Kigali hosts groundbreaking Alveena Master Class, redefining African luxury event design

Kigali came alive with inspiration and innovation as it welcomed creatives, entrepreneurs, and industry experts for the highly anticipated Alveena Master Class & Mentoring Session, held from June 26 to 29 at the Crown Conference Hall and Marriott Hotel.

The four-day event marked a milestone in Africa’s event planning landscape, bringing together emerging talents and seasoned professionals to explore the future of African luxury event design. The session was led by Dr. Oladipupo Akinkunmi, founder of Alveena Events, alongside his wife and creative partner, Arc. Mrs. Tolulope Oladipupo.

Speaking during the event, Dr. Akinkunmi described the gathering as “a celebration of resilience, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.” Participants were immersed in strategic sessions on building profitable event brands, mastering the blend of art and business in design, and using creativity to tell compelling stories through décor.

Drawing on his background in fine and creative arts and Mrs. Oladipupo’s expertise in architecture, Dr. Akinkunmi shared the evolution of their brand—from humble beginnings to a pioneering name in Nigeria’s luxury events scene. He cited past themed designs such as Louvre, Gardens by the Bay, and Crazy Rich Asians as testaments to their boundary-pushing approach to storytelling through decor.

“True luxury is rooted in detail, originality, and the ability to tell powerful stories,” he told the audience.

Throughout the master class, Dr. Akinkunmi emphasized the importance of disciplined reinvestment, structured human resource practices, and continuous personal development. He noted that his pursuit of advanced degrees in Human Resource Management and Organizational Psychology helped build a high-performing team capable of executing world-class events.

A central part of the event focused on mentorship and legacy-building. Attendees were encouraged to embrace fearless innovation and bold thinking, with Dr. Akinkunmi stressing the importance of inspiring the next generation of African creatives.

“It’s not just about creating beautiful events. It’s about setting new standards and creating a legacy that will outlive us,” he added.

The Kigali event culminated in a buffet dinner at the Marriott Hotel, which provided a vibrant space for networking and idea exchange. Notable guests in attendance included real estate moguls Dr. Crown Kay Amos and Dr. Ory-Martins Akinseloyin, who joined participants and organizers in celebrating the success of the initiative.

The Alveena Master Class has now set a new benchmark for excellence in event planning across the continent, particularly in Rwanda’s growing creative industry. The organizers expressed optimism about the future of luxury event design in Africa and pledged to continue nurturing talents and raising industry standards.

“Dare to be different, stay relentlessly passionate, and never stop pushing boundaries,” Dr. Akinkunmi concluded, encouraging creatives across Africa to embrace innovation as a vehicle for lasting impact.