Renowned event expert and innovator Tobi Olanihun took centerstage at Fest Forums 2025 to join a respected panel of global industry leaders to discuss the evolution of the festival as a cultural touchpoint, community build and platform for innovation.
Drawing from over 14 years of experience in event management, innovation, technology, and guest and artist management, Olanihun explored how technology can transform the event industry across Africa and the globe.
“To talk at Fest Forum 2025 was an incredible opportunity to share insights on how to become a cultural and technical powerhouse beyond entertainment, especially in Nigeria and Africa,” Tobi Olanihun said. “In particular, Lagos has developed a unique festival culture with Detoti December, a phenomenon that introduces through an unforgettable experience to link urban dynamic energies with African diaspora.”
At Fest Forums 2025, Olanihun worked in thought-stimulating discussions alongside top industry experts such as John Giddings (Isle of Wight Festival), Hamish Pinkham (Rhythm and Vines), Nick Morgan (We Group), Stephen Budd (OneFest Festival), and John Boyle. The conversation highlighted the nuances of different locations across different continents, learning over the years and touched on how technology and innovation reshape the festival experience.
Beyond her industry contributions, Olanihun is also the founder of TEPS, an African event technology startup that is making waves on the global stage. TEPS momentum followed an impressive performance at the event Tech Live (ETL) Las Vegas 2024, winning a bronze medal in the Live Ranchpad Startup Competition. Competing with top tier event tech startups around the world, TEPS stands out with its innovative all-in-one event management platform, designed to streamline event planning with features such as registration, ticketing, email communication, gamification, and real-time feedback tools.
“Getting bronze at ETL Las Vegas 2024 was a critical moment not just for TEP, but for the entire African event technology,” Olanihun said. “Being the only African startup recognized at that stage will underscore the continent's presence in the global event technology space and reinforce our commitment to providing cutting-edge solutions.”
The success of TEPS reflects the potential for high-tech startups in Africa to compete on a global scale, drive innovation and build meaningful partnerships. As Olanihun continues to advocate for innovation in the industry, TEPS is dedicated to shaping the future of event technology and promoting impactful connections around the world.
