By Tunde Oso

The National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN) has said it is deliberately shifting focus from transactional marketing to building lasting connections, whose three critical pillars include: community — treating consumers as active co-creators; culture — prioritising authentic local expressions over imported models; and connection — building human and technological bridges for long-term loyalty.

This was disclosed by the NIMN President, Dr. Bolajoko Bayo-Ajayi, in a press briefing held in Lagos to announce its upcoming Annual Marketing Conference and Annual General Meeting (AGM) fixed for Port Harcourt from June 18 to 20.

Dr. Bolajoko, who said that the conference is not just about learning but also about professional progression, explained, “We are moving beyond chasing reach alone to focus on these three pillars.” According to Bolajoko, “By bringing experience and innovation together in Port Harcourt, we are ensuring that our discussions are as practical as they are visionary.”

She disclosed that the Institute will induct new members and also conduct elections to fill vacant council seats during the AGM at the three-day conference, themed “Community, Culture & Connection: Re-imagining the New Market,” is expected to draw marketing professionals, students, corporate executives, and academics from across the country.

She revealed that a major highlight will be the induction ceremony for about 100 qualified candidates into Associate and Fellow status.

“Additionally, the AGM will feature elections to fill vacant positions on the NIMN governing council, providing members a direct role in shaping the Institute’s future direction. “This conference remains a vital requirement for members seeking professional progression, including upgrades to Full Member and Fellow status,” Dr. Bolajoko stated.

“Beyond the inductions and elections, the conference offers a packed schedule. The opening day features a Students Conference themed “From Classroom to Marketplace,” bridging the gap for emerging talent by connecting students directly with industry practitioners.

Dissecting further the programme, she said the morning session includes a keynote address titled “Community as Infrastructure in the New Market,” followed by a town hall discussion on bridging academia, industry, and policy. A collaborative research presentation between NIMN and Lagos Business School (LBS) – “Community, Culture & Connection: Re-imagining the New Market” – will also be unveiled.

The afternoon features the induction ceremony for new members, while the evening offers “Sights, Sounds & Taste of Rivers,” a cultural night celebrating the host state’s heritage. Day three will feature the Annual General Meeting, where elections and other key governance decisions will take place.

She added “Attendance is a requirement for members seeking upgrades to Full Member and Fellow status. Registration opens on June 17 at the venue, with pre-conference networking sessions scheduled to begin from the morning of the first day.

“We are gathering the brightest minds from across Nigeria to share not just theoretical knowledge, but hard-won practical experiences. NIMN is positioning itself as the engine room of value creation for the Nigerian economy,” Dr. Bolajoko stated.