In an era marked by cost-cutting efforts and technological advances that allow interaction from remote locales, are conferences and seminars in danger of becoming an anachronism?  Probably not.  Despite the increasing popularity of webinars and social networking websites, face-to-face interaction offers unique benefits that virtual contact simply cannot.

Face-to-face interaction, crucial to building and maintaining relationships, is perhaps the most salient advantage of attending an in-person conference, workshop or seminar.

Brian Meyer, President and Managing Partner of Meeting Expectations, a conference planning and association mangement firm, says that “relationships are a critical component to professional success, and face-to-face meetings and events are tools that build and strengthen these relationships."

"Putting a face to a name and a tone to a voice brings a human element into the picture – and while socializing isn’t the primary goal of attending a conference, that personal interaction enhances the experience."

A recent survey of more than 750 business executives conducted by Forbes Insights revealed a significant increase in use of technology for remote business meetings, but a strong preference for face-to-face over technology-enabled ones.  Respondents cited the ability to build stronger, more reliable relationships, a greater ability to “read” another person and greater social interaction.   On the flip side, those who favored virtual meetings (two out of ten respondents) pointed to the savings – in time and money – as well as increased flexibility of location.

"Putting a face to a name and a tone to a voice brings a human element into the picture – and while socializing isn’t the primary goal of attending a conference, that personal interaction enhances the experience."

Most conferences hosted by professional organizations or industry trade associations are aimed at professional development.  Whether they focus on current trends, best practices, industry research, or projections, most conferences rely on the exchange of ideas. 

"While webinars and other online networking opportunities are great internal tools to expedite the way firms work together, building consensus requires collaboration among people,” says Pamela Kilbourn, Director of Conferences for Smith’s Research & Gradings, which hosts a variety of conferences pertaining to the municipal market and public sectors.  “That collaborative interaction can only come from a shared respect."

"… building consensus requires collaboration among people. That collaborative interaction can only come from a shared respect."

Face-to-face meetings and conferences “improve productivity and efficiency in our businesses through collaboration and the vital exchange of ideas, experiences, education and training,” according to Brian Meyer.  “Moreover, they impart motivation and inspiration, leading to higher professional satisfaction and greater employee retention – benefits that cannot be denied."

While online tutorials and educational software are designed to complement a student’s education, they are not intended to replace the school experience.  Likewise, virtual conferencing and webinars provide a plethora of opportunities that can extend the reach or life-cycle of in-person events. 

Meyer says that with the economic downturn and resulting budget pressures, a strategic combination of in-person and virtual events is effective; however, “smart organizations continue to prioritize face-to-face interaction because of its undeniable business value."

As Pamela Kilbourn puts it, “the municipal market is a community of individuals dedicated to serving the public purpose.  Communities are built and thrive based on people working together … What better way to build strong relationships than  meeting together – in person."

NEW_SECTIONMuniNet’s “Conference Guide” Can Point You in the Right DirectionEND_SUPP_HDR

MuniNet launched its Conference Guide in June 2008.  The feature has developed a strong following as a centralized resource for finding professional conferences and seminars related to municipal bonds, state and local government leadership, economic trends, and sector-specific topics , including housing, education, infrastructure, and transportation.

If your organization is planning to host a conference or seminar on a topic related to state and local government, municipal bonds, or public finance, let us know! Click here to complete a Conference Recommendation form for consideration.