The Value of Presence: Why In-Person Meetings Still Matter

Work Life

16 Sept

In a world increasingly reliant on digital communication, it's easy to overlook the power of face-to-face interactions. With Zoom links replacing boardroom bookings and phone calls standing in for impromptu chats, the humble in-person meeting may seem outdated. But despite the convenience of remote tools, there are compelling reasons why gathering in person can offer deeper engagement, more effective communication, and long-term relationship building.

We, The Auction Rooms, are proud to provide a setting where local businesses can come together, inspire each other, and collaborate - and this genuinely happens in our spaces. The activity generated under our roof, and that of other local operators, has a positive effect on the wider Scottish economy, which can only benefit us all.

Richer Communication Through Non-Verbal Cues

In-person meetings provide access to the full spectrum of human communication: body language, facial expressions, posture, eye contact, and even silence. These cues, often subtle, help participants:

Gauge reactions in real-time.

Build trust and rapport more easily.

Avoid misunderstandings caused by tone or context loss in virtual settings.

While video calls bridge some of this gap, they still miss elements like energy in the room or the nuances of group dynamics, especially with poor lighting, lag, or screen fatigue.

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Stronger Relationship Building

Human connection thrives on presence. Whether it’s sharing a laugh before a meeting starts, walking together afterward, or grabbing a coffee mid-session, these informal touchpoints foster camaraderie, empathy, and trust. Especially in client or stakeholder relationships, in-person interactions leave a more lasting, memorable impression.

This is critical in situations where:

Teams are newly formed or have undergone restructuring.

Trust is required for high-stakes collaborations.

Cultural nuances or emotional context are vital.

In-person meeting in the Gun Room - a 4-person meeting room for rent at The Auction Rooms serviced offices

3. Improved Focus and Engagement

Multitasking on video calls is rampant. From checking emails to browsing tabs, distractions are just a click away. In-person meetings create a shared space where participants are more likely to:

Stay engaged and mentally present.

Collaborate actively using whiteboards, physical documents, or prototypes.

Contribute in a more equitable way. This is especially helpful in teams where some voices might otherwise be muted online.

4. Greater Creativity

Collaboration tools like Miro and Google Docs are powerful, but they can’t fully replicate the magic of spontaneous creativity sparked in a room full of people. In-person brainstorming sessions often benefit from:

Organic idea flow without latency or turn-taking delays.

Physical space to sketch, build, and iterate.

Energising group dynamics that encourage bold thinking.

For strategy sessions, creative workshops, or conflict resolution, nothing beats the energy of being in the same room.

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5. Fewer Technical Barriers

Technology brings people together—but it can also slow them down. Poor internet connections, time zone mismatches, or user fatigue can undermine the efficiency of virtual communication. In contrast, in-person meetings:

Require less troubleshooting.

Encourage punctuality and full presence.

Reduce misunderstandings that might stem from misheard or mistyped communication.

Browse our selection of meeting rooms at the Auction Rooms:

The Whisky Room

Capacity 4

Integrated ClickShare + HD Screen

Complimentary access to members lounge, including locally sourced artisan coffee and teas, snacks and fruit