Sure, Virtual Conferences are Convenient. But Are They “Better?”

We know what you’re thinking. In the age of the Zoom call, we’re actually advocating for good ol’ in-person conferences instead of the virtual norm that’s taken its place? You bet we are.

There’s no denying the convenience of signing into a meeting from literally anywhere. Virtual meetings are super easy and a great addition to the modern workplace.

Nonetheless, the in-person conference will never fall totally out of fashion. In fact, if you have attended one of these in-person events lately, you know there’s a special buzz in the air. Everyone is excited to interact, catch up and meet new friends. Here are four reasons why meeting in person has a leg-up on virtual. 

Conversations are More Fluid

The main reason we advocate for in-person conferences is that conversations flow much more fluidly while you’re physically in the presence of the person or people you’re interacting with.

We’ve all been there. One person finishes a thought when suddenly two or more chime in simultaneously. What happens next is always interesting. We either get the two polite folks who take turns apologizing and yielding to one another while we sneak a peek at the clock, or we get some loudmouths who blather on over one another, neither willing to yield the floor. And while a few specific names might spring to mind, the truth is we’ve all probably been both at some point.

Either way, it’s a waste of time and happens far too often in virtual meetings.

And yes, while a more fluid conversation can make for a better overall experience, the drawbacks to virtual conversations can have an actual cost to the overall bottom line as well. Miscommunications that could easily be smoothed over with a quick side conversation after the meeting go unaddressed. Unstructured small talk between sessions that might evolve into a new partnership or lead generation might never occur. 

Conversations are where relationships inside and outside of your business are created and grown. And ultimately, it’s where trust between two parties is forged. Virtual meetings rob us of much of the fertile ground we need to develop them into something more. That lack of connection and trust can lead to more than just relational problems down the road. It can mean loss of or failure to generate new business.

It’s Easier to Share Content

It’s simple enough if the moderator shares their screen to draw the group’s attention to something important, but what about you? How can you share the screen? How can you direct everyone’s attention to a certain section of a presentation with words, robbed of your precious ability to point at stuff?

In person, you don’t have to navigate menus and verbally guide everyone to the sections you’re referencing. The same goes for notes, highlights, graphics, graphs, charts and more.

Screen sharing is super cool, but it can’t beat the quickness and convenience of literally pointing at the thing you’re trying to talk about to the group. Another win for the in-person conference!

No Technology “Mishaps” or Risks 

We’re sure most of us have skated by with the “bad connection” or “broken camera” excuse to avoid appearing on screen or being present in the meeting to begin with, but these technology mishaps actually happen.

It’s always a buzzkill when the host or someone integral to the meeting’s success experiences a tech (or user-error) problem like that. Sure, we’re all super stoked to log on for the RON closing, but it will be much more excruciating if Ron can’t solve his WiFi problems and get the RON rolling already.

In addition to user errors, though, there are also real data security concerns as well. Most people attending their first virtual conference probably aren’t thinking about whether the video conference app they’re using is under threat of being hacked or susceptible to unauthorized access. And the unfortunate reality is that many video conferencing solutions simply don’t offer optimal security to users. While most modern video conferencing platforms have built-in security capabilities, new users aren’t always prompted or encouraged to enable them.

Since video conferencing has grown exponentially over the past three years, the threat of cyberattacks has naturally grown as well. That’s why in-person is much simpler and safer to navigate. You’re there, or you’re not. No hardware is needed, just our lovely selves in all our glory.

There’s No Learning Curve

Okay, if you’ve met someone or, say, a handful of someones who lack basic social graces, then this point is moot. For the most part, though, there’s no learning curve to attending an in-person conference. You plop your caboose in a swivel chair, and there you are. Ready to conference, in-person style!

Virtual meetings, on the other hand, somehow still have a learning curve. Most people might be able to get in easily enough. However, others will fumble the link, mismanage their camera hardware, fail to mute the mic, and face connectivity issues — the list goes on.

The Takeaway

So how are virtual conferences better? Well, mostly because you don’t have to dress yourself above the waist and still be fulfilling all your professional obligations. You literally don’t need to leave your home to put in the time and call it a day.

But that’s why the in-person will still always trump the virtual. When you’re there, you’re there. You’re in it, committed, and ready to conference! (Not to mention, there’s usually a plethora of free food and beverages to imbibe). You’re also in a perfect position to get to know the teams and individuals you are (or hope to be) doing business with. So, as much as the virtual seems convenient, the in-person option will ultimately always be the superior choice.