The event, hosted by MCBA in collaboration with BlueprintAfric and ePay, amongst other prominent brands, held at the prestigious Oakland Hotel in Enugu on December 1st, 2023, brought together a diverse community of tech enthusiasts, startup founders, industry leaders, creatives, and emerging talents.

The evening commenced at 4 pm with a vibrant Red Carpet, courtesy of BlueprintAfric, the event’s media partner.

The atmosphere was set aglow by the energetic Master of Ceremonies, establishing a mood that resonated throughout the night.

As attendees mingled and connected, the event showcased a myriad of activities, ranging from engaging games like card games, Jenga, basketball, and table tennis to immersive attractions such as sip & paint, cocktails, and an electrifying DJ performance.

The diverse mix of participants, including startup founders, tech industry key players, designers, software developers, tech journalists, bloggers, copywriters, social media managers, and emerging tech talents, created a dynamic and collaborative environment.

The event’s after-party, marked by the DJ’s stellar performance, took the electrifying energy to new heights, ensuring that attendees unwound in style.

One of the highlights of the evening was the insightful discussions among creatives about the tech ecosystem in the southeast, the qualities that make it distinct, and how it can be developed.

Elvis Obi-Nwankwo, the founder of MCBA and chief organiser of the event, shared his vision for “Unwind the East,” stating,

“We understand how tasking working in the tech industry is. I’m not saying that it is not the same with other creatives, but the nature of working in a tech ecosystem creates little time for techies to have a thriving social life. That is why my co-founder, Ihenacho Michael Bennert Ikechukwu, and I, had to partner with other brands dedicated to community building to organise this event. A place where techies and creatives can socialise and exchange ideas that will enhance individual and collective growth.”

Notable guests, including Christian Brain Okoli, Co-Founder of Blueafric Media; Emeka Mba, Founder of Afia TV and Afia Radio; Arthur Chukwuemeka Ibik, CEO of Yebox; Bamigbe Arowosegbe, Wema Bank; Arthur Nkemeh, Head of SME Business – Wema Bank; Remi Ademiju, Founder and ED of SME 100 Africa, and other key players in the tech industry, enriched the event with their presence, contributing to the insightful conversations about the southeast’s tech landscape.

Competitive games added an extra layer of excitement, with attendees winning prizes ranging from backpacks to headphones—essential accessories for any creative.

The event concluded with attendees in high spirits, having experienced premium fun, unwound from work stress, and forged meaningful connections.

One attendee, who had been grappling with creative blockage, shared his experience, stating,

“I had been facing creative block for almost a month due to an overwhelming workload, but this event was a detox that purged me of all imaginative obstacles. I’m ready to hit my desk again with a refreshed and refuelled mind.”

“Unwind the East” proved to be more than just a tech gathering; it was a captivating experience that defined the future of the South East’s tech ecosystem.

As the event organisers continue to receive accolades for their vision, dedication, and execution, it is evident that “Unwind the East” has set a new standard for tech mixers in the region, leaving attendees eagerly anticipating the next edition.

Following the triumphant success of “Unwind the East,” tech enthusiasts and industry leaders are gearing up for the Africa Tech and New Media Conference set to take place in March 2024.

This forthcoming conference promises to be the largest congregation of tech founders, startups, Fortune 500 companies, policymakers, and creative talents in the tech and media space.

The conference aims to provide a platform for in-depth discussions, networking opportunities, and collaborations that will shape the future of Africa’s tech and new media landscape.

Stay tuned for an immersive experience that goes beyond borders, unlocking new possibilities and fostering innovation in the heart of the continent.

Some of the personalities and activities at Unwind the East 2023:

An exclusive event poised to be the largest tech gathering in the southeast region of Nigeria.

Scheduled for tomorrow, Friday, December 1st, 2023, at Oakland Hotel in Enugu, this outdoor extravaganza promises an unforgettable experience, blending diverse elements to captivate, entertain, and inspire its diverse array of attendees, ranging from key players in tech industries to creatives and emerging tech talents.

The event, spearheaded by Elvis Obi-Nwankwo, MCBA’s Co-Founder and Chief of People, and Ihenacho Michael, the Co-Founder and Imagination Architect of MCBA, in collaboration with brands who are dedicated to community development and technological advancements, is strategically designed to foster a thriving tech community in the southeast.

BlueprintAfric, a subsidiary of the full-service media company, Blueafric Media, with its unwavering commitment to community building in the region, has always played a pivotal role in bringing together creatives and tech enthusiasts.

In addition to the numerous events they have hosted and sponsored in the past, this event is proof of the media organisation’s dedication to cultivating vibrant communities in the southeast.

In the dynamic environment of Southeast Nigeria’s growing tech community, MCBA’s Co-Founder and Chief of People, Elvis Obi-Nwankwo, popularly known as “The Plug,” emerges as a pioneering figure guiding the region toward a digital revival. Through the key role he plays at MCBA, his impact goes beyond conventional tech leadership.

With a career spanning public and private sectors, Elvis consistently advocates for digital transformation and innovation.

His previous role as the Special Adviser to the immediate past Enugu State Governor on Innovation, Science, and Technology significantly influenced the local tech scene, establishing Enugu as a hub for remote work in Nigeria.

Referred to as a Startup Founder and Serial Innovator, Elvis is not only a thought leader but also a community builder, protecting the rights of tech ecosystem participants and fostering collaboration.

Now back in the private sector, focusing on digitising payments, Elvis remains a driving force, shaping the future of technology in Africa.

His dedication to community development aligns seamlessly with the theme of the “Unwind the East” Tech Ecosystem Mixer, embodying the spirit of innovation and collaboration that characterises the event.

The evening kicks off at 4 pm and will feature a dynamic array of activities to ensure an engaging and enjoyable experience for all attendees. From networking sessions to the innovative “Sip & Paint” and “Camera, Rhythm & Booze,” every element has been meticulously crafted to encourage collaboration, spark creativity, and facilitate meaningful connections within the tech ecosystem.

Entertainment will be at the forefront, with a live DJ setting the vibe, a captivating live music performance, and MCs and Comedians to keep the energy high throughout the evening.

The events will be hosting some of the most distinguished names in the Nigerian tech community, with esteemed industry leaders and key players in the tech ecosystem in attendance, such as Rodney JacksonCole, CEO of Baniplay; Joshua Chibueze, Co-Founder of Piggyvest; Ihenacho Michael Bennert Ikechukwu, Co-Founder and Imagination Architect of MCBA; Ugochukwu Aronu, CEO of Xend Finance; Alex Onyia, CEO of Educare; Sam Eze, CEO of OurPass; Koromone Koroye, TechCabal and Jamit; Cynthia Chisom, SDC; Napa Onwusah, Startup Leader AWS, Sub-Saharan Africa; Yemi Olulana, CEO of FlexiApp, Arthur Chukwuebuka Ibik, CEO of Yebox; Ajibola Odukoya, COO of Afrilabs; Sean Burrowes, Co-Founder, Ingressive for Good, and many others.

Notable figures like Arinze Chilo-Offiah, Head of the Enugu SME Centre, and Engr Lawrence Eze, Commissioner on Innovation Science and Technology will add their insights to an evening of enlightening conversations, networking opportunities, and a celebration of the vibrant tech landscape in Nigeria.

The event is made possible through the generous support of sponsors like Blueafric Media, Tecno Mobile, Enugu SME Centre, Wicrypt, ePay, GDG Enugu, TechArt, OurPass, Xend Finance, Wema Bank, Educare, and Taprap.

Their commitment reflects the broader industry recognition of the importance of fostering communities in the tech ecosystem, encouraging innovation, and nurturing upcoming tech talents.

Tickets for “Unwind the East” are available on Kudibar, offering attendees the chance to be part of this landmark event.

“As we come together to celebrate the synergy of technology and community, MCBA, BlueprintAfric, and ePay invite you to be a part of an evening that promises not just to be a tech gathering but an immersive experience that defines the future of the southeast’s tech ecosystem”, Obi-Nwankwo said.