Looking back on my first-ever experience at one of the biggest events in Africa, I find myself wondering where to begin. Should I start with the moment when my tailor nearly messed up my outfit at the last minute? or perhaps when my team leader, Njideka, warned us to “prepare to get dirty.” That statement meant we were to prepare to work and it stuck in my head until the day finally arrived, but I suppose it was the best way to brace myself for whatever challenges lay ahead.
I was fortunate to have been involved in the planning process of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCAs) from the beginning, I attended the first brainstorming session organized by my colleague for the event and when I saw outlines of what was supposed to be achieved, I was shocked because I wondered how everything was supposed to be achieved.
Beyond that, I felt privileged to be a part of the planning process for the prestigious AMVCAs, I mean it’s the AMVCAs! I considered it a significant milestone in my career, especially having such an opportunity as an intern.
I began preparing for the event, I kept my ears to the ground for every piece of information that was passed, every instruction and correction given to the plan, and every step that needed to be made. I was determined not to misuse this big opportunity. And of course, I started drawing out my look for the big event.
Fast forward to the day of the event, I was so nervous and tense at the beginning, being a shy girl. I felt my social battery was already at 20% and the event hadn’t even started. However, when I saw my senior colleagues and how they interacted comfortably with everyone, especially the talents, I realized as a PR professional, my social battery has to be at 100% at all points.
Another thing I realized at the event was the beauty of Public Relations. It was amazing to see dreams, visions, and ideas come through with evidence, and that’s what I love the most about Public Relations. What initially seemed like a mere pen-and-paper plan at the beginning, astounded me when it was finally put into action, and I was fascinated by that.
I must commend the “power puff girls” – Njideka, Tiarhan, Fadekemi, Rita, and myself for not only being the best team to work with but for also making Public relations look so easy while slaying. Everything was well-organized and running smoothly, everyone knew what to do and how to do it. At that point, I couldn’t even afford to slack with the pace they set, or I would have been left behind.
The highlight of the event for me was the short speeches by the winners on stage. Apart from the usual shoutouts, many of them emphasized the fulfilment that comes with hard work and the importance of following one’s passion and not giving up. These speeches meant a lot to me and reminded me of the need to stay focused on whatever I find myself doing. I also loved the point of announcing every winner and I was able to feel the joy with them.
I learnt a valuable lesson from the event – the importance of media relations. The media personnel were treated with topmost priority. I had learnt in school that forming good relations with media personnel was important in public relations. I knew the theoretical aspect of this but being stationed in the media room during this event made me understand the practical aspect.
Being a part of the team behind the AMVCA is my most cherished moment so far, and I am grateful for such an opportunity. I look forward to participating and recording successes in more campaigns with my team and hope to one day take charge of PR for such a big campaign.