In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses around the world adapted to virtual platforms like Zoom to maintain operations. These tools were essential during times of social distancing. But their convenience has led many to now default to virtual meetings — even when in-person interactions are entirely feasible.

This shift raises a critical question: Are we compromising the quality of our relationships by relying too heavily on screens?

The Distinct Advantages of In-Person Communication

Face-to-face interactions offer benefits that virtual meetings often can’t match. Among them:

Non-Verbal Cues: In-person conversations allow us to observe body language, facial expressions, and other non-verbal signals — providing deeper insight into colleagues’ thoughts and feelings. This leads to stronger collaboration and understanding.

Credibility and Trust: Direct communication helps convey sincerity and build trust — an essential component in any successful business relationship.

Stronger Engagement: Physical presence increases attentiveness and participation, resulting in richer discussion and more creative problem-solving.

Conflict Resolution: When we meet in person, we’re better able to clear up misunderstandings and resolve disagreements quickly and amicably.

Relationship Building: Spending time together in the same room helps foster rapport and camaraderie, creating the foundation for long-term partnerships.

Empirical Support for In-Person Engagement

Research supports what many of us intuitively know:

A Stanford study found that in-person teams generate 15 to 20 percent more ideas than virtual ones, demonstrating the creative synergy fostered by proximity.

A Harvard Business Review survey found that 79 percent of respondents saw in-person meetings as more effective for team-building, compared to just 19 percent who favored virtual formats.

A Commitment to In-Person Connection

So how can business leaders intentionally foster more face-to-face engagement in an increasingly virtual world?

Start by creating more opportunities for people to connect in real time — not just in the boardroom, but across roles, industries, and experience levels. Hosting in-person meetings focused on shared challenges can spark cross-sector dialogue and collaboration.

Organizations like ours, which are built on relationships and regional connection, have seen firsthand how meaningful these real-world interactions can be. People often get the most value from the unplanned moments — a hallway conversation, a coffee break, or a quick chat before a panel begins. These interactions build familiarity and trust in a way scheduled video calls rarely can.

During the pandemic, like many organizations, we transitioned to virtual formats. Despite our best efforts, the energy and engagement were noticeably diminished. Membership dipped. But as we returned to in-person gatherings, we saw a renewed enthusiasm. Membership climbed. Attendance surged. People were eager to reconnect — and they showed up.

Signs of a Resurgence

As we look ahead, it’s clear that Long Island’s business community thrives when we lean into in-person connection. We’re seeing signs of a real resurgence — more professionals choosing to meet face-to-face, more organizations reinvesting in live gatherings, and more companies recognizing that relationship-building is essential to long-term growth.

From our perspective, having hosted numerous gatherings that bring together stakeholders from across sectors, we know that face-to-face environments accelerate collaboration and spark new partnerships.

If you’re in a position to host, participate in, or attend live business events — say yes. Create or seek out spaces where conversation happens freely, where ideas are exchanged openly, and where partnerships are born from mutual respect and shared goals.

In-person communication may take a little more effort. But it delivers outsized value — not just in deals closed, but in networks strengthened and communities built. When we make the choice to show up, we send a message: that we’re invested, we’re engaged, and we’re ready to move forward — together.

Looking Ahead: Choosing Connection Over Convenience

Long Island has always been a “big little community” — tight-knit, collaborative, and driven by relationships with a shared sense of purpose. As we look ahead, we must challenge ourselves not to default to screens when a handshake, a coffee, or a conversation across a table is possible.

Face-to-face communication enriches our business efforts — and strengthens our community. Let’s keep choosing connection. Let’s keep showing up.