National Advertising Conference Set to Hold Nov. 13-15, Speakers Unveiled
The Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) in collaboration with the advertising and marketing communications sectoral groups has announced that the 2024 edition of its annual National Advertising Conference will be held from 13th to 15th November at the Abuja Continental Hotel (former Sheraton).
At the press briefing held in Lagos recently, the organisers disclosed that Dr. John Momoh, the Chairman of the Channels Media Group, will be speaking on the theme “Navigating the Shifts: Technology, Culture, and New Business Models” while other industry leaders will be speaking on different topics lined-up for the three-day event.
The Director General of ARCON, Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo said the conference is its commitment to collaboration and will ensure that the resolutions at the event are addressed in the interest of accelerating the growth of the advertising industry.
“We are working together to ensure the 2024 National Advertising Conference is a resounding success, one that fosters meaningful partnerships and innovations for the industry’s future.”
Speaking on the choice of the theme, the Chairman, Organizing Committee, Tunji Adeyinka said “The year 2024 has brought a lot of shifts into the economy and our industry. According to the consulting company, PWC, Nigeria’s GDP grew by 2.98% in Q1 2024 compared to 2.31% in Q1 2023. Inflation increased from 22.41% in May 2023 to 33.95% in May 2024. The drivers were food, utilities, and transportation.
“Advertisers are facing multiple challenges partly from high costs of doing business on the production side and lower consumer spending due to increase in prices in the face of low wages. The PWC Study on the contribution of the Advertising industry and the multiplier effect put the size of the industry at N605.2b in 2023 and projected growth to N893b by 2028. With the devaluation of the naira, the industry needs to begin to look at new growth strategies in the context of the current situation.
“That is why the theme of this year’s NAC is Navigating the Shifts: Technology, Culture, and New Business Models,” he stated.
He explained further that Dr. John Momoh, the Chairman of the Channels Media Group will kick off the conference at the Fireside Chat on the 13th of November.
On the 14th, the plenary sessions will have speakers like Dr. Tayo Aduloju the CEO of the Nigeria Economic Summit Group who will speak about the economy, and Mr. Seni Adetu, the GCEO of First Primus West Africa who will speak about Industry Consolidation. Also during the CMO Forum; Adebola Williams (Promasidor), Morolake Emokpaire (Mondelez), and Kemi Longe (PZ) will be interviewed by Eyitayo Olayemi, the host of the podcast, Diary of a CMO.
Other plenaries on the 14th would look at the myths and realities of Generative AI and other topics like Marketing Trends, Technology, Youth Culture other key sessions.
He revealed that in total, they will have 8 plenary sessions with interactive sessions.
On the final day, they will have twelve different breakout sessions holding on three parallel stages, making a total of 21 sessions. The Gala Dinner will take place on the last day of the conference.
“This year is perhaps our most ambitious in scope and reach and there are sessions for practitioners from different sectors and regions across Nigeria. In summary, the NAC this year offers topical discussions, networking opportunities, and of course an opportunity for professionals to garner professional credit points,” Adeyinka said.
Also present at the press briefing are Sectoral heads commended ARCON for spearheading the conference. They urged their members and other stakeholders to be part of the event, adding that the previous events have been impactful.
The sectorial heads include: Mr. Lanre Adisa, President of the Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN) Mrs. Tolulope Medebem, President of the Experiential Marketers Association of Nigeria, (EXMAN), Dr. Omoh Abunene, Vice President of the Out-of-Home Association of Nigeria, (OAAN), Mrs. Brenda Nwagwu, Vice President of the Media Practitioners Association of Nigeria, (MIPAN), and Dr. Yemisi Bamgbose, the Executive Secretary of Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria, (BON).
The National Advertising Conference is a gathering of members of the marketing communications profession across different industries.