The Nigerian events industry is worth billions of naira annually, and it's growing. But it's also an industry where most practitioners are self-taught, learning on the job through costly mistakes and trial-and-error. The gap between the hobbyist and the professional is not talent, it's structured knowledge.

That's exactly why Mara Events launched Mara Academy, a rigorous, practical event planning certification program designed specifically for Nigeria's event landscape. This is not a generic online course. Every module is grounded in real Nigerian event management experience, real vendor relationships, and real-world execution challenges.

Who the Program is For

  • Aspiring event planners who want to enter the industry with solid foundations
  • Current event planners who want to formalise their knowledge and close skill gaps
  • Corporate communication and admin professionals who coordinate internal events
  • Entrepreneurs who want to start or grow an event management business
  • Hospitality professionals looking to specialise in event management

The 6-Module Curriculum

Module 1: Foundations of Professional Event Management

This module sets the stage for everything that follows. You'll learn:

  • The scope and structure of Nigeria's events industry, sectors, sub-sectors, and market size
  • Defining event objectives and understanding client expectations
  • The event planning lifecycle, from first brief to post-event review
  • Types of events and their unique planning requirements (corporate, social, hybrid, government)
  • Professional standards and ethics in Nigerian event management

Module 2: Event Design, Concept Development & Logistics

Event design is where creativity meets strategy. This module covers:

  • Developing a compelling event concept that aligns with client objectives
  • Venue selection, site visits, and layout planning
  • Creating detailed run-of-show (ROS) documents and programme schedules
  • Guest flow management, seating arrangements, and accessibility considerations
  • Transportation, accommodation logistics, and vendor coordination

Module 3: Budgeting, Financial Management & Vendor Negotiation

The difference between a profitable event business and a struggling one often comes down to financial management. You'll learn:

  • Building event budgets from scratch — line items, contingencies, and pricing models
  • Understanding vendor cost structures and how to negotiate effectively
  • Managing client payment schedules and protecting your cash flow
  • Writing event proposals and quotations that win clients
  • Event insurance basics and liability protection

Module 4: Vendor Management & Production Excellence

Your event is only as good as your vendor network. This module teaches:

  • Building and managing a reliable vendor database
  • AV and production basics every planner must know (even if you're not the technician)
  • Décor and styling principles for different event types and budgets
  • Catering selection, menu planning, and food management
  • Contract writing and vendor agreement best practices

Module 5: Marketing, Branding & Event Communications

For planners who want to grow their own business or enhance their clients' event visibility:

  • Event marketing strategy: social media, email, WhatsApp, and PR
  • Creating compelling event promotional materials (graphics, videos, copy)
  • Sponsorship acquisition: how to pitch and close event sponsors
  • Brand experience design: how to embed client brand into every event touchpoint
  • Post-event content strategy and measuring event ROI

Module 6: Day-of Execution, Crisis Management & Business Building

The final module is entirely practical, focused on what happens when the event goes live:

  • Day-of coordination protocols and war room management
  • Managing vendor teams on the ground
  • Crisis response frameworks: power failures, vendor no-shows, medical emergencies
  • Post-event review and client reporting
  • Building and pricing your event management business for long-term growth

What You Get Upon Completion

Graduates receive a Mara Events Certification in Event Planning and Management, access to our alumni network and vendor directory, and eligibility to apply for shadowing opportunities with the Mara Events team on live events.

Program Format

  • Format: Live online instructor-led sessions (not pre-recorded videos)
  • Duration: 6 weeks, one major module per week
  • Time commitment: 3–4 hours per week (live sessions + assignments)
  • Class size: Limited to ensure personalised attention
  • Assessment: Practical assignments at each module + final capstone project

Ready to transform your passion for events into a certified profession? Learn more about Mara Academy and the next cohort dates.