Stakeholders express keen expectation as National Advertising Conference 2026 kicks off
By Amechi Obiakpu
Advertising industry stakeholders and key players within the marketing ecosystem have expressed keen expectations as the National Advertising Conference kicked off on Wednesday evening at the Abuja Continental Hotel, with the theme, “Repositioning the Marketing Communications Industry for the Next Frontier”.
For many of the participants, who spoke in their goodwill messages, the National Advertising Conference is a platform of relearning as it provides opportunity to learn from experienced professionals- and this year was not going to be different.
In his opening remark, the Director General of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo. Dr. Fadolapo who welcomed dignitaries, including past council chairmen, highlighted that the annual conference has evolved to address cross-cutting issues in leadership, management, and economic strategy across the marketing communications ecosystem. He believed that this year’s was going to be even better.
For Steve Babaeko, erstwhile President, AAAN, “advertising, at its best, is the business of ideas that move people, and this is a season where ideas matter more than ever. Technology is changing how we work. Audiences are sharper and less patient. Budgets are watched closely. Yet through all of it, Nigerian creativity keeps rising because we have the stories, the language, the humor, and the rhythm that the world cannot copy.
“As VP and Area Director for Africa on the IAA Global Board, I see how closely others are watching us. Gatherings like this are where we answer them by learning from each other, challenging each other, and building something bigger than any single agency”.
He however thanked the organiser for sustaining the conference year after year, and challenged fellow practitioners.
“To our young talent, this industry needs your boldness. To the veterans, keep opening doors behind you. And just if it’s the last thing I say before I leave, the biggest opportunity for me this year is to have the chairman, Access Holding PLC, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede here, he concluded.
Other sectoral group heads, including Tolulope Medebem (EXMAN) Brenda Nwagwu (MIPAN) and Lanre Adisa (AAAN) among others also chorused same position advising participants to expect lots of takeaways which the NAC is known for.
Starting with the Fireside Chat with Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Chairman Access Holding PLC and Chairman/Founder, Coronation Group, on Wednesday, the conference moves to the day two where a long list of experienced professionals have been lined-up to speak.
For many of the participation
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