Event Professionals Must Embrace Innovation or Risk Obsolescence, Says Expert

Mary Nnah

The events industry is facing an unprecedented crisis with professionals struggling to keep pace with rapid technological advancements, shifting consumer preferences, and evolving business models.

This was the view of the Convener and Founder of the annual BusyBee Event Business Summit, Bisi Sotunde, during a press briefing yesterday to announce the highly anticipated 8th edition of the BusyBee Event Business Summit, scheduled for November 26 to 28 in Lagos.

According to Sotunde, the sector’s survival hinges on its ability to innovate and adapt, noting that: “The theme of this year’s summit: ‘The Forward Thinking Event Professional – Innovation Meets Imagination’, underscores the urgent need for event professionals to rethink their strategies and harness the power of creativity and technology.”

She noted that the statistics are alarming. Recent surveys reveal a significant majority of event planners fail to incorporate technology into their events, leading to disappointing revenue expectations and a lack of formal training in event management.

“The events industry is on the precipice of a revolution. Those who fail to innovate will be left behind,” she said.

To address these challenges, the BusyBee Event Business Summit has assembled an impressive lineup of speakers, including Bryan Mensah, Funke Bucknor-Obruthe, Bisola Borha, and Noble Igwe.

The three-day summit will delve into critical issues such as the impact of technology on event planning and execution, social media’s role in event marketing and engagement, data-driven decision-making in event management, and strategies for creating unique, immersive experiences.

“Participants will gain access to plenary sessions, networking opportunities, and recognition at the BusyBee Excellence Awards,” Sotunde revealed.