The Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) has announced plans for the 2026 edition of its flagship Advertising Industry Colloquium, with stakeholders expected to deliberate on the future of advertising in an era shaped by artificial intelligence (AI), digital platforms and evolving consumer behaviour.
The annual forum, now in its fourth consecutive edition since its inauguration in 2022, is scheduled to hold on August 6, 2026, under the theme: “The Future of Advertising: Roles of Platforms, People and Regulations.”
According to ARCON, the colloquium will bring together regulators, policymakers, academics, advertisers, media professionals, technology experts and other stakeholders to examine emerging trends, challenges and opportunities shaping Nigeria’s advertising and marketing communications industry.
The council said the event is designed to bridge the gap between academia and industry while fostering dialogue that will strengthen collaboration and support the development of a more innovative and sustainable advertising ecosystem.
ARCON noted that this year’s edition comes at a critical time as rapid advances in technology, the growing adoption of artificial intelligence, the expansion of digital platforms and changing consumer preferences continue to transform how advertising content is created, distributed and consumed.
It stated that while these developments present significant opportunities for creativity, innovation and economic growth, they also raise important concerns regarding ethics, consumer protection, transparency, accountability and regulatory oversight.
The colloquium will feature keynote addresses, panel discussions and interactive sessions involving experts from government, regulatory agencies, academia, professional bodies and the private sector.
Confirmed speakers include Olu Akanmu, Academic Director of the Lagos Business School’s Tech-Leap Initiative; Dozie Mbanefo, Managing Director of New Crystal Communication Limited; Prof. Adepoju Tejumaiye of the University of Lagos Department of Advertising and Public Relations; Dotun Babatunde, Head of Digital Marketing at Olam Agri; and Omowunmi Owodunni, former Chairman of the Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN), among other industry leaders.
