The Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), in collaboration with key sectoral bodies in the marketing communications has announced activities slated for the 2024 National Advertising Conference. Themed “Navigating the Shifts: Technology, Culture, and New Business Models.”

The conference is slated for November 13 to 15, 2024, at the Abuja Continental Hotel (formerly Sheraton Hotel). Speaking at a press briefing, the Chairman of the Organising Committee, Mr. Tunji Adeyinka, noted that conference has become a yearly event for the marketing communications industry in Nigeria, as professionals gather to discuss germane issues within the sector. He said the theme was picked because of the need to engage new developments shaping the sector’s activities.

According to him, the conference will commence with a fireside chat featuring the Chairman of Channels Media Group, Dr. John Momoh on November 13. He added that the conference will officially open in the morning of November 14 and will be followed by plenary sessions featuring notable speakers that include CEO of the Nigeria Economic Summit Group, Dr. Tayo Aduloju, who will speak on the economy, and Mr. Seni Adetu, GCEO of First Primus West Africa, who will address industry’s consolidation.

He also said that there will be a Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) Forum, with Adebola Williams of Promasidor, Morolake Emokpaire of Mondelez, and Kemi Longe of PZ, as panel members with Eyitayo Olayemi as moderator.

Adeyinka listed some of the critical topics that would be considered in the various panel discussions to include generative AI, marketing trends, technology, and youth culture. He said that there will be at least eight plenary sessions, and 12 breakout sessions.

The conference, Adeyinka said, would be closed with a Gala Dinner starting from 7pm on November 15 at the Abuja Continental Hotel. Earlier, in his welcome remarks, the Director General of ARCON, Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo, spoke on how the conference has helped to enhance the credibility and relevance of the marketing communications industry in the country.

This, according to him, is why it is important that there is full participation from stakeholders, as it is a critical platform to facilitate knowledge exchange, thought leadership, and best practices. The heads of sectoral bodies within the marketing communication industry were present and they pledged support to make the conference a success.