The Association of Professional Party Organisers and Event Managers of Nigeria, (APPOEMN) has said that the event management industry contributes over 30billion naira to Nigeria’s economy annually.
This is as the association plans to hold its maiden conference from September 14th to 17th 2017.
Speaking during a press briefing to announce the conference, Emeka Achebe-Okosieme, Public Relations Officer APPOEMN said that the industry has continued to contribute to the Nigeria’s economy and create employment for Nigerians from over 100 professions.
According to him, event management is an industry that employs the largest number of graduates in Nigeria, spanning across the field of music, comedy, entertainment, information and communication technologies, hoteliers, service providers and many others.
“Government makes a lot of money from event management through taxation. The government and private organisations have realised the huge potentials in this industry. This is why we are looking at partnering with the government and private enterprises to create enabling environment for this business to thrive and move the industry forward,” Achebe-Okosieme said.
Speaking also at the event, Bola Awosika, Publicity Committee member for the APPOEMN conference said that considering the huge potentials in the sector, APPOEMN is working tirelessly to see that the sector is properly regulated.
“We set standards for our members and the general public we deal with. We have a dispute resolution committee. We are heading to a point where we will begin to regulate the industry. We are placing ourselves in a position to guide people become professionals,” Awosika said.
She disclosed that the association has entrance policies that must be kept, adding that it will soon get to a point when people will not organise events in Nigeria without being certified.
Speaking on the conference, Gbemisola Ope, President of APPOEMN said that The Event Industry Conference 2017 themed ‘Proudly Nigerian….Setting Standards’ scheduled to hold on 14th through 17th of September 2017 will bring together key professionals and a spectrum of service providers across the country.
Ope said these professionals will share experiences, perspectives, insights and latest developments in the events industry.
She noted that some of the events that will take place during the conference include Events Master Class, Highlife Night, Seminar and Exhibitions, roundtable sessions and Dinner and Awards night.
“A roundtable session will follow after the seminar which will focus on moving the industry forward, standardization and current industry related issues.
“On the 17th of September, there will be a luxurious night of glitz and glam, where 41 awards will be presented to vendors and generally appreciating ourselves and our industry,” Ope added.
IFEOMA OKEKE
