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The Experiential Marketers Association of Nigeria, EXMAN, will hold its 2026 Annual General Meeting in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, from July 16 to 19, as it pushes for tighter collaboration and stronger standards in Nigeria’s experience economy.

The four-day convening, themed: Collaboration as Currency”, will bring together agency principals, brand managers, marketing professionals, academics, and students to chart the future of experiential marketing in a landscape shaped by digital disruption and economic headwinds.

According to EXMAN, the AGM reinforces its role as the recognized sectoral body for experiential marketing before the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria, ARCON, and the wider marketing communications industry.

“In today’s interconnected world, collaboration has become the currency of growth. No agency, institution, or brand can thrive in isolation. The future belongs to those who build partnerships, share knowledge, and create value together,” said Chairman of the AGM Planning Committee, Agnes Ailuelohia.

Publicity Secretary of EXMAN, Olayiwola Jegede, said: “The choice of Uyo signals EXMAN’s commitment to national inclusion and geopolitical equity.”

By anchoring its flagship meeting in the South-South, the association says it is engaging practitioners and agencies across all zones, not just Lagos and Abuja.

“The Government of Akwa Ibom State and the University of Uyo are key partners. EXMAN will run structured industry-academia sessions with the university to expose students to careers in brand experience design and consumer engagement. Over 5,000 students and early-career professionals, tagged ‘Future Practitioners’, will be integrated into the dialogue,” Jegede added.

A major highlight will be the release of EXMAN’s State of the Industry Report, a data-driven review of trends, challenges, and opportunities in experiential marketing. Other sessions include strategic discussions on professionalism and regulation, induction of new member agencies, and networking forums for business development.

The event will close with The Adire Mix Masked Ball, EXMAN’s signature celebration of creativity and fellowship among member agencies.

EXMAN thanked the Akwa Ibom State Government, University of Uyo, Ceedapeg Hotel, Ibom Air, and other partners for their support, saying their commitment reflects the AGM theme: shared purpose unlocks greater value.

“As Nigeria’s umbrella body for experiential marketing agencies, EXMAN continues to champion professionalism, ethics, and self-regulation while advocating for the sector’s role in driving brand equity and consumer engagement,” Ailuelohia further said.