b'VOX POPTHE POWER OF IN-PERSON CONNECTIONSBy Warren HeeleyAre in-person events still relevant and valuable for attendees? Perspectives put this question to three people attending the upcoming CERC ConferenceIn a world that has gravitated toward Zoom meetings and digital connections, it begs the questions: Are in-person gatherings still relevant today? Or is a digital connection a reasonable replacement?As CERC prepares for its 2024 Conference in Montreal, we put these questions to some conference attendees. In particular, we asked them to provide some insight for those attending the event for the first time. Heres what they had to say.ROB KREILING the leaders of the industry and helps build ENTERPRISE ACCOUNT MANAGERlasting relationships.MOTUS The CERC Conference also simply makes Im responsible for our clients in Canadagood sense from a budget standpoint and and have attended the CERC Confer- can be your best bang for the buck. These ence for more than 10 years. Thedays, its far too expensive and time-conference provides a wide variety ofconsuming to travel to individual clients, tangible and intangible benefits to meand online meetings do not replace the and my company. personal touch needed by customers. Probably the most important benefit isEvents like the CERC Conference often that conference attendees have oppor- bring together most of the clients you tunities to connect with relocationwant to see in the same location. professionals and build relationships with their peers. From RMCs to variousIn addition to networking and connecting industry suppliers, this event puts anwith new or old industry peers, the attendee in touch with the many facetseducational sessions at the conference ROB KREILINGof the industry in one location. Whetherbring you up to date on critical issues ENTERPRISE ACCOUNT MANAGER its scheduling meetings with potentialthat are impacting the industry. And or existing clients or meeting a clientdont discount the opportunity to talk Motus face-to-face for the first time, CERCwith industry members between sessions provides an invaluable service. For first- about business issues and learn important timers, it provides excellent exposure tolessons from the veterans at the event. 14PERSPECTIVESFall 2024'