ADVAN Set to Hold 2026 AGM, Elect New Excos, and Executive Leadership Session
Industry leaders are set to gather in Lagos for a pivotal conversation on governance, leadership, and the evolving landscape of trust in an AI-driven marketing environment.
The Advertisers Association of Nigeria (ADVAN) has unveiled plans for its 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Election of a new Executive Council, scheduled for Thursday, 23 July 2026, commencing at 10:00 a.m. sharp at the Radisson Hotel, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos.
As one of the Association’s most significant annual events, the AGM provides a vital platform for members to assess the organisation’s progress, deliberate on governance issues, and elect a new leadership team to steer ADVAN’s next chapter of advocacy and industry influence.
Immediately following the AGM, at 12:00 noon, the Association will convene its flagship Executive Leadership Session under the theme: “The Future of Brand Trust: Thriving in an AI-Powered World.”
This high-level session aims to bring together senior business leaders, chief marketing officers, brand custodians, and marketing professionals for a strategic dialogue on how brands can build, sustain, and uphold trust amidst the rapid proliferation of artificial intelligence.
As AI continues to redefine business operations, marketing strategies, and consumer engagement, trust remains a critical asset for brands seeking long-term relevance. Topics spanning content authenticity, reputation management, transparency, and ethical data use will be central to the discussion. ADVAN’s leadership session seeks to equip industry players with insights and practical tools to navigate this complex terrain, recognising both the opportunities and challenges posed by AI.
Participants will explore how AI is transforming brand trust, reputation, and consumer confidence; learn practical strategies for developing credible and resilient brands; and identify emerging leadership priorities for CMOs and brand stewards aiming to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving marketplace.
The session’s featured speaker is Crystal I. Berger, Founder and CEO of EBO and Vettify™, a trailblazing technology entrepreneur dedicated to establishing trust infrastructure for the AI era.
Berger’s background includes over a decade at FOX News as a Senior Booking Producer and National Feature Host, where she shaped public trust and credibility across a network of more than 1,300 television and radio affiliates. Her experience includes facilitating over 140,000 media bookings, providing her with unique insights into the trust challenges in the digital age.
Recognising the absence of an objective trust measurement system in today’s media and tech landscape, Berger founded EBO and Vettify™—platforms pioneering innovative approaches to trust verification and credibility in the age of AI.
Her groundbreaking work has garnered numerous accolades, including a US$200,000 TEDCO Pre-Seed Builder Fund investment, the NAACP Freedom Fighter Award, and features in Forbes. She is also recognised by JPMorgan Chase, T. Rowe Price, and Wells Fargo for her contributions to innovation and social impact. Berger is a sought-after speaker, having presented at the Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Conference, and she currently serves as Co-Chair of the AI & Technology Council of the Central Maryland Chamber of Commerce. She also mentors startups through the Techstars Equitech Accelerator programme.
Commenting on the upcoming event, Osamede Uwubanmwen, President of ADVAN, stated:
“The 2026 AGM and Executive Leadership Session come at a defining moment for our industry. As artificial intelligence continues to influence how brands communicate, engage, and earn consumer confidence, trust has become a strategic business imperative. This session is designed to provide our members with the insight, perspective, and practical tools required to lead confidently and responsibly in a rapidly evolving environment.”
He further emphasised that the AGM and leadership session reflect ADVAN’s dedication to equipping members with strategic foresight, leadership insights, and industry knowledge essential for navigating transformation and fostering sustainable brand growth in today’s dynamic marketplace.
According to the Association, the 2026 AGM and Executive Leadership Session reinforce ADVAN’s position as a premier platform for industry advancement, executive engagement, and knowledge exchange within Nigeria’s marketing and advertising ecosystem.
Members are encouraged to attend the AGM and stay for the Leadership Session, which promises to deliver timely, relevant insights that will shape the future of branding in Nigeria.