Renowned event professional and innovator Tobi Olanihun recently participated in FEST Forums 2025, joining a panel of global industry leaders to discuss the changing landscape of festivals.
Drawing on her 14+ years of experience in event management, innovation, and technology, and guest and artist management, Olanihun highlighted the transformative impact of technology on the event industry across Africa and the globe. “Speaking at FEST Forums 2025 was a fantastic opportunity to share insights on how festivals, particularly in Nigeria and across Africa, are evolving beyond mere entertainment. They are becoming cultural and technological powerhouses,” Olanihun stated. She also noted the unique festival culture in Lagos, referencing “Detty December,” a phenomenon that showcases the city’s vibrant energy and its role in uniting the African diaspora through memorable experiences.
During the forum, Olanihun engaged in a thought-provoking discussion with industry professionals, including John Giddings (Isle of Wight Festival), Hamish Pinkham (Rhythm and Vines), Nick Morgan (We Group), Stephen Budd (OneFest Festival), and John Boyle. The conversations explored the various regional nuances, learnings and how technology and innovation are reshaping the festival experience.
Beyond her contributions to the industry, Olanihun is the Founder of TEPS, an African event technology startup. TEPS has gained global recognition, most recently at Event Tech Live (ETL) Las Vegas 2024, where the company secured a bronze medal in the Live Launchpad Startup Competition.
Competing against leading event tech startups worldwide, TEPS distinguished itself with its all-in-one event management platform. The platform streamlines event planning with features such as registration, ticketing, email communication, gamification, and real-time feedback tools.
“Winning bronze at ETL Las Vegas 2024 was a defining moment, not just for TEPS but for African event technology as a whole,” Olanihun said. “Being the only African startup recognized on that stage underscores the continent’s growing presence in the global event tech space and reinforces our commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions.”
TEPS’ success illustrates the potential of African tech startups to compete internationally, drive innovation, and cultivate meaningful partnerships. Olanihun continues to champion innovation, and TEPS remains dedicated to shaping the future of event technology and fostering impactful connections worldwide.
