Experts have called on event entrepreneurs to prioritise legacy-driven brand building by strengthening networks, enhancing interpersonal skills, and adopting long-term business strategies.
In its annual BusyBee Event Business Summit in Lagos, the exeprts emphasised that sustainable growth in the event industry hinges on intentional structures, shared values, and business practices that endure beyond trends and changing market dynamics.
At the summit, Bisi Sotunde, convener of the BusyBee Event Business Summit, expressed her delight at the progress and lasting impact of the BusyBee summit over the years.
The summit, now in its ninth edition, was themed “Building Legacy Driven Brands.”
“I deeply appreciate every delegate who is on board for this year’s summit. Every activity has been carefully curated to inspire growth, ignite ideas, foster collaboration, and strengthen our collective pursuit of mastery in events,” she said.
She further added that the annual event was designed to expose professionals to strategies for building sustainable and legacy-driven brands.
Adeola Sessi-Traore, conference chairman of the summit, said the theme challenges every player in the brand and event sector to build with intention and commit to creating businesses that stand the test of time.
“In a fast-evolving world where trends change rapidly, true success lies in building with purpose, passion, and principles that leave an enduring mark on clients, communities, and the industry at large,” she stated.
During his masterclass presentation, Eizu Uwaoma, Managing Director of Hexavia, highlighted the need for continuous staff development, stronger organisational frameworks, and long-term planning.
He emphasised the importance of technical, managerial, and entrepreneurial capacity in driving business growth.
“Upscale your team, train them. Always have a culture where you transfer everything you learn at the training you attend,” he advised.
Uwaoma noted that the Nigerian event industry is valued at about $20 million, underscoring the need for sustainable business structures and leadership rooted in enduring values.
“When you hear that brands have been in existence for 400 years, it’s culture; it’s shared value. Products will change, but values will always remain,” he said.
He also stressed the importance of developing both short- and long-term blueprints. “It helps people who work with you to know where the business is going and positions them to work towards it.”
The keynote speaker at the summit, Oluwatoyin Bakare, chief operating officer of SAS Textiles Limited, urged the participants to be bold and resilient in their pursuit of legacy.
“Regardless of how many times you fail, always go the extra mile. Be bold. Always be ready to start again,” she said.
During a panel session, industry experts discussed the importance of preserving the soul of a business, maintaining strong client relationships, and building a legacy that positively influences future generations.
Olufunbi Akinyosoye, founder of Dunamis Events, stressed the need to intentionally create opportunities for others.
“You cannot be the only one making it. We pray for the people coming after us to grow, and that’s one of the best ways to build a legacy,” she said.
Additionally, Foluso Ogunjimi, founder of Alarede Engagement Academy, shared insights on maintaining brand essence while differentiating in a competitive market. She emphasised quality, presentation, and guest experience as core pillars of a memorable brand.
Echoing earlier sentiments and reaffirming the statement made by the convener, Bolaji Sotunde, chairman of the BusyBee Events Group, said the summit’s theme speaks to the core of sustainable business.
“A brand is not merely a name or visual identity; it is the experience, reputation, promise, and value that people associate with a business. A legacy-driven brand stands on purpose, consistency, and long-term thinking,” he noted. He further added in the statement that industry players must remain intentional about embedding values that outlive trends.
The ninth edition of the BusyBee Event Business Summit concluded with renewed commitment among participants to elevate standards, strengthen business systems, and embrace long-term thinking. The event reaffirmed collaboration, innovation, and shared values as the foundation for building truly legacy-driven brands.
