The Covid pandemic may now be half a decade in the past, but the aftershocks have taken a long time to fade. The convenience of virtual meet ups was enabled by rapidly advancing and more reliable technology, and for a while it seemed that this would shape the future of the corporate world.
However, in-person networking events, such as those regularly held at our Milton Keynes conference centre, have made a strong comeback. Here’s a look at the good reasons why.
The limitations of remote communication are clearer
Virtual communication has its advantages, but it is reliant on seamless connectivity and platform integration, which is not always a given, no matter how much prep you put into an event. Technology can be unpredictable, and any issues can soon undermine the success of a remote event.
Not all participants are natural at navigating digital technology, especially if they need to engage with an unfamiliar platform. They may not have a distraction free environment to participate from.
This can put them at a disadvantage and undermine their contribution to the event, as well as disrupt the general flow of proceedings, and potentially mean that important points are missed.
Furthermore, online interactions tend to be much less memorable, because it is harder to read the nuances of body language, tone of voice, and so on. This can mean that your event had much less impact than you hope that it would, and participants are not enthusiastic in their feedback.
People crave authentic connections
Ultimately, we are social beings, and being able to meet up in person creates an energy that is impossible to replicate on screen. Being able to chat and mingle face to face also brings those spontaneous moments when a chance conversation can lead to a lasting business partnership or new idea.
It’s also easier to strengthen and deepen established relationships when you can make eye contact and read the facial expressions of the person you are talking to. This is the process of building trust and assessing the authenticity of words and gestures, which is much more difficult to do over a screen.
They disrupt the everyday routine and spark fresh ideas
There’s no denying that some aspects of office life can feel humdrum, no matter how much you enjoy your job. In-person events give employees a chance to step outside their comfort zones and experience a stimulating new environment. This can bring fresh perspectives and help participants see old problems in a new light.
Greater ROI for businesses
The drawbacks of virtual meet ups mean that the time and cost involved in hosting the event is not worth the investment in terms of resulting lead generations, partnerships, and team connections. While in person events involve the cost of the venue hire and transport, the investment yields a better pay back for many companies.
