[Interview] Naomi Njoroge, Managing Director, Aidem Business Solutions, Kenya
Africa Business Communities sits with Naomi Njoroge, the Managing Director of Aidem Business Solutions (ABS), a marketing, event management and organization company. Read all about ABS’s unique focus, what keeps it on it toes and of course, its challenges; not forgetting the impact of modern technology in organizing conferences.
1. Would you please introduce Aidem Business Solutions?
Aidem Business Solutions (ABS), is incorporated in Kenya and has been in the industry since 2009. We are a leading organizer of world class forums and conferences for the African market in close partnership with key leading industry players. The business operates from Nairobi, Kenya
2. What is the focus of ABS?
As a business our focus is corporate conferences. There is a myriad of businesses that fall under event management but ours is uniquely on forum and conference production/ management and execution. We own our brands though recently we have started planning and managing events for clients. Basically each brand is initiated through research in the specific industry and topics and speakers are selected by the in-house team with the external consultation. We are responsible for identifying and inviting speakers, managing their travel on case by case basis as well as agenda development- this involves selecting topics and allocating each the relevant time and speakers. We also do venue management including all the procedures therein.
Our Brands
- Annual Africa Banking & Finance Conference- which is now in its 6th Edition and to be held in Ghana this year. Previously held annually in Nairobi Kenya in strategic partnership with the Kenya Bankers Association. Other partners at the event include IBM, East Africa Development Bank, Barclays Bank, IFC among others.
- Annual Africa Insurance Conference- also in its 6th edition and previously attended by regional regulators head and the CEOs of the insurance companies in Kenya
- The Africa Middle East Investment Forum held in Dubai and attended by government officials- Minister of trade UAE, Ghana, Angola and Kenya among other officials.
- The Annual Funds & Capital Markets Conference with the support of Capital Markets Authority Kenya
- Effluent Waste Water management Conference
- Annual Africa Food Security Conference & Agri – Exhibition
Events Recently Managed by Aidem Business Solutions
Extensive Livestock Expo Forum which featured a conference attended by over 1000 delegates, and an exhibition with over 10,000 visitors and over 70 exhibitors. The conference was held in Nairobi
Mazao Forum- this is a regional agro dealer networking in Kenya and was held on February and March 2016 at 2 separate locations in Kenya.
3. What has made ABS grow and maintain a good reputation for its services?
The Team- This is a true cliché. There is no resource more vital in this industry than the human capital. Aidem Business Solution has the resources, capacity and experience to deliver all required services pertaining to event planning. Our in house team of creative professional designers, marketers; business development executives and event managers has over 12 years of combined experience producing high-quality events. Also apart from going beyond the call of duty to deliver successful events, we are also very selective of the industries we engage in.
4. How is the impact of technology changing the face of organizing conferences?
I don’t know how they did it when there was no technology. Or maybe there were no event organization then. We recently organized an event where we had to send whatsapp messages. In a nutshell, conference organization is about communication, and every technology that helps along this line is always useful. Technological developments make it possible to increase the scopes be it in topics, participation and even awareness.
5. What are the future trends that you see happening in the industry when it comes to organizing conferences especially in Africa? Proliferation. This may be helpful but those entering this market must do so cautiously. Conference management is also most like the restaurant business. One bad meal can bring you down
6. Obviously there has been some challenges in the industry. What strategies have you adopted to cope with these setbacks?
The major set up backs are not entirely unique to the industry but to any business generally. We are continuously working to strengthen our brands and extend our reach. A good example is the Africa Banking & Finance Conference which will this year be in Ghana, a different location from the previous 5 edition which were all done in Nairobi. We want Africa to be aware of our brands.
7. What should we expect from ABS in the next five years? A regional brand. That is what we are working towards- God willing
8. Economically, which African countries will perform best in 2016?
Mmm! this is a tough one. I don’t think I am qualified to give an expert opinion on this. Suffice to say that my experience working and living in the Gulf and Asia has taught me that countries that make it easier for business to operate will always do well. Most countries in Africa are saying they are open for business, yet continue to increase the red tape in most government process
9. Any news from ABS?- No exciting news today. But watch this space!
www.aidembs.com
