EXMAN deepens industry transformation, unveils new governance framework, pricing standards drive at 2026 AGM

EXMAN AGM 2026

By Felicia Nwosu

The Experiential Marketers Association of Nigeria (EXMAN) has reinforced its reputation as one of Nigeria’s most progressive industry bodies after unveiling another wave of reforms aimed at raising professional standards, strengthening ethical practice and accelerating the long term growth of experiential marketing.

At its 2026 Annual General Meeting held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, the association not only reviewed the future of the profession but also introduced fresh initiatives designed to reshape industry governance, improve commercial practices and expand opportunities for the next generation of experiential marketing professionals.

Held over three days with the theme “Collaboration as Currency,” the gathering brought together chief executives and leaders of Nigeria’s leading experiential marketing agencies, who collectively resolved to deepen cooperation across the industry while building stronger institutions capable of sustaining future growth.

ALSO WATCH: MARKETING EDGE 3 CROWNS MILK MUM OF THE YEAR AWARD WINNERS

Over the years, EXMAN has consistently distinguished every leadership era with bold initiatives that have advanced the profession. Rather than merely sustaining previous achievements, each administration has deliberately sought to leave a lasting imprint through reforms, innovation and industry defining interventions.

ALSO WATCH:MARKETING EDGE ONTV HOSTS KELECHI NWOSU

She explained that sustainable growth can no longer depend solely on individual agency excellence but must increasingly be driven by stronger partnerships involving agencies, clients, regulators, academia and emerging professionals.

“The future of our industry will not be built by individual brilliance alone. It will be built by partnerships between agencies, clients, regulators, academia and emerging talent.

When we collaborate, we learn faster, innovate better, solve bigger challenges and ultimately create greater value for our clients, our businesses and our profession,” she said.

Meanwhile, one of the meeting’s biggest highlights was the unveiling of two major governance documents, namely the revised EXMAN Scope of Practice and the updated Code of Conduct.

ALSO WATCH: NITE OF TRIBUTES TO JOHN AJAYI

In all, both frameworks are expected to redefine professional expectations, reinforce ethical behaviour and provide clearer operational guidelines for practitioners across Nigeria’s experiential marketing landscape.

Furthermore, delegates reached another landmark decision by approving the commencement of work on an EXMAN Industry Pricing Benchmark.

Once completed, the initiative is expected to establish a credible pricing reference that encourages consistency across the industry, promotes fair commercial practices, recognises the value of creative expertise and strengthens sustainable business operations among member agencies.

Equally important, members agreed that the proposed benchmark would emerge through extensive consultations across the association to ensure the framework accurately reflects prevailing market realities while protecting both agencies and clients through transparent value based pricing.

In addition, members approved the convening of an Extraordinary General Meeting to conclude discussions and formally ratify the revised Scope of Practice and Code of Conduct. The decision further demonstrated EXMAN’s commitment to transparency, broad stakeholder engagement and inclusive decision making.

ALSO WATCH:MARKETING EDGE ONTV HOST DEMILADE

Beyond governance reforms, the association also reaffirmed its commitment to talent development by engaging students of the University of Uyo during the AGM. Through interactive sessions, industry leaders exposed the students to career opportunities within experiential marketing while sharing practical knowledge on innovation, strategic thinking, creativity and the evolving demands of modern brand building.

Reflecting on the broader significance of the association’s ongoing reforms, Medebem maintained that EXMAN’s responsibility extends beyond serving its members to building stronger institutions capable of advancing the entire profession.

“Professionalism is not defined only by creativity; it is also reflected in the standards we uphold, the ethics we practice and the value we place on our expertise. As an Association, we have a responsibility to build institutions, establish standards and create opportunities for those who will come after us. By working together, we are building an industry that is stronger, more respected and better positioned for sustainable growth,” she stated.

WATCH ALSO:MARKETING EDGE ONTV HOSTS YBO

As part of activities marking the AGM, delegates also paid a courtesy visit to the Akwa Ibom State Government, where the Commissioner for Information, Hon. Aniekan Umanah, welcomed the association and commended EXMAN for selecting Uyo as host city for the 2026 edition of its annual gathering.

Consequently, the resolutions reached at the AGM have positioned the association for another phase of institutional growth. More importantly, they reinforce EXMAN’s long standing tradition of making every leadership tenure count through impactful initiatives that strengthen the profession and redefine industry standards.

With Medebem’s administration continuing to champion bold reforms, ignite strategic collaborations and introduce forward looking policies, EXMAN is once again demonstrating that it remains committed to building stronger governance structures, nurturing future talent, advancing ethical business practices and positioning Nigeria’s experiential marketing industry for greater innovation, stronger global competitiveness and sustainable long term growth.