In a world where digital communication is everywhere, there’s still something special about in-person meetings. At One Event, we organize hundreds of events yearly and still find magic and special experiences in each one.
That’s why you can trust us when we say: face-to-face interactions help build trust, strengthen relationships, and open up opportunities that virtual meetings just can’t match.
But how important are they really in today’s busy, tech-driven business world?
Research consistently highlights how important it is to be physically present when building trust. A Forbes Insights study found that 85% of people believe face-to-face meetings build stronger, more meaningful business relationships. Similarly, Harvard Business Review reported that 95% of respondents see in-person meetings as key to long-term business success.
Besides the studies, we wanted to have a personal view on the topic, so we asked Andras Orszag, Business Development Director – who frequently meets new clients and attends industry events and tourism fairs – to share his thoughts on the power of personal meetings and why they’re key to building strong business connections.
Q: From your experience, what is the biggest advantage of meeting clients in person compared to online meetings?
Nothing compares to the vibe and trust we can build in a face-to-face conversation. We pick up on body language, create personal connections, and can show authenticity that often gets lost over a screen. While I believe in the efficiency and advantages of online meetings, connecting in person is the best opportunity to show clients our work and willingness to go the extra mile.
When the clock does not run out abruptly, we have a chance for a deeper conversation to better understand our partners’ needs, goals, challenges, and can explore solutions together.
Q: Can you share a memorable moment where an in-person meeting really helped close a deal or strengthen a business connection?
A recent favorite was a casual chat during a coffee break at a trade show that turned into a brainstorming session for an incentive trip to Morocco. We happen to have been in Morocco and the client devoted extra time between functions to personally meet our director Badr Kaoukaoui from ONE Event Morocco. This willingness to meet, even when the schedule is so tight, signifies the undeniable importance of personal relationships.
Q: Do you think in-person meetings will always be essential, or will virtual ones take over? How do you see the balance changing?
Virtual meetings are great for efficiency, but in-person interactions will always have the edge when it comes to building trust, making meaningful connections, or important decisions. I believe we will continue to see a hybrid approach – virtual for updates, face-to-face for relationship-building.
The human element is especially irreplaceable in our industry, where hospitality and experiences matter most. Since ONE Event operates in multiple destinations, in-person meetings are the best way to nurture partnerships, share unique experiences, and keep people informed of the wide spectrum of our services and areas of operation.
Q: If you could have a face-to-face meeting with anyone in history (business or otherwise), who would it be and why?
I am notoriously indecisive when it comes to choosing just one thing, or person, so instead, I would opt for an epic networking event filled with the greatest minds in history. Explorers, inventors, artists, philosophers and game-changers would surely top the invitation list and if this was not enough, luckily, we can count on ONE Event to shake things up and make it remarkable!
Did you know?
Studies show that a handshake alone increases cooperation and trust between individuals.
Researchers at the University of Chicago found that a simple handshake before negotiations led to more mutually beneficial outcomes. It signals openness and reduces tension – even before a word is spoken!
Visualizing the impact: a real-world scenario
Imagine a sales team negotiating a high-stakes contract with a potential client. Meeting in person lets the team show sincerity through body language, make eye contact, and have spontaneous conversations. These things help build trust and rapport in a way that’s hard to match online.
Work Email Fails That Haunt People At Night
In contrast, relying solely on emails or conference calls may lead to misunderstandings or a lack of personal connection, potentially jeopardizing the deal.
The role of nonverbal communication
Nonverbal communication is key to building trust. Things like eye contact, facial expressions, and body language show empathy, understanding, and sincerity.
But these are often lost in virtual meetings, where screen limitations and technical issues might make it harder to communicate clearly.
The remote work challenge: the missing connection
With the rise of remote work, businesses and employees enjoy flexibility but also face challenges in maintaining strong interpersonal connections. While video calls and messaging apps help, they often lack the warmth of real human interaction.
Many remote workers report feeling isolated, leading to lower engagement and weakened team cohesion.
A Microsoft study found that remote workers have fewer spontaneous interactions, making it harder to have casual but meaningful conversations that help build camaraderie and trust.
How to bridge the gap?
Even in remote environments, companies can strengthen relationships by:
- Organizing regular in-person meetups for team bonding
- Encouraging cameras-on policies during virtual meetings
- Creating virtual coffee breaks to allow casual conversations
- Using hybrid work models that balance flexibility with occasional face-to-face collaboration
- Use opportunities to meet through annual gala dinners, incentive trips, team-buildings, in person meetings, and conferences. Celebrating success together is incredibly inspiring and strengthens personal connections.
Conclusion: digital can’t replace the human connection
While digital communication is convenient, it cannot fully substitute the richness of face-to-face interactions. Making time for in-person meetings – whether at work, in business, or in personal relationships – leads to deeper connections and stronger trust.
So, next time you’re tempted to send an email or schedule a Zoom call, ask yourself: Could this be better accomplished in person? You might be surprised by the impact of a simple face-to-face conversation.
At ONE Event, we truly believe in the power of personal interactions, as we experience it firsthand at hundreds of events each year.
Feel free to contact us for your next event – we’d love to help you create meaningful connections!