TOURISM WOMEN LUNCHEON: THE REASON
March is International Women’s Month. And to celebrate it, I hosted a “Tourism Women Luncheon” on Sunday 15th March, 2020 at Dooney’s Tearoom & Wellness Cafe situated on the 1st floor last wing, Lennox Mall, Admiralty way, Lekki, Lagos.
The idea was to bring together women in the Nigerian Tourism space to just mingle, connect and have fun. No serious talk. Just bonding over lunch and games.
It was also a great opportunity for women who are upcoming, existing and veterans in the Tourism space to network and build relationships.
“Networking is not about just connecting people. It’s about connecting people with people, people with ideas, and people with opportunities.” – Michele Jennae
As guests started arriving, my amazing coordinator, Kemisola Adetola engaged the early birds with a card game. At a point they were having so much fun they did not want to stop.
THE ICE-BREAKER
The event kicked off with an ice-breaker. To introduce themselves, each guest picked a number from a bowl and based on their number, they told us things about themselves. Mine was No. 6 *laughs*
THE GIST: IWD 2020 THEME – #EACHFOREQUAL
Next while we ordered our lunch, we took about an hour to discuss the International Women’s Day (IWD) 2020 theme: #EachForEqual. It was quite an interesting and eye-opening session as women shared their experiences and insights relating to the theme.
THE COMPETITION: GAME TIME!
After enjoying our gist and eating our lunch, game time was next. Coordinated by Kemisola, guests were divided into two groups. The game was so interesting…it was ‘war’ between the groups as they answered questions to score points. The winning team won cord organizers from The Ajala Store.
THE SIDE ATTRACTIONS
There were also side attractions such as portraits by T’BRIGGS and face painting for the first ten (10) guest to arrive, done by Peniel Art.
FACE PAINTING BY ABIOLA OF PENIEL ART
PORTRAITS BY T’BRIGGS
THE PARTNERSHIPS
A big thank you to the following brands for partnering with us:
Dooney’s Tearoom & Wellness Cafe: Their ambience is so beautiful!!! It fits the #IWD theme color with their purple flower and butterfly backdrops 🦋 Their meal was so delicious! And their ice tea drink, you should try it…very tasty and healthy too.
Mara Cruiz Organics: As a natural hair muse, I am a regular user and fan of Mara Cruiz. To sponsor our event, they gave our guests some of their products. Find more of their products on their site.
The Ajala Store: Looking for a one stop store for all your travel essential items? The Ajala Store has got you! They sponsored our event with cord organizers for the winners of the game competition. We also got travel shoe bags as souvenirs for our guests.
T’BRIGGS: Looking for ways to spice up your event? Then get your guests to have their portrait taken by a professional photographer! T’BRIGGS made sure all our guests had their beautiful portraits taken to celebrate #IWD.
Peniel Art: Another way to spice up your event is getting your guests to have their face painted, just for fun and the grams! Abiola of Peniel Art made our guests look colorful and artistic with their different facial designs. Mine was exclusive *wink*
Vudoh: The outfit theme for our event was ‘Afrocentric’. So I reached out to Vudoh and they made me their signature ‘Orisirishi’ gown. Fitted perfectly: Food and Afrocentric Arts! Call me Afrocentric Foodie! *shines teeth*
Jub Travel Films: What’s an event without a way to document it for memories sake? Thanks to Jub Travel Films for partnering with us to record our event in video and photo formats *smiles*
Games: Special thanks to Kemisola Adetola, the Founder of BookHangout Tribe, for coordinating the games.
Peaches n Cream: As someone who believes in pampering yourself, having a ‘spalicious’ experience is essential. Peaches n Cream sponsored our events by giving our guests a discount on their massage. Looking forward to our guests enjoying a ‘spalicious’ experience like I did *wink* Find out more about their services on their site.
ANOTHER WOMEN IN TOURISM HANGOUT?
I am still literally overjoyed that these beautiful women came, connected and had fun over lunch and games.
There were requests for us to do this again…regularly. Let’s see how that goes *smiles*
Do share with me: “How did you celebrate #IWD2020?”
Photo Credit: AzeMaye DaNiels
I had a super amazing time at the women in tourism business Luncheon. Thanks so much Ajalanene. Every part of the event was lit!!. Super interesting.
The 3hrs plus we spent seemed like 5 minutes because we were having so much fun
So glad you had fun, Faith! *smiles*
Thanks for attending!
This looked like so much fun!! Congratulations sis!
Thanks sis!
Greater Heights!!!!
Wish you same, Oga T’BRIGGS . And thanks again for adding colors to the event *thumps up*
I really enjoyed networking with the wonderful ladies that showed up and gaining insight into the issues discussed. Yes, let’s do it again.
Super glad you enjoyed it ma’am. Thanks so much for coming *smiles*
Please can this virus be over like yesterday so we can plan another luncheon?
I was super late but I enjoyed every bit of the remaining program..
Food was great, then the tea 👍
Venue really pretty
Nnenna you did a great job 🤗💋…
As in!!! Covid-19 is spoiling plans! LOL!
Aww! Thanks for the review, Aisha. Glad you still enjoyed every minute of it *hugs*
Had a fun time. It was a pleasure coordinating the games. You ladies rock!
Thanks again for being amazing, Kemisola *smiles*
Really it was a fun gathering. Learning, networking and sharing in a relaxed atmosphere with veterans and upcoming.
Thanks Ajala Nene for creating this needed platform for women in tourism. Looking forward to more collaborations.
God Bless you sis.
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for coming! *smiles*