My Escapade as Chairman, “Meet the CEO” Conference

And so it happened, I was nominated to be the Chairman of the 2014 “Meet the CEO” conference. At first, I thought to myself, how difficult could it be? Then as weeks and months went by, the reality started setting in. The magnitude of the work started to dawn on me; the initial excitement of being called the “Chairman” or “Oga at the top” or the “HNIC” started to fade away. I suddenly realized that the conference will require fund raising. Though I had participated in organizing other events in the past, I had never been a chairman neither had I ever been in charge of fund raising.

The committee came up with the theme of the conference. We decided to make it different from the previous years. We all agreed to the kind of CEO’s we were looking towards inviting. We set out the following criteria – young, huge media awareness and successful. Industries chosen include: Consulting, New Media, Transportation, Branding & Marketing, Oil & Gas, Fashion, Social Media, Real Estate, Catering and hospitality, Tourism and Music & Entertainment.

As time went by, we discovered how difficult it was to invite 12 CEO’s to a conference. Another (greater) challenge was seeking sponsorship. Companies just did not see the benefit of sponsoring the event. We spoke all the grammar (corporate social responsibility, increased brand awareness, bla bla bla….) but they just wouldn’t give up that cheddah!

Fast forward to January 2014 (3weeks to the event), we still had only 5 CEO’s (out of 12) confirmed and no sponsors. Team morale was growing low. As the leader, I had to search for energy from deep within myself. I convinced the committee members to stay the course. I called for more meetings and requested for daily updates at night via the BB group. I became a thorn in the flesh of my committee member’s.

Fast forward to one week, we had 10 CEO’s confirmed but no keynote speaker and still no sponsor. Then we reached out to everyone for help including lecturers and even students. I approached a company (Terragon Limited) for sponsorship and they agreed to make a sizeable pledge. I felt like I just won the world cup. Then I realized the difference between a pledge and actual cash in hand. We did not receive the sponsorship donation till a couple of days to the event. Finally we got confirmation of our 12^th CEO. I can remember one committee member doing a dance that resembled “azonto” in rewind. 

“D-Day”: All CEO’s were present. Though the event started a little late (with small hitches here and there), it was a success.

I would like to say a big thank you to all CEO’s present, faculty of Lagos Business School, students of MBA 11 and 12 classes and a special thank you to the committee members. Your dedication made the event a total success.

Moyosore Awopegba  - SME Logic President

Dolapo Oladele – SME Logic Vice President

Jide Shoyebo – SME Logic Secretary

Kayinsola Smith – “Meet the CEO” Committee Deputy Chairman

Tomi Olakiigbe – “Meet the CEO” Committee Secretary

Othuko Olori

Kingsley Ehimkia

Monalisa Oghinan

I would also like to show appreciation to the following people:

David Asonye – Audio-visual coordinator

Sanumi Dawodu – Graphics & Design (Lagos Business School)

Shola Aromokun -  Social Media (Lagos Business School)

Thank you all so much. Given the opportunity, I would be glad to work with you all again.