SME Conference 2013: Blast from the past pt1

As this year's #SMEConference2013 draws near, and since this year's Conference will be our seventh [Yes 7th!], a blast from the past makes sense, so that we can recall where we are coming from.

The Enterprise Development Centre organizes an annual Small and Medium Enterprise Conference, tagged "The SME Conference", as a forum for members of the EDC Business Network and other SMEs alike, to come together and network, discuss topical issues, and share experiences. This conference gives an avenue for strong relationships to be planted and nurtured regularly between SMEs and other growing businesses in Nigeria, and even beyond.

2010: Building Credible SMEs in Tough Times

There were three major sessions:

1. Taxations and survival of SMEs
2. Accessing funds in tough times
3. Attracting and retaining Talents.

This edition was held in the Honeywell Auditorium of the Pan-Atlantic University [then known as the Pan-African University], Lekki-Epe Expressway, Lagos, on the 13th and 14th of May, 2010.

The Vice Chancellor of the Pan-Atlantic University, Professor Juan Elegido, opened up the ceremony, and expressed his satisfaction at the centre's growth, as well as urging alumnis, and other SMEs in attendance to develop the strength and wherewithal necessary to handle all the various challenges they may face in Nigeria.

The keynote speaker at the conference was the then chairman of the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service [LSIRS], Mr. Tunde Fowler. In his speech, he urged the SMEs in attendance not to shirk their civic responsibilities, as that is an avenue that promotes the public and private sector. He also praised the efforts of EDC [then known as Enterprise Development Services, EDS] for creating the conference and praised its perfect organization.

The conference recorded a massive turnout of all SME stakeholders, and the topics were duly thrashed by the hot seat occupants, and the audience.

Among the activities carried out was the election of new EDC Alumni Executives. Mr. Niyi Oguntoyinbo of Philly and Mools was elected as the new EDC Alumni president, alongside Mr. Patrick Adenusi of El-elyon Limited, as the Vice President.

The Conference was rounded up with a Gala Dinner, at the Civic centre, Ozumba Mbadiwe street, Victoria Island, Lagos. Highlights of the evening included the recognition and award for the outgoing Alumni president, Adewole Adeyemi of ADCEM Pharmaceuticals, for his excellent service during his tenure, the handing over to the Alumni Executives, and a raffle draw.

So, have you registered for this year's #SMEConference2013 yet? Hurry now!