Global Roundup: ILEA Nigeria President Duntan West
Thursday, February 7, 2019
The International Live Events Association (ILEA) is a global organization, representing the voice of creative events professionals worldwide. The ILEA Global Roundup taps into leaders from around the world who lend their knowledge and expertise on a range of different topics impacting the creative events business. ILEA recently connected with Duntan West, president of the ILEA Nigeria chapter and CEO of WonderWorks. Keep reading to learn about this Africa-based live events professional.
What are some specific challenges event planners encounter in your area? How do they overcome these challenges?
Duntan West (DW): Nigeria is a party nation! There are parties for almost anything — at times at short notice. But we need more advocacy for the event planning profession. Most inexperienced people think they are event planners. The huge problem is that they interfere immensely in the process, and they do not have the industry knowledge to properly prevent and prepare for major disasters.
Thankfully, a number of event planners are now going for formal training, and the clear difference in events done by professionals and amateurs is beginning to shake the industry. The bigger clients are now seeking professional help.
What are some trends you’re noticing with live events in your region?
DW: Elaborate or over-the-top decorations are now trending. In addition, there could be some value-add for event planners, as there is now a tendency to also have after-parties following the main event.
For an event planner not local to Nigeria, what are some things to be aware of/take into account when putting on a live event there?
DW: As in all societies, you must be careful about vendor selection. Some have the façade but don’t deliver. Therefore, I strongly suggest they factor in a local event planning partner to support the planning at a fee or contact ILEA Nigeria.
What are the biggest factors influencing the way events are being planned in your part of the world?
DW: The current trends outside the country influence what happens locally. Everyone wants the next big thing at their events.
What do you want the rest of the world to know about the events scene in Nigeria?
DW: Production being put up in Nigeria is elaborate and colorful. In fact, no events are the same because the next event, wedding or production must outdo the previous one. The events are often filled with special effects and surprise elements.
All images courtesy of WonderWorks.
Duntan West has 20 years of events management experience running WonderWorks in Nigeria as CEO. She manages a team of dedicated professionals bringing new standards into the industry in Nigeria. Duntan, a certified events and destination management professional, is a graduate of the George Washington University and holds a bachelor’s degree in economics. She currently serves as president of the ILEA Nigeria Chapter.
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