Meeting participants speak positively about their
experiences:
This information is courtesy of Meetings Mean Business, a website that details the value of meetings, not only to companies, but also to the economy.
When my company hosts a meeting, seminar, or training info session, my job performance benefits tremendously. Meetings are a way to tap into new ideas, generate revenue, and enhance my career.
Christianna S., Virginia
The value of human connections (meetings) is immeasurable. Recently, I chaired a task force of bright, passionate industry experts. We were given a charter and a clear plan of action. The team was dedicated and met weekly for several months, making steady progress against our goal. At the end of our time together, we met for a full day to review the work that had been done. Much to our surprise, the outcomes and recommendations previously agreed to by the team changed significantly once we had a chance to meet in person. Incorporating the knowledge gained through personal interaction we will deliver a much more relevant, meaningful recommendation. This is just a small example of the value of meetings...and of human connections. I think we all know that meetings will continue but the question is at what real cost if they are converted to virtual formats to reduce cost. In addition to the obvious economic value meetings deliver, we need to change our focus from eliminating meetings to measuring the value meetings bring - the effectiveness of meetings. Meetings were conceived to drive growth - now, more than ever before; we should ensure they do just that.
Cindy D., Pennsylvania
There is no substitute for face-to-face meetings. It is absolutely the best facilitation of planning, strategizing and communications. WebEx’s and teleconference are great for interim touch points, but cannot replace the face to face meeting. In projects I have been involved in where we tried to drive entirely through teleconference/WebEx the cost of miscommunication and delays was staggering.
David M., Connecticut
Nothing will ever replace face to face communication. It's a better and more accurate way to collaborate with your clients, as well as your partners and employees. Face to face meetings are vital to sales and marketing efforts. Meetings are just plain good business. Technology is great, but I can't shake hands with it. It can't give someone a reassuring pat on the back, or a smile for a job well done. With all due respect to social networking tools, if all your business is done with e mail, e learning and e networking, you’re going to end up working e lone.
Hugh Q., New York
I am in the meeting and hospitality industry and I see the value of meetings every day; things that cannot be replaced by email or conference calls or video conference. We do not waste our time trying to duplicate things that have no value. Much time and effort is spent on trying to recreate the meeting experience because of the value and effectiveness they have. But nothing can replace shaking of hands and looking into someone’s eyes when you trust them to become part of your team or your business or welcoming them into your family. To dismiss meetings as unimportant is to lose an opportunity to gain real trust between partners of all kinds.
Matt V., Texas
