BONITA SPRINGS, FL – As Zoom calls ascended during the pandemic, many professionals openly declared that in-person conferences were on the decline. Why spend the time, money, and effort to shake hands in the digital age?

In many ways, the opposite happened with more people than ever yearning for face-to-face networking. For example, last year’s CSC in Las Vegas attracted more than 600 attendees, making it the most well-attended CSC in the event’s 39-year history. We asked CSC attendees why they continue to make the trip, and it turns out that knowledge, networking, and inspiration are more valuable than ever.

“Unquestionably, attending the Construction Super Conference in person creates opportunities to make connections with other attorneys and consulting experts throughout the country. The presentations invite interaction by presenters and attendees. The receptions, lunches, dinners, and even the breaks allow attorneys to discuss industry trends and best practices. Each venue provides an environment for leading attorneys and legal experts to develop relationships that can lead to meaningful future business opportunities. That feature makes a difference to one’s practice and clients. Virtual attendance renders the participant a spectator.” — Ronald L Williams, partner, co-chair, National Construction Practice, Fox Rothschild

“There is no substitute for interpersonal contact. The ability to see, talk, observe body language, have a drink, have a lunch or a dinner, etc. cannot be digitally substituted. Further, to have many such contacts available in a joint forum only multiplies these opportunities.” — Michael F. McKenna, partner, Cohen Seglias Pallas Greenhall & Furman PC

“First and foremost, virtual conferences are really only useful for delivering content. They do not foster or allow for interaction between participants, which can be one of the most beneficial aspects of attending conferences. Certainly, the social interactions are one of the reasons that the Super Conference is so successful and well attended. It remains one of the premier networking opportunities in the industry. Second, it is hard enough to capture people’s interest and attention in a live setting. In a virtual setting, attendees are more likely to be multi-tasking at their computers, rather than paying genuine attention and interest to the speaking sessions. That is unfair to the speakers who have spent countless hours preparing for their sessions.” — Wendy Venoit, member | Cozen O’Connor

“The human interaction that conferences foster and the personal relationships that develop from them can’t be replicated from screens. Just as the online dating world is now migrating back to personal meet and greets, the same will happen in my view within our professional networks. We are social creatures and conferences are an integral part of that social experience.” — Wayne Kalayjian, managing director, Secretariat

“I love the excitement of attending an in person live conference. There is an anticipation of seeing people who I have not seen in a while and listening to speakers sharing experience and substantive legal analysis on key issues affecting my practice. Zoom seminars and the like simply cannot substitute for the positive emotional and professional experience that an in-person conference provides.” — Edward Seglias, senior partner and vice president, Cohen Seglias Pallas Greenhall & Furman

“For me, it is the chance to connect in person with colleagues and professionals in the industry. I find that it is important to meet people face to face, share experiences, and invest time to have a full conversation to get to better know and understand each other. Such personal interaction is important in developing trust and a meaningful relationship.” — Ralf R. Rodriguez, member | Cozen O’Connor

“In-person conferences allow for free flowing and open discussion. They also facilitate follow-up questions and dialogue. Further, the legal profession still depends upon relationships and referrals which can best be developed through in-person interaction.” — David A. Hecker, group general counsel, Strategic Resolutions, KIEWIT CORPORATION

“People are now relying so heavily on video conferencing that they have lost the benefits of engaged learning. When face-to-face, you have the ability to pick up on ques, build a rapport with people, and share ideas without interruption from technical issues or other distractions.” — Heather F. Shore, Baker Sterchi Cowden & Rice LLC

“Digital conferences are OK for transmitting information through Teams, Zoom, etc. However, there is rarely sufficient time to ask and receive answers to all of the questions attendees may have.  And there is never any time for discussion. In-person conferences overcome these challenges. Additionally, in person conferences are great for making new contacts or catching up with others that you may know. These personal contacts are truly valuable if someone is looking for assistance with an issue. Digital conferences simply do not provide such opportunities.” — James G. Zack, Jr., principal, James Zack Consulting, LLC

“In-person conferences provide an invaluable opportunity to network with clients, colleagues and competitors. Sometimes the most important take away of a conference may be from networking with clients, colleagues and competitors.” — Christopher M. Horton, partner, Smith Currie Oles

“In-person contact and meaningful connection will always be more significant than virtual or other technology-assisted communication. We’re hardwired to be that way.” — Brent N. Mackay, partner, Watt Tieder

“In-person conferences are still very relevant in the digital era. While they probably share equally with digital media in conveying educational content, in-person conferences dominate when it comes to creating and maintaining relationships with your piers nationwide. As both a frequent speaker and attendee at various conferences, in-person events have an extra quality that you can’t get from a online event.” — Brian Gaudet, Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP

“We need to get out of our offices and meet people. In-person conferences provide a space for broader conversations, hearing from multiple perspectives, and really getting to know colleagues and friends in our industry.” — Michael V. Pepe, managing partner – SDV Northeast