8 benefits of in-person client meetings

It’s no secret that relationships are at the core of successful partnerships. However, with 34% of employees working in a remote or hybrid environment, it can be difficult to engage in a way that makes an impact. In-person meetings allow you to connect outside a screen. This can lead to conversations that are more meaningful and memorable.

Meeting a client in person also shows that you’re willing to invest time and effort in the relationship. It’s a great way to establish a first impression and set the foundation for positive interactions in the future.

Bouncing ideas off others can be challenging during a video or audio call. An in-person setting allows for immediate feedback and brainstorming, without any of the awkward lag that can come with technology.

Tools like whiteboards or sticky notes can also make the experience interactive. Plus, studies have shown that writing by hand can increase memory, critical thinking skills, and creativity. These can all be important elements when a team is working together to develop a new concept or solve a problem.

In-person communication is more than just verbal. Body language, facial expressions, and tone are all crucial for understanding a conversation's context. While you can see some of these things in virtual meetings, it’s easy to miss subtle hesitations or a moment when someone wants to speak up.

This is especially important when talking through difficult topics or feedback. Being able to address and clarify misunderstandings immediately can make conversations more effective. It can also reduce the risk of miscommunication.

Virtual meetings can come with many distractions, like incoming emails and notifications. Meeting participants can be tempted to multitask, which may cause them to miss out on important bits of information and conversation.

Data from Zippia shows that at least 55% of employees say they multitask in meetings, doing household chores, surfing the web, and more. In-person meetings require more attention. It isn’t as easy to multitask when you’re physically present. This can translate into more productive meetings where everyone is focused on the same goal.

In virtual meetings, some attendees who need information but aren’t required or expected to contribute may mute their microphone and turn off their camera. Face-to-face meetings don’t offer that opportunity; they encourage an environment where more people can contribute.

More engagement means additional voices. When you increase engagement from people in the room, you may learn from diverse perspectives. That can provide the input you need to make informed decisions.

Most meetings end with a summary of what the next steps will be, but it’s easy for them to get lost. Having everyone together in one room can lead to increased communication on the targets, milestones, and metrics that define success. And that results in clarity about what’s happening and why.

Face-to-face meetings present opportunities for team-building activities that contribute to strong group dynamics. Activities like group meals or office tours give team members a chance to interact more casually. These moments allow people to find common interests and understand one another on a more personal level.

In-person meetings make informal networking conversations possible. Chance discussions before and after meetings often lead to useful idea-sharing. This can move beyond what's in the structured agenda and may help you uncover new business opportunities.