Face-to-face networking beats digital tools. Despite the rise of AI and virtual platforms, in-person events provide unmatched opportunities for building trust, sparking creativity, and forming meaningful connections.
Here’s why professionals still prioritize physical gatherings:
- AI saturation limits authenticity: Over 57% of online content is AI-generated, making genuine interactions harder to find.
- Body language builds trust: Non-verbal cues like handshakes and smiles are irreplaceable for assessing sincerity.
- Spontaneous moments drive collaboration: Virtual platforms lack the unscripted interactions that often lead to major partnerships.
- Higher engagement: In-person events outperform digital ones by over 100% in business deal closures and participant satisfaction.
Take the RAISE Summit 2026 in Paris as an example. With 9,000 attendees and 80% of them being C-level executives, it’s a prime venue for forming partnerships, learning from top experts, and participating in activities like Europe’s largest AI hackathon. Whether you're looking to connect with industry leaders or dive into practical workshops, attending in-person events like this can make all the difference.
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The Gaps in Digital-Only Networking
In-Person vs Digital Networking: Key Performance Metrics
Shallow Interactions and Trust Issues
Digital platforms may connect us to a wider audience, but they often fall short in fostering genuine professional relationships. The issue goes beyond the technology itself - it’s about the lack of authenticity it can encourage. For instance, in early 2025, a marketing professional at Isoline Communications shared how a LinkedIn post about a "vibe coding webinar" quickly attracted automated bots. These bots generated comments that sounded authoritative but were ultimately meaningless, highlighting how AI saturation makes it harder to distinguish true expertise from automated noise.
Another challenge is the absence of non-verbal cues. A handshake, a smile, or even subtle body language can communicate trust and sincerity in ways that digital tools simply can't replicate. Jean Evans, Networking Facilitator at NetworkingJeanie, emphasizes this point:
"In an era where AI can generate fake content, trust and authenticity become paramount. Face-to-face networking allows individuals to assess body language, facial expressions, and other non-verbal cues" - Jean Evans
Research based on pandemic-era data supports this, showing little evidence that online interactions can fully compensate for the lack of in-person contact. These limitations underline the deeper issues with digital meetings.
Video Call Fatigue and Lower Engagement
While virtual meetings have become the norm, they’re often exhausting and fail to hold participants' attention. The data speaks volumes: in-person events surpass digital ones by over 100% in both content consumption and business deal closure rates. Moreover, attendee satisfaction with in-person events is more than three times higher (336%) than with digital-only formats.
Why? One major factor is constant multitasking. Virtual settings make it far too easy for attendees to check emails, reply to messages, or even work on other projects during sessions. Robert Lowe, President of Nth Degree Events, puts it bluntly:
"Digital events yield less than 50% of the engagement achieved in person, especially over longer events" - Robert Lowe
The convenience of virtual events - no travel, no significant financial commitment - often leads to passive participation. Cameras stay off, and meaningful connections are hard to establish. Beyond fatigue, these events strip away the spontaneous moments that often drive creativity and collaboration.
Lost Spontaneous Connections
One of the biggest drawbacks of digital networking is the lack of serendipity. Take, for example, a chance meeting in 1973 between geneticists Stanley Cohen and Herbert Boyer at a conference dinner. Their conversation led to a groundbreaking collaboration on recombinant DNA technology, which essentially birthed the biotechnology industry. Such spontaneous breakthroughs simply don’t occur in scheduled Zoom calls.
Digital platforms operate on algorithms and structured interactions, but in-person meetings thrive on the unscripted. Boris Grot, Associate Professor at the University of Edinburgh, highlights this gap:
"There is no evidence that existing online collaboration and video conferencing tools can recreate the serendipity, undivided attention and continuous intellectual immersion that an in-person meeting provides" - Boris Grot
Those "in-between" moments - like hallway chats, casual lunches, or shared laughter at a vendor booth - are where unexpected partnerships and ideas often emerge. These moments are entirely absent in a remote-first, digital-only world.
Benefits of In-Person Networking Events
Building Trust and Genuine Professional Connections
There's something powerful about face-to-face interactions that virtual meetings just can't replicate. In France, where 35% of businesses have already integrated AI technologies into their processes, in-person networking offers a chance to build trust through authentic, personal exchanges. These moments allow for immediate feedback and subtle nuances that online interactions often miss.
Thom Singer, CEO of Austin Technology Council, sums it up beautifully:
"AI can introduce you to someone, but it can't build trust. AI can schedule a meeting, but it can't create a real connection" - Thom Singer
From the ambiance of the venue to those spontaneous coffee break chats, physical events leave an impression that sticks. These shared experiences strengthen professional relationships and lay the groundwork for deeper collaboration.
Gaining Direct Access to Industry Leaders
One of the standout advantages of attending in-person events is the opportunity to connect directly with top minds in the field. France, home to 12% of Europe's AI workforce, attracts decision-makers and innovators to these gatherings. In fact, more than 80% of attendees at major AI summits are C-level executives and founders.
These events often include intimate discussions and closed-door sessions where leaders share insights they wouldn't post online. Whether it's tackling industry challenges, discussing ethical concerns, or brainstorming potential partnerships, these face-to-face interactions allow professionals to dive into topics that rarely surface in fragmented digital spaces.
Hands-On Learning in Real-Time
In-person events aren't just about networking - they're also a hub for practical learning. Workshops and live sessions hold attendees' attention like no webinar ever could, encouraging focused collaboration and problem-solving. This is especially crucial in France's rapidly growing AI sector, where a €1.5 billion government investment highlights its importance.
These physical gatherings bring together builders, investors, and policymakers, creating a space for high-stakes collaboration. Interactive formats like hackathons and prototyping sessions allow participants to transform abstract ideas into actionable innovations. Unlike virtual meetings, these dynamic setups foster creativity and push the boundaries of what's possible.
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RAISE Summit: A Leading AI Networking Event in Paris
RAISE Summit stands out as a prime example of how in-person events can spark genuine professional connections and collaborations.
Set in the iconic Carrousel du Louvre, this summit has quickly become one of Europe's most prominent AI conferences. Eric Schmidt, former CEO and Chairman of Google, called it, "The fastest-growing AI Tech conference in Europe, and maybe in history". The 2026 edition is anticipated to welcome over 9,000 attendees from more than 2,000 companies, with 80% of participants being C-level executives and founders eager to establish meaningful partnerships.
Highlights and What Attendees Can Expect
The summit features over 350 speakers across four tracks - Foundation, Frontier, Friction, and Future - covering topics like infrastructure, AGI, and sustainability. It also hosts Europe's largest AI hackathon, drawing over 8,000 participants competing for a €200,000 prize, as well as a startup competition with a €5 million pool.
A standout feature is the Machina Summit, Europe’s first dedicated Physical AI conference. This event dives into the evolution of intelligence from software into robotics and autonomous systems. VIP attendees gain exclusive access to startup pitch decks, developer profiles, and industrial reports on AI trends, offering a unique advantage in identifying emerging opportunities.
Ticket Options for Every Professional
RAISE Summit offers several ticket tiers tailored to different needs:
- PRO ticket (€999 + VAT): Includes access to the exhibition floor, all stages and workshops, the networking app, and complimentary food and drinks, including a champagne cocktail.
- VIP ticket (€1,899 + VAT): Adds perks like VIP lounge access, entry to the Machina Summit, and access to startup pitch decks.
- VIP MAX ticket (€3,499 + VAT): Offers all VIP benefits plus an invitation to the exclusive Royal Dinner, a high-profile evening for industry leaders.
Early-stage companies and developers can also apply for reduced-rate tickets priced at €599 + VAT.
Fostering Unexpected Partnerships
The summit’s layout and programming are designed to encourage unexpected yet impactful connections. Private lounges, designated networking areas, and the CxO Summit create opportunities for meaningful discussions, even within the event's large scale. Co-founder Hadrien de Cournon emphasizes this focus:
"The CxO Summit exists so companies don't just talk about AI, they leave RAISE with real partnerships, pilots, and signed deals" - Hadrien de Cournon
Additionally, Side Events Week transforms Paris into a hub of AI activity, with dinners, meetups, and workshops taking place citywide. An AI-powered matching platform facilitates one-on-one business meetings, blending structured networking with serendipitous encounters. Past editions have attracted investors managing $600 billion in assets, highlighting the event's ability to foster high-value collaborations. These curated experiences underline the unmatched value of face-to-face networking, paving the way for transformative partnerships.
How to Get the Most from RAISE Summit
To make the most of the RAISE Summit, preparation, active participation, and timely follow-ups are key. With over 9,000 attendees and more than 2,000 companies gathering at the Carrousel du Louvre, a well-thought-out plan can be the difference between simply collecting business cards and leaving with signed agreements.
Preparing Before the Event
Leverage the networking app. All ticket tiers - from PRO (€999) to VIP MAX (€3,499) - include access to the official platform. Since 80% of attendees are C-level executives, founders, or investors (including 822 CEOs from 168 Fortune 500 companies at the last summit), securing your meetings early is crucial. Use the app to book one-on-one sessions with key decision-makers before the event begins.
Dive into the lineup of 350+ speakers and, if you have a VIP ticket, review exclusive startup pitch decks. Identify which of the four tracks - Foundation, Frontier, Friction, or Future - matches your goals. Don’t miss the Side Events Week, which transforms Paris into an AI hotspot with private dinners, meetups, and workshops. If you’re eligible for the invitation-only CxO Summit, apply early to access tailored executive sessions and private lounges designed for high-level networking.
Once your schedule is organized, shift your focus to maximizing your in-person engagement.
Participating Actively During the Event
Data shows that 76% of attendees prefer curated networking over aimless wandering. Concentrate on sessions that align with your chosen track - Foundation, Frontier, Friction, or Future. For those interested in robotics and autonomous systems, the Machina Summit on 7 juillet 2026 offers specialized sessions on merging AI with physical systems.
Get involved. The RAISE Hackathon, one of the largest AI talent platforms globally, attracts 7,000 developers. Founders can pitch directly to venture capital firms during the Startup Competition. Use VIP lounges and designated networking spaces to spark conversations - these areas are specifically designed for meaningful exchanges. As co-founder Hadrien de Cournon puts it:
"The CxO Summit exists so companies don't just talk about AI, they leave RAISE with real partnerships, pilots, and signed deals" - Hadrien de Cournon
Once the summit is over, the next step is critical: turning those connections into long-term opportunities.
Following Up After the Event
Following up is where connections turn into real results. Avoid generic "just checking in" messages. Instead, reference specific discussions - whether it’s a CxO roundtable insight or a Hackathon prototype - to make your outreach personal.
Add value by sharing relevant research or actionable insights tied to the AI topics you discussed. Including a calendar link can streamline scheduling. Use the personalized summaries provided by the event platform to recall key details about each connection, and integrate this information into your CRM system to track progress. With the summit taking place on 8–9 juillet 2026, the following week is critical for keeping those new relationships fresh and relevant.
Conclusion
Digital tools may streamline our lives, but they can't replicate the trust and spontaneity of face-to-face interactions. As Thom Singer aptly puts it, technology allows virtual connections, but real bonds are formed in person. In a fast-moving industry, those unplanned hallway chats and chance encounters often spark the collaborations that lead to the next big breakthroughs.
This is why events like the RAISE Summit highlight the irreplaceable value of physical networking. With over 9,000 attendees - including 822 Fortune 500 CEOs and investors managing more than €570 billion - the event embodies "intimacy at scale". It’s not just about attending talks; it’s about walking away with signed deals, pilot programmes, and strategic partnerships - outcomes that rarely happen over a video call.
The numbers speak volumes: over 80% of attendees are C-level executives, founders, or investors. The event’s structure, from the 7,000-developer hackathon to the exclusive CxO Summit, is designed to turn conversations into real results. As Jonathan Ross, Founder and CEO of Groq, puts it:
"RAISE is where everyone in AI is going" - Jonathan Ross
In a world dominated by digital interactions, being there in person has become a competitive edge. Attending the RAISE Summit 2026, happening 8–9 July at the Carrousel du Louvre in Paris, is an opportunity to actively engage, build transformative AI partnerships, and shape the future of the industry.
FAQs
Why do in-person networking events remain valuable in a digital-first world?
In-person networking events offer something special: real human connections that online platforms just can't match. When you meet face-to-face, you can have spontaneous conversations, pick up on body language, and notice subtle social cues - all of which help build trust and form stronger relationships. These personal interactions often pave the way for more effective collaborations and lasting partnerships.
Another big plus? Physical events create an engaging atmosphere where people are fully present and focused. Sharing the same space encourages deeper conversations, hands-on experiences, and unique opportunities to connect with industry leaders - something virtual events often fall short on. For professionals in rapidly changing fields like AI, these gatherings are a must for staying ahead of the curve and building meaningful connections.
Why are face-to-face interactions so effective for building trust at networking events?
Face-to-face interactions are powerful for building trust because they allow people to pick up on non-verbal cues like body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice. These subtle signals add depth to communication, making interactions feel more sincere and personal.
In-person meetings also create opportunities for spontaneous moments - a warm smile, a shared laugh - that naturally bring people closer. These small but meaningful gestures foster a genuine sense of connection. Unlike virtual settings, where such nuances can be lost, face-to-face interactions strengthen credibility and build lasting relationships. This is especially important in fields like AI, where strong partnerships often drive progress and collaboration.
What makes attending the RAISE Summit in person so valuable?
Attending the RAISE Summit in person offers benefits that simply can’t be replicated online. Meeting face-to-face fosters real connections, builds trust, and often sparks unplanned conversations that can lead to impactful collaborations. For senior decision-makers and AI professionals, these personal interactions are invaluable when it comes to forming lasting partnerships.
The event also provides interactive opportunities like workshops, keynote presentations, and hands-on sessions. These experiences allow attendees to dive deeper into emerging AI technologies and industry developments. On top of that, AI-powered matchmaking tools and dedicated networking areas ensure you meet the right people aligned with your interests and objectives, making every interaction count.
Being there in person also grants access to exclusive discussions and immersive activities that are crucial for staying competitive in the ever-evolving AI landscape. It’s a chance to expand your network, share ideas, and position yourself as a leader in innovation.
