The Power of In-Person: Why Events Still Matter in a Digital-First Healthcare World

By Halle Wade, Events Associate

In a world where we can order dinner, see a doctor, and host a team meeting all from the comfort of our couch, it’s easy to assume that live, in-person events have lost their shine. But in healthcare especially, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Events, whether small prospect dinners or full-blown client conferences, offer something that even the greatest email campaign or best virtual platform can’t replicate: genuine, human connection.

Let’s not ignore the obvious: events are great for business. Whether you’re looking to generate leads, strengthen your pipeline, or reinforce your brand in your local marketplace, events provide tangible results. In-person touchpoints can accelerate deals, create upsell opportunities, and keep you top-of-mind in a crowded space. When well-executed, events deliver, they really deliver. High-quality leads, better client retention, stronger brand trust, and yes… real, measurable ROI.

But here’s the thing… the real magic? It’s in the intangibles. Some of the best outcomes from events aren’t easy to track in a spreadsheet—and that’s OK. Think about that spontaneous hallway chat that turned into a strategic partnership. Or the feedback a client gave during lunch that helped shape your next product update. Or even the simple act of shaking hands with someone you’ve only emailed for two years. That kind of trust-building, relationship-deepening, “oh hey, you’re actually a real person” moment is where the long-term value lives.

The beauty of events is that they’re scalable. A small private practice doesn’t need to throw a flashy three-day conference in Vegas (unless they really want to). A simple, community-focused client appreciation event can have just as much impact—especially when it aligns with your client’s needs. For medium-sized organizations, workshops or referral mixers can foster collaboration and keep your name top of mind in a competitive market. And for large systems or national players, client conferences and specialty symposiums offer a platform for thought leadership and deeper engagement. The key is making the most of the resources you have. Got a small budget? Prioritize what matters: relevant content, an intentional experience, and authentic connection. Big budget? Great—just don’t forget the “why” behind the “wow.”

You may be asking yourself, “why are in-person events making a comeback?” Let’s be honest: Zoom fatigue is real. While digital tools have helped us stay connected (and let us wear pajama bottoms to work meetings), they can’t fully replace the power of being in the same room. In-person events reignite attention, build trust faster, and encourage more open, real conversations. People don’t just attend…they engage. They remember. And for healthcare organizations where trust and relationships are everything? That’s gold.

At Net Health, events are more than a marketing tactic… they’re a core part of how we connect with our clients, partners, and communities. We don’t just show up at conferences, we show up with purpose. From major national shows to intimate roundtables, we design each event experience around meaningful engagement. That could mean having a booth with therapy dogs (yes, we’ve done this), hosting private leadership dinners for peer-to-peer insight sharing, or producing a client conference focused on real challenges and outcomes. We tailor our approach based on audience size, budget, and objectives. And above all, we make sure every event reflects what matters most to us: relationships, outcomes, and impact.

If you’re in the business of acquiring healthcare groups, you might be asking, “why should we care about events?” Here’s the answer: because people do. Events help post-acquisition teams connect. They help clients feel continuity during change. They help practices stand out in the market. And yes, they help drive growth and retention—all things PE firms loveto see in a portfolio company. The financial upside is real. But the human side? That’s the multiplier.

At the end of the day, events are about more than marketing. They’re about showing up physically and emotionally for the people you help and serve. They’re about listening, learning, connecting, and building trust in a way that no landing page ever could. So, whether you’re working with a modest event budget or planning your next national conference, remember this: when you prioritize people, better outcomes follow.

Also, let’s be honest…it’s hard to make a lasting connection in a breakout room called “Zoom Room 17.”