The Advertising Regulatory Council Of Nigeria (ARCON) has unveiled plans to hold the First Annual Advertising Industry Colloquium. The one-day event will hold at 8.00 am on 30th March 2023 at the Lagos Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja Lagos.
The announcement was made on Wednesday, March 22, 2023, at a special media briefing held at L’eola Hotel, Maryland, Ikeja- Lagos.
Welcoming Journalists to the media conference, the Director-General of ARCON Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo explained that on his assumption of office a few years ago, he constituted the Advertising Industry Colloquium and Journal Committee, to plan, organize and implement the first Annual Advertising Colloquium for academics and professionals in the marketing communications industry.
The same body was to plan, edit and publish an annual academic journal for the advertising profession in Nigeria as well as Market and raise funds through grants, sponsorships, exhibitions and fees for the execution of the two projects.
The DG of ARCON relished with satisfaction that the nearly two years of intensive, painstaking and dedicated efforts of the planning committee members have crystalized into the success of the Colloquium that will be declared open by the Honourable Minister for Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Muhammed in Lagos.
Making a detailed presentation on the colloquium, the Chairman of the organising committee and Journal Committee, Prof Rotimi Olatunji expressed great appreciation for the privilege of serving as Chairman of the Committee since its inception in June 2021.
Speaking on the programme concept, Prof Olatunji stated that the main objective was to provide a forum for academics and students of mass communication, advertising, and other components of integrated marketing communication (IMC) to interact with professionals in advertising/other components of IMC; media practitioners, policy makers, and regulatory agencies.
“It is a social responsibility -non-fee paying, pro bono- programme widely supported by a plethora of advertisers, marketing communication sectorial groups and regulatory agencies, including ARCON to promote town and gown relationship as well as sensitize participants to current knowledge, professional practices and skill sets required for success in advertising and related fields” Prof Olatunji stated.
The Chairman also revealed the theme of the Colloquium: “Changing Trends in Advertising Education and Practice in the Era of Globalisation: The Nigerian Perspective”
The three-in-one event of the day will provide opportunities for a keynote address, panel discussions on diverse areas of marketing communication theory and practice, and a creative pitch competition.
The main objective of the colloquium, according to Prof Olatunji is to deepen knowledge and provide insights into the required skills for success in advertising education and practice in this contemporary era of globalisation.
Not less than six experts will present papers as Colloquium Keynote speakers & Discussants. They include the Keynote on “Changing Trends in Advertising Education and Practice in the Era of Globalization: The Nigerian Perspective” which will be handled by renowned marketing analyst, Mr. Idorenyen Enang.
Other discussants and their topics are as follows;
- Critical Review of Contemporary Integrated Marketing Communication Education in Nigeria: An Insider’s Perspective, by Professor Umaru A. Pate, Vice-Chancellor, Federal University, Kashere.
- Contemporary Approaches to Creative Advertising Planning and Execution in the Era of Digitalization, by Emmanuel Agu.
- ARCON ACT 2022 and Advertising Regulation in the Era of Digitalization, by Barrister Charles Odenigbo.
- Digital Marketing Processes and Practice in Contemporary Marketing Communication Industry in Nigeria, by Mr. Muyiwa Aleshinloye.
- Contemporary Media Campaign Planning and Execution in the Era of Digitalization, by Mr. Dozie Okafor, (Vice- President, MIPAN)
Those expected at this pro-bono Colloquium include-all academic staff, media production staff and Heads of Departments of Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON)- accredited universities and polytechnics or mono-technics offering Advertising, Mass Communication, Marketing and related Marketing Communication courses in Nigeria.
Others are interested participants from Advertising Agencies and other advertising sectorial groups- OOH, MIPAN, Digital marketing, Voice-Over artistes, Creative Shops, Influencer marketing; print, broadcast, and new media professionals; brand Managers and other interested members performing Advertising/Marketing related functions in various companies, agencies, and government establishments.
16 higher institutions from different geo-political zones of the country are expected as participants and they will also be taking part in the Creative Pitch Competition on that day. The Panel of Judges, drawn also from various advertising sectorial groups, will be unveiled during the competition. Prizes will be awarded to institutions with the most creative pitches.