She said this during the world press conference to announce the commencement of the 8th edition of the BusyBee Event Business Summit in Lagos and the theme; “The forward thinking event professionals- innovation meets imagination”.
Sotunde implored event professionals to embrace innovation as the critical element in the business and always remained forward thinking in the offering they provide their clients.
“BusyBee Event Business Summit is a convergence of outstanding event professionals who share a passion for innovation and imagination. It is an annual conference that started November 2017, designed to foster sound entrepreneurial practices amongst event professionals and has made remarkable progress over the past 8 years.
She said; “Our theme for this year is “the forward thinking event professional- innovation meets imagination,” where professionals explore the intersection of creativity and strategic thinking. The three-day event is scheduled to be held from Tuesday, November 26th to Thursday, November 28th, 2024.
Outlining the event activities for the 8th edition, the convener stated that The year’s event will kick off with a welcome cocktail at ‘Wave Beach Hall’, Elegushi and it will be followed by the Masterclass scheduled to take place at The Podium Hall, Lekki and climaxed with the Gala Night and Awards ceremony at the prestigious Monarch Event Centre Ikate- Elegushi.
“We will be kicking off the summit with a cocktail - "Sunset in Morocco" at Wave Beach Lagos on November 26, 2024. This vibrant networking event will offer an exciting introduction to the summit's dynamic activities
There will be a Masterclass session on Wednesday November 27. This is a day dedicated to learning, where professionals can engage with transformative ideas and strategies from industry leaders. It is a hybrid session for both physical and virtual attendees and it is designed to inspire and educate.
The Gala Night is on Thursday November 28 and it is themed "African Royalty. We will celebrate African culture at its best and it is also a night specifically designed to recognise industry professionals’ achievements. This elegant evening will allow event professionals to unwind and enjoy the celebration as honoured guests and participants,” Sotunde added.
L-R: Head of Corporate Sponsorship, BusyBee Event Business Summit, Adeola Sessii- Traore, Team Lead- Masterclass, BusyBee Event Business Summit, Temitope Ojomuyide, Chairman BusyBee Group, Bolaji Shotunde, Convener/Founder, BusyBee Event Business Summit, Bisi Shotunde, and Advisory Council Member- Well-Watered Garden Tribe (WWGT) Community, Kike Idowu during the international press conference to announce the 2024 BusyBee Event Business Summit in Yaba Lagos yesterday
The summit also lined up renowned event, business and lifestyle leaders to speak and feature as panelists at the 8th edition of BusyBee Event Business Summit. Some of the speakers and panelists are Bryan Mensah of White Chalk Global based in Accra Ghana, Funke Bucknor Obruthe of Zapphaire Events, Bisola Borha of TrendyBee Events, Mosun Akinwamide of IPC Events.
Others are: Noble Igwe, Olasunkanmi Akande of Lavish by Michelle, Ogunyemi Babatunde Augustine of Aksent Events, Popular performing artiste Segun Johnson, Dayo Okeseyin aka Dayo Ice, Lolade Salami of Authentic Cuisine.
Sotunde admonished event professionals and urged them to embrace innovation or run the risk of being obsolescence.
“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.
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.