NIMN AMC 2026 to Re-imagine Nigeria’s Marketplace as Consumer Expectations Evolve
The National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN) has announced that its 2026 Annual Marketing Conference will hold in Port Harcourt from June 18 to 20, 2026, as the Institute intensifies conversations on how brands can build stronger connections and remain relevant in a fast-changing marketplace.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, the Institute said the conference, themed “Community, Culture & Connection: Re-imagining the New Market,” is designed to reflect the evolving expectations of consumers, who now seek meaning, identity and authentic engagement beyond mere transactions.
According to NIMN, the theme responds directly to shifts in consumer behaviour, where brands are being challenged to create value through shared experiences, cultural relevance and enduring relationships. The Institute said the modern market is no longer powered by reach alone, but by the ability of brands to connect meaningfully with people and the cultures that influence their choices.
It explained that the three pillars of the theme, Community, Culture and Connection, represent the future of marketing: community ensures inclusion and relevance; culture drives authenticity and meaning; and connection delivers impact and longevity. NIMN said the conversation is not about chasing temporary trends, but about understanding human behaviour and building brands that can endure in a dynamic environment.
The Institute added that this year’s conference has been intentionally structured to reflect the diversity of its membership, bringing together students, emerging professionals, corporate leaders and academics in a more inclusive and engaging setting. It said the event will create room for fresh perspectives to shape the future of marketing practice in Nigeria.
NIMN also disclosed that it is strengthening strategic partnerships, including collaborative research with Lagos Business School, with a joint student project expected to be presented at the conference. The Institute said the event is being positioned as a networking-rich platform where ideas can be translated into practical partnerships and actionable outcomes.
The four-day programme will begin with the Students Conference, themed “From the Classroom to the Marketplace,” which is expected to provide a bridge for young talents entering the profession. The second day will feature a symposium focused on key industry issues, while the third day will host the main Annual Marketing Conference, bringing together professionals and academics for deeper engagement. The event will conclude with the Annual General Meeting, where members will take part in the governance of the Institute.
NIMN said the conference will interrogate critical issues such as the use of data to personalise consumer experiences, the role of indigenous narratives in brand communication, and the need to uphold ethical standards in an increasingly fragmented digital landscape. Participants, it said, should expect insights that are both strategic and practical, with relevance to today’s business realities.
Describing the conference as a convergence of some of the brightest minds in the country, the Institute said practitioners, corporate executives and academics will share both theoretical knowledge and hard-won experience. It also noted that participation remains important for members seeking professional advancement, including upgrades to Full Member and Fellow status.
A major feature of the event will be the elections to fill four Council seats and the office of the Second Vice-President. According to the Chairman of the Electoral Committee, the voting process will be electronic, and winners must secure 51 percent of the votes cast. Seven candidates are contesting the four Council positions, while two others are vying for the office of the Second Vice-President.
Among the speakers expected at the conference are Prof. Uchenna Uzo, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos; Prof. Chinyere Stella Nwulu, Specialty, Logistics and Distribution Management, Rivers State University; Dr. Ayo Awosika, Commercial Director, UAC Foods Limited; Chief Patrick Ukah, Director-General, Delta State Capital Territory Development Agency; Prof. Oscar Odiboh, Professor of Marketology, Advertising and Public Relations, Delta State University, Abraka; Dr. Chizor Malize, Managing Director, FITC; Emmamoke Ogoro, General Manager, MTN; Chioma Afe, External Director, Seplat Plc; Roseline Abaraonye, Marketing Director, Imperio International; Sir Efedi Jellily, Corporate Marketing Manager, Soulmate Industries; Emmanuel Adediran, Business Unit Director, Acuity Ltd; and Bolaji Junaid, CEO, Whyfinte, among others.
NIMN said the conference is aimed at positioning the Institute as more than a regulator, but as a driver of value creation for the Nigerian economy. By centering community, culture and connection, it said, the marketing industry can build brands that are not only visible, but indispensable.
The Institute said it looks forward to welcoming participants to Port Harcourt for what it described as a defining conversation on the next phase of marketing practice in Nigeria.
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