In Person Vs Zoom Meetings

In an era where virtual meetings have become the default, the importance of face-to-face interactions is being re-evaluated.

While Zoom and Teams offer unparalleled convenience, many professionals are rediscovering the unique advantages of in-person meetings.

Just last week, I attended a regional business meeting that brought together stakeholders from both the private and public sectors. What struck me immediately was the divide in attendance.

Every representative from the private sector made the effort to attend in person. They arrived early, networked over coffee, and came prepared to contribute meaningfully to the discussions.

In stark contrast, every attendee from the local council joined via Zoom.

They were dialled in from separate locations, often with cameras off and little opportunity for spontaneous engagement.

At first, it might seem like a small thing, just a preference for remote attendance. But to me, it was a clear and powerful reflection of mindset and motivation.

The private sector’s physical presence signalled a different level of commitment. They were there to build relationships, to be seen, to listen actively, and to make things happen.

The energy in the room was dynamic, driven by those who chose to be present, not just virtually, but physically.

Shown by recent research, teams that meet in person generate 15% to 20% more ideas than those who meet virtually. Being in the same space fosters spontaneity and richer collaboration.

There’s something about bouncing ideas off someone across the table, reading the room’s energy, and having those quick, unscripted moments that simply can’t be replicated online.

Studies have also shown that face-to-face interactions build stronger relationships and trust more quickly than virtual alternatives.

What’s also interesting is that a significant number of professionals experience exhaustion and disengagement from too many virtual meetings, affecting productivity and morale.

I mean, I completely agree, talking to a computer screen for hours does make me tired. There’s a kind of mental drain that comes from trying to stay focused and engaged without the natural cues and rhythm of a shared physical space.

There’s a noticeable difference in how sectors are navigating the post-pandemic meeting culture.

Many private businesses are actively choosing in-person formats for high-impact meetings, recognising the long-term value of human connection.

Meanwhile, some public bodies remain tethered to remote-only policies, often citing logistics and cost-efficiency.

But this convenience can come at the expense of innovation, energy, and collaboration.

This isn’t a criticism, but an observation, one that invites reflection on how different sectors prioritise interaction and presence.

To be clear, virtual meetings still serve a vital role, especially for dispersed teams or quick check-ins.

The hybrid approach is here to stay, and for good reason.

But when it comes to forging partnerships, solving complex problems, or setting strategic direction, there’s still no substitute for being in the room.

As we continue to evolve in our working habits, it’s worth asking: what do we lose when we don’t show up? The answer, increasingly, seems to be opportunity.

In-person meetings aren’t just about being seen, they’re about seeing, connecting, and building the kind of momentum that screens can’t replicate.

So next time you’re invited to a meeting, consider whether your presence, your real presence, might make all the difference.

This is also why The Art of Hospitality, our upcoming initiative, matters so much right now. It’s a chance to come together in person, have real conversations, and share ideas that help us all move forward.

It’s designed for independent hospitality professionals who want to connect, learn from each other, and pick up practical tools for the road ahead. Because honestly, sometimes just being in the same room can spark the kind of energy and inspiration that Zoom just can’t deliver.

Get your tickets here and be a part of the movement: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/thehospitalityheroltd/1247488?

Source – https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/insights/zoom-or-out-why-face-face-meetings-matter?

Source – https://www.axios.com/2024/06/24/zoom-meeting-participation?