It was a night of glitz, glamour, and industry pride. Nigeria’s top experiential marketing professionals gathered for the 2025 Experiential Marketers Association of Nigeria (EXMAN) Dinner and Awards Night.

Held at the beautifully decorated Balmoral Convention Center by Sheraton, Ikeja, Lagos, the event was spectacular. It perfectly blended recognition, elegance, culture, and high-energy celebration.

A Night of Finesse and Entertainment

Guests entered a world of finesse from the moment they arrived. The hall showcased exquisite branding, with bold, immersive displays that truly captured the spirit of experiential marketing. Warm ambient lights danced across the walls, while a live saxophonist filled the air with soulful jazz, setting the perfect tone. Attendees enjoyed fine dining and an unforgettable musical journey. Talented singers delivered captivating performances, keeping the audience nodding and swaying all night.

Building Bridges, Strengthening Bonds

The 2025 EXMAN Awards had the theme “Building Bridges, Strengthening Bonds.” Significantly, it did more than just hand out plaques. It offered a moment to reflect on over a decade of innovation and resilience in marketing. Moreover, it reaffirmed EXMAN’s commitment to excellence, strategy, and storytelling, a commitment that transcends simple execution.

Industry Leaders in Attendance

Prominent industry figures attended the event. These included Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo, Director-General of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), and Brenda Nwagwu, Vice President of the Media Independent Practitioners Association of Nigeria (MIPAN). Additionally, Madam Bunmi Oke, Past President of the Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN) and CEO of Ladybird Advertising, and Tunji Adeyinka, immediate Past President of EXMAN, were present. Other industry heavyweights, agency executives, pressmen, and friends of EXMAN also joined.

A Standard to Uphold

In her opening remarks, Madam Tolulope Medebem, President of EXMAN, deeply thanked members for their contributions. Specifically, she praised them for shaping a dynamic and forward-thinking sector.

“Each edition has built on the last,” she stated. “Indeed, this 2025 edition is certainly the most refined and robust. It reflects the standard we all must aspire to uphold.”

Fierce Competition and Fair Judging

Over 100 entries came from member agencies across Nigeria. The competition was fierce, showcasing boundless ambition and creativity. A distinguished panel of judges worked tirelessly to review these entries. Separating the good from the great was tough. Yet, their credibility and professionalism truly shone through. “Their time, wisdom, and integrity gave this event its soul,” Madam Medebem acknowledged.

She also highly praised the Awards Committee, chaired by Agnes, as well as the many silent supporters and creatives who ensured the ceremony was a huge success.

“This isn’t just an award show,” she passionately declared. “It’s a mirror reflecting our industry’s soul—our courage, our craftsmanship, and our commitment to excellence.”

Shaping Brand Narratives

The night looked not only at the past but also at the future. “The EXMAN Awards challenge us to rise higher,” she noted. “We must be bolder in our strategy and storytelling. We must hold ourselves to even stronger X-Man values.” She added, “We are not just experience engineers; instead, we are cultural architects shaping brand narratives.”

In his goodwill message, Dr. Fadolapo commended EXMAN for upholding professionalism. Furthermore, he pledged ARCON’s continued support for industry reforms. These reforms would further elevate the experiential marketing sector.

Top Winners and Honorees

The awards ceremony itself saw WaterMark and Victoria emerge as the biggest winners. They scooped the Grand Prix and several other categories. These included Best Activation Consumer Experience, Best Event B2B, Best Use of Props, and Best Activation for Entertainment Property.

Other winners included:

• Maxx Connection – Best Trade Action
• Ideas House – Best Shopper Activation (Modern Trade)
• Abernys – Best Use of Digital Activation
• EXP Marketing – Best Activation of Sport Activity

In a deeply emotional moment, the Lifetime Achievement Awards went to Dipo Alabi and Dr. Kayode Olageshin. These two stalwarts, through their vision and commitment, have left indelible marks on the industry.

As the final confetti fluttered down and glasses clinked in toasts, one thing became clear. The 2025 EXMAN Awards had succeeded. It not only recognized brilliance but also inspired a renewed sense of purpose, unity, and limitless creativity within Nigeria’s experiential marketing landscape.

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