Why are in-person meetings better in the world of remote working?

5 top benefits of in-person meetings

Just because digital working has become the norm, doesn’t mean that we aren’t missing out on valuable aspects of in-person events, conferences and meetings. Here’s 5 reasons why you should consider ditching the screen:

1) Establishing trust through human connection

According to the Harvard Business Review, face-to-face communication can be 34 times more powerful than online communication. No matter how much it is debated, and while remote working and events have their place, nothing can quite replicate the connections made by meeting your team members and other professionals in person.

Face-to-face interactions allow both hosts and attendees to pick up on body language and facial expressions, shake hands, and maintain eye contact. These seemingly small details help establish trust and credibility, leaving a lasting impression that virtual meetings often can’t match.

Whether it’s a team meeting or a conference with external people like stakeholders, clients, and industry professionals, the element of trust in face-to-face interactions is invaluable.

2) Make your events more engaging

In-person meetings often feel more interactive and dynamic than virtual ones. Bringing everyone together creates a celebratory atmosphere (maybe with the addition of nibbles and refreshments to sweeten the deal) making the day feel special and breaking the routine of daily work.

This setting encourages more active participation, discussion, and audience interaction. Conversations naturally evolve, and presenters can read cues from the crowd – something nearly impossible with remote attendees who have their mics and cameras off. This engagement leads to a more productive event, ensuring attendees leave with valuable insights and points. Win-win!

3) Network with industry professionals

While networking may not be everyone’s favourite activity, it’s an invaluable way to build relationships with fellow entrepreneurs, potential clients, and industry experts. These connections are harder to forge online, where you miss out on casual conversations before and after events, or during breaks. Another insight from the Harvard Business Review states that 95% of respondents said face-to-face meetings are essential for business relationships.

Gathering diverse opinions and knowledge in the same room sparks innovation and creativity. When you or your employees gain different perspectives on similar topics, this can provide your business with a competitive edge, making networking a key component of successful in-person events.

4) Bond your team members

In the wake of the pandemic, remote work has become increasingly common, often resulting in teams that have never met face-to-face. While remote work can still be incredibly productive, organising an in-person conference presents an invaluable opportunity to foster cohesion among team members.

When teams function as a unified entity rather than individuals working in isolation, productivity and employee satisfaction is bound to rise. Collaboration leads to speedy problem-solving, facilitates the exchange of innovative ideas, and optimises workflow processes.

Plus, effective collaboration is great for company culture. A positive company culture is key for morale, which in turn leads to better work. Happy people = better business.

5) Showcase your product, exhibition or service

When you’re hosting an event to launch a new product or showcase your latest work, sometimes a screen just won’t do it justice. Exhibiting your products or services at an event allows potential customers to experience them firsthand, which can be a powerful selling point.

Face-to-face interactions with customers often lead to candid conversations and invaluable feedback. This direct feedback loop could give you insights that you’ve never considered before, helping you to refine your products or services to better meet customer needs.

What are the disadvantages of in-person meetings?

Every type of event has its pros and cons, so it’s all about choosing what works best for your goals. Here are a few key drawbacks to consider when planning in-person meetings:

• More planning required: organising logistics, schedules, and travel can take extra time and resources.
• Venue costs: hiring a suitable space comes with added expense.
• Limited reach: attendance may be restricted if guests can’t travel to the location.

That said, virtual events bring their own challenges. Without face-to-face interaction, it can be harder for guests to build connections, and technology issues can quickly derail the experience.

A great alternative is hybrid events, which combine the best of both worlds. If some people can’t attend in person, they can still join remotely. This is where the right AV setup is essential.

Fortunately, at CCT Venues, we provide everything you need – from projectors and microphones to our 360° Meeting Owl. This smart device automatically detects who’s speaking, captures the whole room’s audio, and removes the hassle of awkward camera setups, ensuring virtual attendees feel just as involved as those in the room.

So, are in-person or virtual meetings better?

The truth is, neither format is universally “better” – it depends on your goals, your audience, and the resources you have available.

In-person meetings create deeper connections, encourage spontaneous conversations, and often lead to stronger collaboration. They’re especially valuable when you’re trying to build relationships, brainstorm ideas, or make important strategic decisions. But virtual and hybrid events can be a great solution for many – especially for quick updates and global teams when agility is essential.