The maiden edition of The Event Xperience Africa (TEXA2019), convened by event management pioneer and entrepreneur, Funke Bucknor-Obruthe, ended yesterday with Ibukun Awosika, Chairman, First Bank of Nigeria; Amaechi Okobi, Group Head, Corporate Communications, Access Bank, Yemi Amusan, CEO, Lucere Limited, Alibaba Veteran MC/Compere, Luxury Event Designer Ziad Nassar, and so on engaging young entrepreneurs on professionalism, creativity and effective collaboration during the 3-day conference held in Lagos.
Themed ‘Be More, Do More: Inspiring New Frontiers’, the conference was birthed out of the need to build and mentor an ever-growing audience of young and creative entrepreneurs within and outside Africa, while also providing opportunities for networking among businesses across international boundaries.
The event was officially launched with an opening beach cocktail on 15 January, 2019, with several celebrities in attendance including Kate Henshaw, Tobi Bakre, Kaffy, Lala Akindoju Chef Fregz, DJ Consequence, Lamide Akintobi, and many others. There were interesting activities such as face painting, dance sessions, games and more, with live performances by Eboni Band.
Ibukun Awosika, Chairman, First Bank of Nigeria, Ibukun Awosika, delivered the keynote speech, as she highlighted the need to build successful businesses through discipline, integrity, and consistency among young entrepreneurs. To engage the audience in panel discussions were various industry experts such as Steve Babaeko, Charles O’Tudor, Ivie Ogbomwan, Tricia Ikponmwonba, Chioma Ifeanyi Eze, Stella Duru, Kola Oyeneyin and international events professionals such as Jhandell Afi (Ghana); Astou Djamat-Dubois (Ivory Coast); Susan Maina (Kenya) and Chioma Nwogu (USA).
For the finale on Day 3, various speakers focused on professionalism and excellence in service delivery. The convener also encouraged attendees to ensure they build staying power so event professionals can “…be more together” and the industry can be a greater force to be reckoned.
The conference of over 500 attendees from across Nigeria and Africa featured curated classes and session on leveraging technology in the events industry, an event showcase, event marketing, and a general session with the convener, Funke Bucknor-Obruthe.
Hosted by Kemi ‘Lala’ Akindoju, other speakers at the conference include George Okoro, Lanre Esho, DJ Jimmy Jatt, Funke Awobokun, Bovi, Jide Odukoya, DJ Spinall, Kaffy, Ebuka, Chef Fregz, Edi Lawani, Onye Ubanatu, Dr Roberts, Mfon Ekpo and many others.
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