Garden City Beckons: NIMN Set to Re-imagine the New Market at 2026 Conference
By Azeez Disu
The National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN) is prepared to descend upon the vibrant city of Port Harcourt for its 2026 Annual Marketing Conference and AGM Symposium, scheduled for 18–20 June 2026. Hosted at the Julirose Hotel & Suites, the event is themed “Community, Culture and Connection: Re-imagining the New Market”. This gathering promises to be more than a mere professional assembly; it is designed as a movement to bridge the gap between academia, industry, and policy in a rapidly evolving consumer landscape.
A Vision of Connection
The conference theme reflects a fundamental shift in how brands must engage with their audience. Dr Bolajoko Bayo-Ajayi, President of NIMN, emphasises that the modern consumer is seeking deeper engagement over simple commerce.
A Vision of Connection
The conference theme reflects a fundamental shift in how brands must engage with their audience. Dr Bolajoko Bayo-Ajayi, President of NIMN, emphasises that the modern consumer is seeking deeper engagement over simple commerce.
“Consumers are no longer satisfied with mere transactions,” Dr Bayo-Ajayi noted during a recent press briefing. “They are seeking connection to each other and to the brands they engage with. Markets are no longer just about the human concept, but the human experience. Brands are becoming co-creators in the brand conversation”.
To ground this vision in data, the Institute has partnered with Lagos Business School (LBS) for a joint research study exploring the relevance of community and culture to today’s marketer. The resulting Insight Report will be officially launched during the conference, providing practitioners with a data-driven roadmap for the future.
The Road to the AGM: A Four-Day Journey
While the main conference dates are the 18th to the 20th, the activities actually commence on 17 June with a dedicated Student Conference at Rivers State University. Under the theme “From the Classroom to the Marketplace,” this initiative aims to prepare the next generation for the workplace through mentorship and internship opportunities, with Tolaram serving as the exclusive signature partner.
Day Two (18 June) shifts focus to the Symposium, featuring a keynote address by Prof. Uchenna Uzo, Deputy Vice Chancellor of Pan-Atlantic University. The day is designed to “bridge the gap” between town and gown, concluding with a “Sights, Sounds & Taste of Rivers” cultural night to celebrate local identity.
Day Three (19 June) serves as the Main Conference day, focusing on storytelling and market influence. New to the programme this year are syndicate breakout sessions and a CMO Roundtable, where industry leaders will interrogate the future of community-driven markets. The evening will culminate in a signature Fellows’ Dinner and Induction Ceremony, where over 100 new members across various categories are expected to be inducted.
Electoral Integrity and the 51% Mandate
The final day, 20 June, is reserved for the Annual General Meeting (AGM) and the announcement of council election results. This year’s election is particularly competitive, with ten contestants vying for six vacant positions, including seats for the First and Second Vice Presidents.
Shuaib Adekunle Abubakar, the Electoral Chairman, highlights the rigorous and transparent nature of the process. For the position of First Vice President, currently held by a sole candidate, Dr Ibrahim Yakassai, the victory is not automatic.
“The election process on that particular position is very unique,” Abubakar explained. “The minimum criteria is that for anybody to be declared a winner, they must have 51% of the total vote cast. If the majority says no, the position remains vacant, and we refer back to the council”.
Abubakar also noted that the Second Vice President position will see a contest between Dr Chidi Nwankpa and Dr Evelyn Nwosu, with provisions for a runoff election on the spot in the event of a tie.
In addition, seven candidates are contesting for four vacant positions as Council Members. They are Chief Hope Gbagi, Mr. Ayoola Akomolafe, Ms. Sandra Amachree, Chief Abisola Niyi-Ladipo, Mr. Kehinde Joda, Dr. Chinyere Igwe, and Mr. Bolaji Junaid.
Security, Logistics, and Corporate Synergy
Recognising the importance of delegate safety, NIMN has implemented comprehensive security measures. Mrs Thelma Okoh, Registrar of NIMN, assured members that the Institute is working closely with local authorities.
“We made adequate provision for us to have escort right from the airport to our host hotels,” Mrs Okoh stated. “We have also sent invitations to the police in Rivers, we’ve informed them and they’ve acknowledged they will be there to support us in terms of security and traffic”.
The Institute has also secured a robust roster of sponsors through a strategy of mutual value exchange rather than traditional solicitation. Partners include ValueJet (the official airline), Nigerian Breweries, MTN, UAC, Mouka Foam, and Nobel Carpets, among others.
Mrs Okoh further noted the event would see the attendance of high-ranking government officials, facilitated by the Local Organising Committee (LOC) Chair, who is a former commissioner in the state.