As the year draws to a close, our schedules become packed with a variety of events-from the UNGA80 and the World Bank/IMF Annual Meetings to the WIMBIZ Annual Conference and the “Preparing for 2026” series. Yet, I often find myself pondering how individuals decide which gatherings merit their attendance.
Over time, I’ve listened to people recount experiences from conferences they attended decades ago, describing how a single encounter at those events dramatically altered their life’s trajectory. Initially, I questioned how one meeting could wield such influence. Then, a profound insight struck me: “The true value of a meeting lies not in what transpires during the event, but in the transformation it sparks afterward.”
This reflection brought to mind one of the most pivotal events I have ever participated in.
It was April 29, 2017. I had just embraced motherhood, with my newborn barely a month old. Amid the whirlwind of sleepless nights and endless diaper changes, I came across an Instagram post announcing the launch of Omilola Oshikoya‘s book, The Richer Woman, in Abuja. The ticket was ₦15,000-a significant amount for me at the time-but an inner voice urged me to attend. So, I went, solo.
This wasn’t a grand auditorium filled with thousands; it was a cozy, intimate setting. Surrounded by women who felt like nurturing older sisters, I absorbed every word. I didn’t know the speakers personally, didn’t snap photos, nor did I exchange business cards. I wasn’t there to network superficially-I was there to learn and be inspired.
One phrase from Omilola resonated deeply: “Do it afraid.”
That simple mantra justified every naira spent on the ticket. But the story extended beyond the event itself.
Afterwards, I reached out to three of the women speakers, sharing how their words had impacted me and posing thoughtful questions. Two of them-Chiomah Momah, now an executive at Guinness Nigeria, and Bola Adefila, founder of the renowned Nigerian fashion label Iredire-became mentors and cherished guides on my journey.
Fast forward eight years, I reconnected with the moderator of that 2017 event. I had admired her brilliance then, and when we met again through work, she immediately recalled that day. Our shared smile marked a full-circle moment, illustrating how some meetings continue to influence us long after they conclude.
What insights can we draw from this experience?
Meaningful networking is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s less about amassing contacts and more about cultivating authentic relationships that deepen over time. One genuine connection often outweighs dozens of superficial ones. Prioritize growth over mere presence. Don’t attend events simply because they’re popular; choose those that align with your values, goals, and current life chapter.
Be deliberate in your follow-ups. Sending a sincere message that highlights what moved you shows attentiveness and respect for the other person’s time. Sometimes, the best moment to take a leap is when uncertainty looms-embrace the fear and move forward. Investing in yourself, even when it feels challenging, pays dividends. That ₦15,000 ticket was not an expense but a seed planted, yielding priceless relationships and a transformed mindset. Remember, some impacts unfold gradually; the reunion eight years later was proof that the effects of a meeting can ripple through time.
As you sift through the numerous invitations filling your inbox this season, select those that will challenge you, foster meaningful connections, and resonate with your current path. Often, the most life-changing events aren’t the largest or flashiest-they’re the ones where your intuition quietly insists, “This is where you belong.” Because ultimately, the true power of any gathering reveals itself long after the final handshake.
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