, advocacy, stakeholder engagement and ethical standards.

The push for higher standards is also gaining attention from government stakeholders. Earlier this year, APPOEMN engaged the Lagos State Government on initiatives aimed at improving professionalism, safety, skills development and quality assurance within the sector.

Events Industry Has Wider Economic Potential

Beyond entertainment and celebrations, Nigeria’s events industry supports a broad network of businesses across hospitality, food and beverages, transportation, fashion, creative services, technology, rentals and tourism.

APPOEMN argues that creating a more structured and globally competitive sector could therefore contribute to employment generation, tourism and wider economic activity.

The association’s professionalisation drive comes as event businesses face growing expectations from clients, increasing competition and the need to deliver international-quality experiences.

Looking Ahead to TEIC 10.0

With TEIC 9.0 now concluded, APPOEMN is looking ahead to its 10th edition, with calls for broader participation across different segments, locations and stages of the industry.

Gbemisola Ope, chairperson of TEIC 9.0 and a former APPOEMN president, said the next edition should ensure that both emerging practitioners and established businesses have a voice in shaping the industry’s future.

For APPOEMN, the objective is clear: transform Nigeria’s events industry from a largely fragmented ecosystem into a more professional, sustainable and internationally competitive business sector.

As the industry continues to expand, stakeholders say stronger standards, better-trained professionals and sustainable business models will be essential to unlocking its full economic potential.