Forget traditional networking events that, at times, feel formal and intimidating, ‘the chillest afterwork’ first summer edition, held at Norrsken on 13th, June 2024, was all about making genuine connections in a stress-free setting.
Organized by The Chillest Company in partnership with Vugana, Araka, Virunga, Eagle View Lodge, Bistro de Kigali, Hilight lighting solutions and Kigali’s leading lifestyle publication SENS Magazine, the event served relaxation at its peak, providing an ideal backdrop after the day’s hustle.
According to Ines Debets, co-founder of Vugana, “Networking is very important, but it needs to be in a chill vibe,”
Stephane A. Marques, the founder of ‘The Chillest Company’, further echoed Ines’ view when he explained the inspiration behind ‘the chillest afterwork’ event.
“I have been to many networking events here in Kigali, and they seem pretty boring. People show up with business cards and give them out without talking to each other,” he noted. Adding that as ‘the chillest’, they believe that to achieve impactful networking, it’s crucial to provide a loosened ambience that allows people to feel comfortable doing business.
By 5:30 pm, Norrsken’s 5th-floor terrace was clad in a laid-back atmosphere with ambient lighting, soothing music by DJ Linda, a refreshing array of cocktails, wines, and liquors, and mouthwatering burgers and fries, setting the tone for casual conversations and interactions.
The event brought together entrepreneurs, creatives, and professionals from various sectors, creating a dynamic space for networking, collaboration, and unwinding.
Kenny Ntwali, the CEO of ‘High Coffee’ is among the attendees SENS spoke to. Invited by his kindergarten friend who attended the second edition of ‘the chillest afterwork’, Ntwali was seen in the company of other entrepreneurs, anticipating to find partners and sponsors to boost his four-year business.
The concept, spearheaded by Stephane and Ines, came to life in 2016 in Brussels as an after-work event for young people to connect. Due to COVID-19, the duo was forced to go separate ways, bringing their brilliant initiative to a halt, until last year when they met in Kigali and decided to resurrect it.
First held at Onomo Hotel, the event commenced with each of the parties inviting their friends, who in turn invited friends, and with the help of social media, the rest is history.
According to Ines, this year’s summer edition will happen again on July 11th and August 8th, 2024. Although attendance is free of charge, participants RSVP with their name, the company they work with, and email addresses before the event.
Targeting entrepreneurs, CEOs, Directors, influencers, and artists; the jamboree’s intent is for people to connect and have fun in a relaxed way.
“Kigali city is small, but we intend to make it ‘bigger’ by bringing people from all walks of life together to connect, exchange ideas, and work opportunities. Through sharing photos and videos on social media, we create visibility-people recognize each other and start working together,” explained Ines.
Three hours into the event, attendee number 33, who preferred anonymity, won herself a night at Eagle View Lodge with their chosen plus one, in a give-back feat by the organizers.
As Kigali continues to grow as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, events like these play a crucial role in fostering connections and building a supportive community.
According to Herve Rugwizangoga from Rwanda Finance Limited, they have a mandate to transform Kigali into a financial center, and such events are among the many ways they create awareness of Rwanda’s conducive financial ecosystem.
The chillest afterwork is among the many concepts of ‘The Chillest Company’, with others including covering parties, weddings, and chillest media (to be unveiled soon) for interviews and podcasts.
Photos by @r1ch.i
