In Nigeria, anything can happen last minute a vendor can cancel, rain might show up uninvited, or a key performer could get stuck in traffic (hello, Lagos!). As an event planner, your ability to stay calm and adapt quickly is what separates the pros from the rest. Here's how to handle those last-minute changes without losing your mind:

1. Always Have a Backup Plan (Plan B and C!)

Don’t rely on just one vendor or one performer. If your DJ doesn’t show, who can you call quickly? If NEPA takes light and your generator misbehaves, do you have someone on standby? In Nigeria, you plan for the worst so you're never caught off guard.

2. Stay Connected and Reachable

Keep your phone fully charged and have enough airtime/data. You don’t want to be unreachable when a supplier is trying to inform you of a delay or change. Create a group chat (WhatsApp works well) for your core team so updates can happen in real-time.

3. Stay Calm and Think Fast

Panic won’t fix the issue. Your guests won’t even know there’s a problem if you stay composed and act fast. If an MC is late, can a friend hold the mic and entertain the crowd temporarily? Nigerians appreciate improvisation when it’s done well.

4. Communicate Clearly with Your Team

Once a change happens, let your crew know immediately. Whether it's ushers, caterers, or bouncers, everyone should be aware of what's changing so there’s no confusion or double work. Make sure your team is trained to adjust quickly without making a fuss.

5. Embrace the “Naija Factor”

Things don’t always go as planned here and that’s okay. What matters is how you bounce back. Guests may forget the delay or mishap, but they’ll remember how well you recovered and made them enjoy the moment anyway.

6. Use Tech Tools for Fast Edits

Platforms like www.shows.ng allow you to update event details (like time, location, or changes) and push them to your audience instantly. This way, your guests are always informed, even if plans shift last minute.

7. Learn and Improve

After the event, review what happened. What could’ve been avoided? What worked? Use each event as a learning moment to improve how you handle pressure and make decisions faster next time.

Conclusion

In Nigerian event planning, last-minute changes are almost normal. But with a proactive mindset, clear communication, and the right tools, you’ll always look like you have everything under control even if things are changing by the minute. That’s how you earn trust and referrals.