... As Platform offers first 6 months free for vendors, with subscription plans starting from ₦2,000 monthly after the free period to boost visibility and access in the event industry.
In a fast-growing events industry where clients often struggle to find reliable and affordable vendors, innovation has become essential. One platform aiming to address this challenge is Kovio, an event marketplace designed to connect clients with verified event professionals across different categories, and which was recently launched in Lagos.
In this interview with Event Diary Lifestyle, founder Korede Baiyewunmi, CEO of Amazing Surprise and Kovio, shares the inspiration behind the platform, her journey in the events industry, and how Kovio is reshaping vendor discovery in the event space.
Can you please tell us your name and briefly introduce yourself?
My name is Korede Baiyewunmi, and I am the founder of Kovio.
Kovio is an event marketplace that helps people source verified event vendors such as photographers, videographers, event planners, makeup artists, decorators, and other service providers in the event industry. Essentially, we are building a platform that removes the stress of searching endlessly for trustworthy vendors.
One of the major problems in the industry is that people often struggle to find quality vendors within their budget. You may have vendors charging very high fees—sometimes 30 to 40 million for an event service—while some clients are working with budgets as low as 1 million. Kovio bridges that gap by allowing users to filter vendors based on their budget while still ensuring quality and verified service providers.
What inspired the idea behind Kovio?
The inspiration came from my personal experience in the event industry.
I have been in the event space for about ten years, mainly as a corporate and wedding planner. Over time, I realized that one of the biggest challenges was consistently finding vendors who matched my clients’ budgets without compromising quality.
Most times, I would reach out to vendors and the pricing would be far beyond what the client could afford. That gap between expectation and reality became a constant challenge.
So Kovio was born out of that need—to create a structured platform where vendors and clients can meet in the middle, where affordability meets quality without stress or endless negotiation.
What challenges have you faced in building Kovio, and do you foresee any challenges for vendors using the platform?
At the moment, I wouldn’t say we are facing major challenges.
We have already done our due diligence, and our technical team has worked extensively to ensure the platform runs smoothly. More importantly, we are continuously improving it based on user needs because there is always a difference between what you build and what users actually want.
Right now, I feel we are in a strong position to launch and scale effectively. We already have over 360 vendors onboarded, and we have successfully facilitated about six events through the platform. That, for me, is a strong indication that the system is working.
You mentioned a free period for vendors. What happens after the six months?
Yes, the first six months are free for vendors to join and experience the platform.
After that, we will introduce subscription packages. We currently have three plans: ₦2,000, ₦5,000, and ₦10,000 per month, depending on the level of visibility and features the vendor wants.
We made sure the pricing is affordable and flexible so that vendors at different stages of their business can still participate and benefit from the platform.
Can vendors pay for longer periods in advance?
Yes, vendors can choose to pay monthly or prepay for multiple months if they prefer.
However, the structure is primarily monthly-based to give flexibility and reduce financial pressure, especially for small and growing vendors.
What is your advice to upcoming vendors and people looking up to you?
My advice is simple: focus on visibility and consistency.
In today’s world, talent alone is not enough. You need to actively push your brand out there, network, and create meaningful connections. As people often say, you sometimes have to invest resources to gain exposure and opportunities.
That is one of the reasons Kovio exists—to help vendors increase visibility and connect with the right clients.
So I would encourage upcoming vendors to take branding seriously, stay consistent, and leverage platforms that help them grow.
How were you able to connect with your panelists and collaborators for the project?
It was purely through networking, collaboration, and consistency.
Most of the people involved were not individuals I had previously worked with one-on-one, but through intentional outreach and relationship building, we were able to connect.
It wasn’t an easy process, but consistency, proper communication, and the way you present your vision make a huge difference when building professional relationships.
How have you managed to navigate the event industry for over a decade, especially with operational challenges?
The most important factor is having a strong team.
No matter how good your vision is, you need capable people around you who understand the work and can execute effectively. Strong staffing and team structure are essential in the event industry.
With the right team in place, your brand can operate smoothly and grow beyond personal limitations.
That has been one of the key things that has helped me stay consistent and relevant in the industry over the years.