Event planning goes beyond decoration —Akindele Mabel

Akindele Omowumi Mabel, a detail-oriented event planner and founder Hanjoy Events. In this interview with Yetunde Ajanaku, she shares valuable insights on effective event planning and the key challenges confronting practitioners in the industry.

NIGERIA’S event industry has grown significantly, contributing billions to the economy, yet it often operates with limited regulation and reliance on informal arrangements,what do you see as the most critical gaps in professional standards or oversight that affect planners, vendors, and clients alike?

While Nigeria’s event industry has grown rapidly, a major gap remains in formal regulation, standardized contracts, and professional accountability. Many planners and vendors still rely on informal agreements, which exposes clients to risk. There is also limited enforcement of ethical standards and little emphasis on certification or continuous training. Strengthening professional associations, encouraging written contracts, and promoting industry education would significantly improve trust, service quality, and sustainability across the value chain

With persistent inflation driving up costs for materials, vendors, and logistics, how do these economic pressures impact the way clients budget for events and what strategies help maintain quality without compromising feasibility?

 Inflation has made clients more cautious and intentional with spending, if you are fortunate enough to meet an understanding client, they often prioritize essentials over luxury extras. This has pushed planners to become more strategic and creative, we help manage whatever we have on ground, focusing on value engineering, phased budgeting, and flexible vendor options. Transparent communication, early planning, and realistic expectations help maintain quality while avoiding unnecessary financial strain. Quality today is less about excess and more about thoughtful execution.

Unreliable power supply remains a major hurdle for businesses across Nigeria, including event execution, how does this challenge play out during events, and what practical contingencies (like backups or planning adjustments) have become essential in your work?

 Power supply is a major operational challenge during events. As planners, it is essential for us to have plan B because  we know the importance of electricity in our job operations. We don’t rely on the government’s power supply throughtout events, it is advisable to use generator, in order not to ruin people’s day. Backup generators, power redundancy for key vendors, and load assessments have become standard. In some cases, event timing and venue choices are adjusted to reduce risk. Preparedness and contingency planning are now essential to seamless execution

Insecurity in certain regions and logistics issues (traffic, transport) can disrupt planning and delivery. How do these broader national realities influence the feasibility and timing of large, scale social events or outdoor celebrations?

Security concerns and logistics challenges are a big one on some of us. Someone like me usually confirms a location before I get into business with any client, like traffic significantly influence event feasibility, timing, and scale. Planners now factor in security assessments, if I have to go outside the state I live, there are some security measures that must be put in place. Several times we’ve had challenges traveling to other state with bad roads and insecurity, but everything is becoming normal gradually. Some clients opt for daytime or smaller-scale events, or venues with better security infrastructure. These realities demand flexibility and proactive planning to ensure guest safety and smooth delivery without excuses.

 The influx of untrained practitioners has been noted as a challenge in the Nigerian event space. What do you think this does to overall industry trust, client expectations, and the ability of established planners to differentiate themselves?

The influx of untrained practitioners affects industry credibility and client trust. It often leads to unrealistic pricing, inconsistent service delivery, and unmet expectations.

Most clients always look for something beautiful with lesser price, at the end of the day, they usually end up with quark planners, that is why its important for planners to be able to work effectively with client budget and still deliver.

 Established planners must differentiate themselves through professional processes, documented experience, transparency, and consistent results. Educating clients on the value of expertise and proper planning is also crucial in raising industry standards.

Client budget constraints and fluctuating vendor prices are common complaints; how can the industry better balance creativity and affordability to keep meaningful celebrations accessible amid economic realities?

Affordability and creativity can coexist through smart design choices, vendor collaborations, and modular event concepts. Instead of copying trends blindly, planners can adapt ideas to suit local realities and budgets. Clear prioritisation, focusing spend on guest experience rather than excess décor, helps keep celebrations meaningful and accessible despite economic pressures

Emerging opportunities like destination weddings or corporate events are gaining traction, what sectors or event types do you believe hold the most promise for sustainable growth in Nigeria over the next few years?

Destination weddings, corporate events, brand activations, and curated private celebrations hold strong potential for growth. There is also increasing demand for premium social events and experiential gatherings. These sectors benefit from professionalism, creativity, and international exposure, making them sustainable avenues for expansion over the next few years.

What priority improvements in national or local infrastructure would most benefit the event planning ecosystem?

Key improvements that would benefit the event ecosystem include better road networks, reliable power supply, modern multipurpose venues, and upgraded AV/production facilities. Consistent infrastructure reduces costs, planning stress, and execution risks, allowing planners to focus more on creativity and client experience.

 Looking at global influences and local creativity, how can Nigerian event professionals position the industry to attract more international clients or collaborations while staying rooted in cultural relevance?

Nigerian event professionals can attract international clients by combining global best practices with authentic cultural storytelling. Strong branding, digital visibility, professional documentation, and adherence to international service standards are essential. When local creativity is presented with structure and professionalism, Nigeria becomes a compelling destination for global collaborations while staying culturally relevant.

Event planners should be ready to work beyond their comfort zone, and learn new things everyday.

Turning to your own path, what initially drew you to event planning, and how did those early passions for organization, service and meaningful connections evolve into founding Hanjoy Events?

My journey into event planning began with a strong passion for organization, service, and creating meaningful experiences. I did not start event planning because I want to make it fast fast in it, I naturally enjoyed coordinating details and bringing people together in ways that felt thoughtful and memorable. Over time, this passion evolved into a clear purpose to design events that are seamless, emotionally resonant, and well-structured. As my experience grew, I realized the need for a brand that combined creativity with professionalism and reliability. I realized that I’m going to encounter some challenges, but I came prepared and understand that I need to be able to stand my ground before I can make it through. That vision led to the founding of Hanjoy Events, built on excellence, intentional planning, and genuine client trust.

 Managing over 3,000 cumulative guests across various event types requires immense coordination. How do you achieve this?

One of the most demanding aspects has been maintaining consistent quality while managing growth in a challenging operating environment. Coordinating large guest numbers across different event types requires strong systems, dependable vendors, and constant adaptability. I addressed this by investing in structure clear processes, detailed planning frameworks, and long-term vendor relationships, though money is important,but building a long life relationship with your clients will help you evolve. Staying organized, calm under pressure, and solution-oriented has allowed the brand to grow steadily while delivering reliable and memorable experiences.

 For young Nigerians interested in entering the event planning or creative service space, what one realistic piece of advice would you offer based on your experience navigating preparation, vendor relationships, and client care?

My advice is to start prepared, not just passionate. Event planning goes beyond aesthetics it requires budgeting skills, vendor coordination, communication, and strong client management. Young professionals should focus on learning the fundamentals, building trustworthy vendor relationships, and being honest with clients. Growth comes from consistency, integrity, and experience, not shortcuts. When clients can trust your process and delivery, your reputation will speak for you.

How do you maintain motivation and a commitment to excellence when facing industry hurdles like cost fluctuations or logistical unpredictability, and what mindset do you encourage the younger generation to adopt for long-term resilience?

I stay motivated by focusing on purpose and impact rather than challenges. While cost fluctuations and logistical uncertainties are part of the industry, I approach them with flexibility and problem-solving. Continuous learning, planning ahead, and maintaining strong professional relationships help sustain excellence. For younger professionals, I encourage a mindset of resilience, adaptability, and patience. Long-term success is built by staying committed, even when conditions are unpredictable.

If the next generation of event professionals is to elevate the industry, perhaps even helping brands like Hanjoy go global, what key shifts in skills, approach, or collaboration do you believe they should prioritize?

To elevate the event industry and position Nigerian brands globally, the next generation must prioritize professionalism, collaboration, and continuous skill development. Beyond creativity, skills such as project management, branding, digital visibility, and client experience are essential. There must also be a shift from unhealthy competition to strategic collaboration. When professionals uphold shared standards and work together, the industry becomes stronger, more credible, and more globally competitive