How Industry Events Can Strengthen Business Relationships in 2025
In today’s fast-paced world, where everyone’s chasing instant results, digital communication tools such as emails, Zoom, Google Meet and the likes of a good old phone call, have become the norm. They’re quick, efficient, and undeniably valuable.
However, one tool that tends to be overlooked (especially given the comfort that an at-home video meeting offers) – but is facing a resurgence, is the power of face-to-face interactions at corporate events.
These gatherings aren’t just another item to check off your to-do list – they’re a chance to build trust, make genuine connections, and collaborate in ways that other digital tools simply can’t match.
Corporate events are especially important in dynamic industries like Africa’s tech and startup scenes, where opportunities abound from inspiring the conversations that take place.
Here, scaling your business could often hinge on the quality of networks and partnerships developed. Events offer unparalleled opportunities to strengthen those connections while showcasing your values, personality and fostering collaboration.
Why in-person interactions matter
Let’s face it: You don’t really connect deeply with someone by exchanging emails or LinkedIn messages. When you’re at an event, you’re not just handing out business cards or exchanging social media profiles – you’re having real-life conversations. You get to experience real-time feedback, body language and facial expressions.
Using Wimbart clients as an example, we have witnessed first-hand the positive results of how events have served as strong relationship-building tools for them. Year in and year out, our clients have attended and participated in various capacities at numerous ecosystem events – Africa Tech Summit [Nairobi and London – taking place June 6th!], Africa Tech Festival, SuperReturn Africa, Moonshot by TechCabal, AfricArena, GITEX and many more. From Lagos to Cape Town, Nairobi to London and beyond.
Events have served as catalysts for investment and networking opportunities, talent acquisition, and partnership pipelines.
Outside of networking, the depth of knowledge and expertise gained from the event agendas are next to none. With a plethora of brilliant speakers and audiences, you undoubtedly gain immense practical insights that could be key takeaways for your business.
As #TheWimbarts, events have always been an important avenue for us to connect with ecosystem players. They are our bread and butter. The value and connections we have established from these events make a huge difference in connecting with current and potential clients – and even provide invaluable face-to-face interactions for our accounts teams. A luxury we don’t often have. There is nothing like connecting in real-time with our clients and elevating existing relationships.
What builds strong business relationships?
If there’s one thing every business relationship needs – it’s trust. Trust isn’t something you can build overnight or through a single email. It takes time to cultivate. Through consistency, and genuine engagement and effort.
Corporate events create the perfect setting for this. They encourage open conversations where people can share ideas, and goals without the pressure of constant deadlines or being overly formal. Professionals who know how to navigate these spaces effectively, are better positioned to form partnerships that drive growth.
Telling your story through events
Every business has a story – who you are, what you stand for, and why you do what you do. Events are the perfect stage to share that story authentically.
Imagine you’re running a startup with an interactive product, you could send out a newsletter about your latest milestone or showcase it live at an event where people can see, feel, and experience it for themselves. No need to guess which would leave a stronger impression!
When done right, events become more than presentations – they become experiences that embody a brand’s essence and leave a lasting impression on attendees.
The real magic of events isn’t just in what happens on the day – it’s in the relationships you build that outlive them. Events give you the chance to create those bonds and keep them strong.
For us at Wimbart, events are a highly recommended tool we encourage our clients to leverage. So, as we go head-on into event season, remember this: corporate events aren’t just a nice-to-have, they’re a must-have if you want to build stronger, more meaningful relationships that drive success.
Article by Olaide Banjo, Senior Account Executive
