Why Professionals Go the Distance to Meet LinkedIn Connections in Real Life
Image via Lynne Williams.
When you are in a city with a LinkedIn office, you must stop for the obligatory selfie!
In a world where Zoom fatigue is real and digital networking is the norm, there’s a noticeable trend making a strong comeback: professionals hitting the road, or the runway, to meet LinkedIn connections in real life.
Why? Genuine relationships are forged through more than just profile views, Zoom meetings, and comment threads.
Whether driving across state lines or catching a flight, professionals prioritize face-to-face interactions to deepen relationships, build trust, and unlock new opportunities. Here’s why people travel to meet their LinkedIn contacts in person, and why you might want to consider doing the same.
It’s one thing to “connect” with someone on LinkedIn. It’s another to share a conversation over coffee or brainstorm during a breakout session. Meeting in person adds context, energy, and authenticity to relationships. What starts as a comment on a post can evolve into a real friendship or collaboration when nurtured offline.
2. Investing in Real-World ROI
Traveling to events costs time, money, and effort, but many see it as an investment. Face-to-face conversations lead to partnerships, referrals, speaking opportunities, and business deals that wouldn’t happen through digital-only interactions. The ROI often extends well beyond the event itself.
I have been to events that brought together LinkedIn connections in New Jersey, New York, Toronto, and I just attended an event in Michigan. We engaged in many conversations at the Michigan Summit for the Self-Employed, hosted by Brenda Meller, with folks joining from New Jersey, Toronto, Baltimore, and me from Pennsylvania. Since the event was hosted at the American Cancer Society, we held a raffle and raised a significant amount of money for the organization through generous donations from some of Brenda’s LinkedIn connections.
As a group of out-of-towners, we also enjoyed a BBQ, toured a Holocaust Museum, attended a Detroit Tigers game, and toured Comerica Park, which has the second-largest scoreboard in the country. Boy, oh boy, did I learn a lot of trivia about baseball, the Tigers, and Michigan on my trip, and I took a selfie at the LinkedIn Detroit office, because why not?
3. Building Trust That Transcends the Algorithm
Algorithms can boost visibility, but trust is built in real life. Whether shaking hands at a conference or sharing stories during lunch, live interactions offer a level of transparency and connection that can’t be fully replicated online.
4. Expanding Your Network (and Your Perspective)
Events attract people from different industries, regions, and cultures. When you travel to meet LinkedIn connections, you also open doors to new voices and unexpected opportunities. The diversity of ideas and experiences at live events often sparks creative collaborations that wouldn’t happen inside your usual digital echo chamber.
5. Creating Memorable Moments (and Content)
Let’s face it: photos and videos from real-world meetups make great LinkedIn content. Whether documenting a panel discussion, tagging new friends, or sharing key takeaways, these posts humanize your brand and increase engagement while celebrating the power of connection.
Others can live vicariously through the fun photos of your travels. Enjoy my Threads photos and the stories that go along with them.
6. Saying “Yes” to Serendipity
Some of the most valuable conversations at events happen between sessions, in the hallway, or at Starbucks. These spontaneous moments can lead to job offers, new clients, mentors, or even lifelong friends. The magic often happens when you show up and not when you scroll.
Relationships First, Algorithms Second
LinkedIn is a powerful tool, but it’s just the beginning. Professionals are increasingly realizing that the true value of their network is unlocked through personal interaction. Whether driving 30 miles, over nine hours, crossing borders, or flying across the country, showing up can set you apart.
So the next time there’s an event on your radar, consider saying yes, not just for the knowledge, but for the people. While we may live in a digital age, the most impactful connections are still made face-to-face.
Did you read the previous article? Connection and Collaboration: Leveraging LinkedIn After the Power Mixer
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