Gibraltar Finance Event Success: Why Face-to-Face Meetings Still Matter in a Digital Age

[Liz Seyi]

Explore the value of in-person events like #GIBLDN24 for Gibraltar’s financial sector. Are face-to-face connections still essential in today’s tech-driven world?
One might be forgiven for thinking that most of Gibraltar’s population was in London last week. Under the cleverly thought up moniker #GIBLDN24, a diverse programme was arranged under the auspices of Gibraltar Finance. The Financial Services lunch at Mansion House led to other events showcasing key sectors including Funds, Private Clients, Insurance and Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT).
Thanks to excellent organisation by Paul Astengo and his team, the programme played out flawlessly. Challenges inevitably arise on the day but they proved difficult to spot. Even a late venue change for the Financial Services Lunch was recovered. Caused by the UK Government’s International Investment Summit taking over the Guildhall at very short notice, the magnificent Egyptian Room at Mansion House was substituted seamlessly.
Over three days, literally hundreds of UK based professionals had the chance to meet Gibraltar counterparts, government minsters and others. A truly unbeatable opportunity to demonstrate what we do best as a jurisdiction.
But in these days of Teams and Zoom, some question whether these events represent the best use of our limited resources. They ask whether it really is better to attend them in person or simply rely on remote contact, as everyone else seems to be doing.
Assuming you have read this far, it will come as no surprise that I am a dedicated fan of #GIBLDN24 and similar gatherings. Our guests who took time out of their busy London schedules to join us last week presumably agree.
There is nothing quite like meeting someone face to face in order to connect and of course, an unexpected encounter might result in your next best lead. In fact, I go further. In these technology-focussed days where everything is done on a screen, personal contact becomes even more important. Although a 60-something, I cannot be alone in bemoaning the obvious decline in interpersonal skills so often demonstrated by today’s “yoof”. Reassuringly, last week was a textbook example of gaining maximum exposure regardless of age, background and seniority. Indeed, the younger delegates were among the keenest, and most erudite, of all.
I have attended these Gibraltar events for almost 25 years. They are an excellent way to bond particularly with the City of London – with which Gibraltar has had a centuries-old commercial association. It is no wonder that the programme is always well supported by the British government; this year was no different. Generous hosts of certain events this year included DAC Beachcroft and the Indian High Commission.
Let us accept that the events are useful. In my view, what happens next is even more critical. It is too easy to simply gather up the business cards we collect (or download using a QR code) and send a quick email or LinkedIn invitation. Saying “good to see you at #GIBLDN24; let’s stay in touch” is fine – as long as “staying in touch” doesn’t mean “see you at #GIBLDN25!”. We won’t get anywhere that way.
Naturally, it is not up to me to teach people how to stay in touch; there are many ways to do so. What is important is that where contacts with potential for doing business are made, it is vital to maintain them once established. At Acquarius, we are already setting out plans to ensure we follow up regularly so that by this time next year, brand new contacts made at “24” will be as strong as some made years earlier.
Of course, as in other jurisdictions, Gibraltar faces its challenges. Uppermost in our minds is the elusive Treaty about which I will add nothing here. Suffice to say that any remaining uncertainty should not become an excuse for taking our foot off the corporate pedal. In my honestly held view, Gibraltar received a massive boost last week thanks to government, Gibraltar Finance and, most of all, the attendees. We must not squander the invaluable goodwill generated. Let us grasp these opportunities for the ultimate benefit of all in Gibraltar – whilst the approving cheers are still ringing in our ears.