Did you know that 69% of people admit to browsing social media to pass the time during audio-only conference calls, and believe it or not, 80% of millennials and 78% of Gen Xers prefer face-to-face meetings? There is no question that the internet has made the world a smaller and much more convenient place. Between video conference platforms, apps, social media, group chats, phone calls and emails, we can easily share our contributions in a cost effective way. On paper, getting objectives accomplished from the comfort of one’s environment, at very little cost, sounds like a no brainer.
So why spend the time and money to bring everyone together? Whether it be for a team building, meeting or celebration, as human beings, we like to experience things in person, with all of our senses. Simply put, there are outcomes we achieve when bringing two or more attendees together, with a common purpose, that the internet cannot replace. In most professional settings, hosting off-site functions, in a neutral setting facilitates an environment in which attendees can effectivity give information, provide input, develop ideas together, make concise decisions and enjoy warm, human contact. In fact, Oxford Economics USA Inc. reported that when a company eliminates its travel budget for a virtual meeting arrangement, there is an equal reduction in its revenue and profits, and that a complete cut in business travel would result in a 17% drop in revenue in the first year which would then take more than 3 years to get back to the pre-budget-cut levels.
Face-to-face events strengthen the bond amongst your team members and create a comfort zone that allows folks to throw any and every idea at the wall without a fear that can often hold great ideas back. Equally important is the opportunity to reinforce your team members work related roles and allow others to see their leaders, peers and reports as real people.
So perhaps the questions isn’t why face-to-face events can never truly be replaced, but rather when you and your team can set aside time to come together again. Whether it be for an evening of team building, a day meeting that gets everyone out of the office together or a multi-day retreat that allows everyone to truly disconnect, we know your next off-site will ensure a stronger team that works better together in exceeding that next goal. We are looking forward to the day that we can welcome your teams back here at Normandy Farm.
Located just 25 minutes from Center City Philadelphia and situated in the heart of Blue Bell, Pa.,Normandy Farm Hotel and Conference Center is more than a meticulously restored American landmark—it's a fully wired, high-tech hospitality venue. Relax on our grand terrace, sip a cocktail in America's oldest silo, play a challenging game of golf on our championship course, plan an event with us or dine on our delectable farm-to-table cuisine. It all adds up to One Historic Experience