Would anyone really ask
for it to end? Probably not. Gatherings are good, and this prestigious
gathering is even better. But it does
raise the question of how many gatherings we need and what forms they should
take now that blogs, wikis, webinars, video conferencing, and other
technologies are allowing us to participate in larger gatherings and share our
ideas at a faster pace with less cost and without the discomfort of travel.
It’s no surprise that
Esther Dyson is sharing
her ideas for an upcoming CNET presentation before the actual presentation.
It’s easy. It’s an opportunity to get feedback and refine the ideas. Will it
reduce the number of attendees?
Still, sitting at a
computer doesn’t feel as effective as
meeting face-to-face, forming bonds, waxing visionary over a few drinks, and
this seems to be true even for young adults who grew up staring at a monitor.
Terrorism and pandemics
notwithstanding, events that can bring industry luminaries together, shine a
light on key trends and technologies, fuel innovation at companies, and give
journalists something to write about will still be popular. But over time, many will likely disappear,
and others will change formats to include more online presenters and attendees.
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