Nigeria’s experiential marketing community is preparing for another major industry convergence as the Experiential Marketers Association of Nigeria (EXMAN) confirmed Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, as host city for its 2026 Annual General Meeting, scheduled to take place from July 16 to 19.

At the same time, the association has intensified calls for early participation, urging members and industry stakeholders to take advantage of the discounted registration window before it closes on June 25.

More than just another annual gathering, the forthcoming AGM signals a strategic shift in how experiential marketing agencies are positioning themselves to navigate an increasingly interconnected business environment.

Consequently, EXMAN has chosen the theme, “Collaboration As Currency: Connect, Collaborate, Create,” placing collective value creation at the centre of industry conversations.

The theme reflects a growing recognition that sustainable growth within the experiential marketing ecosystem now depends less on isolated achievements and more on strategic partnerships, shared intelligence, and stronger industry alignment.

As agencies confront evolving consumer expectations, technological disruption, and changing client demands, collaboration is increasingly emerging as a competitive advantage rather than merely a professional ideal.

In an announcement shared across its official social media platforms, the association revealed that preparations for the event had entered full swing. Furthermore, EXMAN described the gathering as a platform designed to stimulate meaningful conversations, unlock fresh opportunities, and strengthen professional connections among practitioners across the marketing communications landscape.

Industry stakeholders are expected to converge in Uyo for a programme packed with executive-level discussions, business networking opportunities, knowledge-sharing sessions, and conversations expected to shape the future direction of experiential marketing in Nigeria.

Meanwhile, the decision to host the event in Akwa Ibom further reflects a growing effort to broaden industry engagement beyond traditional commercial hubs.

By taking the AGM to the South South region, EXMAN continues to reinforce its commitment to expanding industry participation while creating opportunities for wider stakeholder interaction across different parts of the country.

As the recognised umbrella body for experiential marketing communications agencies in Nigeria, EXMAN continues to play a significant role in advancing professional standards, promoting innovation, and protecting the interests of member organisations operating within the sector.

Today, the association represents more than 45 agencies whose combined annual billings exceed ₦30 billion, underscoring the increasing commercial relevance of experiential marketing within Nigeria’s broader integrated marketing communications industry.

Notably, the 2026 edition follows a successful outing held in Lagos last year, where practitioners explored the theme, “Personalisation and Scale: From Insights to Impact in a Data Driven, Immersive World.” That gathering featured strategic learning sessions, industry masterclasses, and recognition of creative achievements while also welcoming new agencies into the association’s fold.

However, while last year’s conversations focused largely on leveraging data and consumer insights for greater impact, this year’s agenda appears set to push the conversation further by examining how agencies can collectively unlock new opportunities through stronger partnerships and industry cooperation.

With momentum already building ahead of the event, EXMAN believes the Uyo gathering will provide a timely platform for practitioners to exchange ideas, deepen relationships, and explore new pathways for growth in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

Interested participants have therefore been encouraged to complete their registration before June 25 to secure early bird access ahead of what is expected to be one of the industry’s most significant engagements of 2026.