By Jemi Ekunkunbor

L- R Adefunke Kuyoro, Gbemisola Ope, Omolola Balogun

President of the Association of Professional Party Organizers and Event Managers of Nigeria (APPOEMN), Ms. Gbemisola Ope has revealed that professionals in the event management industry contribute over $50 billion dollars to Nigeria’s economy annually.

Ms Gbemisola Ope (m) flanked by Exco members of APPOEMN

She made this revelation in Lagos yesterday while speaking at a press conference to unveil plans for the association’s annual programme, The Event Industry Conference (TIEC).

She pointed out that not only does the event management industry employ the largest number of graduates in Nigeria, members who contribute to the nations economy are found in various fields of economy such as; music, comedy, entertainment, information and communication technologies, catering and other service providers in the industry.

Members of APPOEMN at the event

Unveiling programme of activities for this year’s conference themed, “Collaboration”, Ms. Ope said the programmes would run for three days from 27th September, 2018, beginning with a Masterclass for young members and aspiring planners. This will be followed by an after party same day themed, “Wild Wild West”.

Day two according to her, will open with a seminar/exhibition, a programme that would afford planners the opportunity to network with industry experts.
The event will climax with a dinner and awards night on 30th September.

Already, 200 nominees have been carefully picked, who will slug it out for the 35 category awards that will be presented to the best in the industry come September 30.

Ms. Ope also revealed that the event will for the first time, embrace vendors from outside Lagos
Announcing innovation to the second edition of the awards, Ms Ope says, “recognition is going the way of vendors outside Lagos”.

According to her, not only will the awards night, themed “Alter Ego” embrace vendors from outside Lagos, new categories have been included such as lighting and stage.

APPOEMN was established to regulate industry services and ensure the safety of clients.