BusyBee Event Business Summit Partners with Sofitel Cotonou Marina & Spa to Promote International Industry Growth
Celebrating organizations and individuals shaping legacy-driven brands
The 9th edition of the BusyBee Event Business Summit marked a significant milestone with the announcement of a strategic international partnership with the renowned hospitality brand, Sofitel Cotonou Marina Hotel & Spa. The summit, a key platform for event management companies and industry leaders to exchange insights and celebrate excellence, expanded its reach with this collaboration.
During the event, the organization rewarded two delegates with an all-expense-paid trip to Sofitel Cotonou Marina Hotel & Spa. Coach Bisi Sotunde, the summit’s Convener, stated, “Our international partnership with Sofitel Cotonou Marina Hotel & Spa is a significant milestone for the BusyBee Event Business Summit brand. It reflects the global recognition our platform is gaining and our commitment to expanding collaborations beyond Nigeria.”
She elaborated, “This partnership was created to foster cross-border relationships, enhance international exposure for our delegates, and provide a premium hospitality experience through one of Benin Republic’s most prestigious hotels. Sofitel Cotonou shares our values of excellence, luxury, and world-class service, making it the perfect international partner for this year’s summit.”
Sotunde emphasized that the collaboration could catalyze increased tourism, destination events, and future business exchanges between Nigeria and Benin, positioning BusyBee as a regional connector within the industry.
Reflecting on the partnership’s impact, she added, “Their involvement elevated the summit’s profile and reinforced our brand as an international-standard platform. Their sponsorship of two delegates with an all-expense-paid trip created excitement and provided memorable experiences beyond the summit. Through their partnership, we showcased world-class hospitality standards, aligning with our brand promise of excellence. Their presence helped deepen our connection with francophone West Africa and opened conversations around destination events, collaborations, and tourism.”
“Overall, Sofitel Cotonou brought a blend of elegance, international appeal, and meaningful support that contributed greatly to the success and glamour of this year’s edition,” she said.
The theme for the 9.0 edition, “Building Legacy Driven Brands,” was carefully chosen to address the rapidly evolving event industry, emphasizing the importance of brands with strong structures, long-term visions, and clear value propositions. The event featured masterclass sessions led by industry experts, panel discussions on current realities and future opportunities, a networking cocktail evening to foster collaborations, and the glamorous BusyBee Excellence Awards celebrating creativity and industry achievements.
Sotunde explained, “The relevance of the theme cannot be overstated. Today’s event management sector demands more than creativity; it requires business intelligence, structure, leadership, financial discipline, and innovation. Building legacy-driven brands ensures practitioners are positioned for longevity, profitability, and global influence.”
Describing the summit as a transformational experience, she shared, “It exceeded our expectations in participation, content, networking, and overall impact. We brought together event entrepreneurs from across Africa and beyond for two days of immersive learning, collaboration, and inspiration. The energy was vibrant, the conversations rich, and the delegates fully engaged from start to finish.”
Regarding the BusyBee Excellence Awards, Sotunde highlighted their purpose to recognize and celebrate outstanding professionals and contributors within the industry. “We saw a gap in platforms that genuinely acknowledge hard work, innovation, and leadership. This award aims to motivate practitioners, promote professionalism, and showcase talented individuals across Africa. The process was meticulous, with a dedicated committee ensuring transparency and merit-based selection,” she added.
She concluded, “The awards ceremony, from décor to entertainment and production, was intentionally curated to match the prestige of the event and leave every guest with an unforgettable experience.”