Idara Jerome, Uyo
The Convener of The Visual Conference, Miss Idara Adiakpan, has made strong case for greater participation of persons with disabilities in the creative industry, calling on schools, organisations and partners in Akwa Ibom State to encourage talented persons in the community to register for the third edition of the conference.
Adiakpan who made the call on Wednesday during a press briefing in Uyo ahead of the three-day Visual Conference 3.0, scheduled for October 7 to 9, 2026, stressed that the programme was open to everyone with an interest in photography, content creation and the wider creative ecosystem.
She said the organisers were deliberately expanding the conference beyond its traditional focus on photographers to accommodate content creators and other professionals, describing the creative industry as an interconnected ecosystem in which different talents could thrive.
“First of all, the visual conference is open to everybody. We don’t segment. It’s open to everybody, as long as you have an interest in the creative industry,” Adiakpan said, while urging those who know persons with creative abilities to encourage them to participate.
The convener, who is also Chief Photographer to the Akwa Ibom State Governor, said the 2026 edition would be anchored on the theme, “Beyond The Frame,” which seeks to challenge creatives to look beyond taking pictures and explore the wider opportunities available within the visual arts industry.
She said the conference had, over its previous editions, provided participants with opportunities to learn directly from leading industry professionals, receive equipment support, improve their skills and gain visibility, adding that the organisers were building a community that continues to support creatives beyond the annual event.
The awards, according to Adiakpan, are open to African creatives, with four categories — wedding photographer, documentary photographer, portrait photographer and content creator — reserved for Akwa Ibom indigenes. Winners will be selected by a panel of industry professionals, including Tolani Ali, Image Faculty, Emmanuel Oyeleke and Kelechi Amadi.
The conference will also feature photography exhibitions and awards, with entries assessed by a panel of judges based on creativity and storytelling. Adiakpan stressed that participants must be able to communicate a meaningful story through their works, particularly where such works capture the Akwa Ibom experience.
Media Contact, Mrs Unyime Ebong, said this year’s theme would explore the impact of photography and visual storytelling beyond what is captured through the camera lens, including their influence on communities and Africa.
Ebong disclosed that about 500 people participated in the previous edition, while the organisers were targeting approximately 800 participants this year. She said the expansion would continue as the conference seeks to bring more people and professions into the creative ecosystem.
She noted that the ecosystem was not limited to photographers and content creators, but also included models, videographers and other professionals, revealing that the organisers were working to accommodate more of these creative categories.
The event, according to Ebong begins on October 7 with an arrival and creative mixer, followed by the main conference, panel sessions, masterclasses and workshops on October 8. A photography exhibition will hold on October 9, followed by the Visual Conference Photography Awards and Dinner at The Glass Hall, Ibom Tropicana Event Arena, Uyo.
She listed the speakers line-up to includes Sir Kelechi Amadi as keynote speaker, alongside Big H, Emmanuel Oyeleke, Esiaga, Bayo Omoboriowo, Amazing Klef, Image Faculty, Barr. Enwongo Cleopas, JB Afams and Ncourage, who are expected to share their knowledge and experiences with participants.
