The Nigerian events industry reached a new level of international recognition at the recent 9th edition of the BusyBee Event Business Summit. The summit's convener, Coach Bisi Sotunde, unveiled a strategic international partnership with the prestigious Sofitel Cotonou Marina Hotel & Spa in Benin Republic.
A Milestone for Cross-Border Collaboration
Announced during the summit held in early December 2025, this partnership marks a significant expansion for the BusyBee brand beyond Nigerian shores. Sotunde described the alliance as a reflection of the platform's growing global stature and its dedication to fostering international collaborations. The partnership's core objectives are to build cross-border relationships, enhance the global exposure for summit delegates, and provide access to premium hospitality standards.
As an immediate benefit of the collaboration, two delegates at the summit were awarded an all-expense-paid trip to experience the luxury of Sofitel Cotonou Marina Hotel & Spa firsthand. Sotunde emphasized that this gesture not only generated excitement but also offered participants a tangible, memorable value extending beyond the conference sessions.
Elevating Standards and Building Legacy
Themed "Building Legacy Driven Brands," the 9.0 edition focused on the need for event businesses to develop strong structures and long-term vision to remain competitive. The partnership with Sofitel Cotonou directly supported this theme by elevating the summit's profile and reinforcing BusyBee's position as a platform of international standard.
"Through their partnership, we were able to showcase world-class hospitality standards, which align perfectly with the BusyBee brand promise of excellence," Sotunde revealed. She added that the collaboration opens doors for increased tourism, destination events, and business exchanges between Nigeria and Benin Republic, positioning BusyBee as a key regional connector in the events industry.
Summit Highlights and Industry Impact
The summit itself was a comprehensive affair designed to bring the legacy theme to life. The agenda featured several key activities:
- Masterclass sessions with seasoned industry experts sharing growth strategies.
- Panel discussions addressing current realities and the future of events.
- A networking cocktail evening to foster business relationships.
- The glamorous BusyBee Excellence Awards Gala Night, celebrating creativity and industry achievements.
This partnership with a renowned international hospitality brand like Sofitel Cotonou signifies a maturing Nigerian events sector that is confidently seeking and securing global alliances. It sets a new benchmark for local industry players, highlighting the importance of strategic partnerships in achieving international recognition and providing unparalleled value to stakeholders.
