As the participants and speakers, and exhibitors began to arrive, it was obvious the class of people and event this was going to be. Initially seemed like the Saturday rain was going to be a stumbling block. But it wasn’t, these entrepreneurs are truly ready and serious with getting their brands out there. Which is the major essence of the conference. They were welcomed by a cool lyrical poetic performance from Ms Adunni Harunna who is a model, singer, TV presenter, poet and published author.

Through out the time of deliberation from all the 5 speakers, one word continued to re-echo. – #Action.

 Ms Monica Abraham of Local Lion Marketing  the keynote lecturer,   is a renowned marketing professional, she has been known for her success and expertise in winning big brands as her client. She has worked with the likes of Russell and Bromley,  Tune Hotels and Orthodontic practice in London.  Speaking on the topic branding and taking your business forward, the word ‘Action’ resonated almost as rhetorical and as she emphasized, that can not be over flogged as whatever you do about your business, the most important step would be to take action.

She was immediately followed by Tola aka Wisetola – the founder of Women4Africa award, the largest Europe gathering of African women. Tola Onigbanjo who is a social media icon, did not disappoint either, straight on without hesitation, she gave it all out to wow  the audience . At the end, she received a very warm round of applause.

We had a break to network and have our excited guests to look at , admire and buy different products on exhibition both body care products from Yessessentials.com , T shirts from Positive Image project people, Manubiah greetings card, Amedee baby wearing slings, Dapri Jewels. It was a very classy and relaxed and the participants were vividly thankful that they made it. They were treated to a lavish round of buffet drinks and desert.

Immediately after the break, without wasting time, the second session took off with a sensational presentation from Beverly Andrews who is a film and documentary maker and also a known actress on the BBC and radio four UK. She also played us a clip from her recent documentary.  As soon as she was warmly appreciated, Mr Emeka Anyanwu the publisher of C.Hub magazine and the media sponsor for the conference also delivered a very intellectual, humorous and inspirational lecture. Then came Ms Nena Ubani of Duchess TV and presenter of the popular talk show – Tea with the Duchess. She lectured on the woes of social media and advantages of traditional media when it comes to reliability, trust and endorsement. swiftly and smart she gave an in depth and eye opening lecture.

The second break was time for surprise surprise a never seen before tweak to the traditional lecture conference. Gayle Thompson had participants that she chose at random to speak on particular words she had chosen – Success, positive, Game and Driver. All participants won a baseball cap sponsored by C.Hub magazine and greeting cards from Manubiah publishers.

Afterwards, the woman behind the whole concept and idea Faustina Anyanwu gave the concluding talk and vote of thanks highlighting the need for Women of colour in business and entertainment to embrace the media as a way of getting their stories out there both for their relevance and their financial freedom. She also laid out her plans for the My Black Woman for 2014, details of which will soon be released to the public.

The event was wrapped up with a bang as Yezzi Yezzir bounced in with a sensational and powerful vocal mixed with serious acrobatic performance from her dancers. When the music ended, audience were taken as they all yelled more! more!! . After our pleading with the beautiful young talented Rapper, she gave it to us once again and everyone were on their feet dancing forgetting what time it was.

Since after the event, MBW twitter pages and email has been flooded with thank you  and congratulatory messages . One read from @K_Rusheal – hey @fauntee @mbwmgt it was lovely meeting you . very informative . Will sure be at others. Another one from @ Gayle Ngozee reads – wowwww!!! a fantastic event with @fauntee, filled with positive, meaningful encouraging people. What a success . Well done #MBWPR. And many more messages coming our way. We are more than grateful to all who made this a great success and we now look to 2014 with an eye of great anticipation.

The hugely attended conference with very top class names in  business and entertainment was hosted by Dr Page Ben of University College London and Ms Gayle Thompson our Fashion Editor and international model. Among the attendees where  our media friends from Tropics Magazine, Duchess TV, Dr Yemi Shode, and many others.