A few things I agree with:
* The same speakers at all of the conferences, the same topics, and sponsors getting to present their wares during keynotes must stop.
* For introverts, meeting people online replaces the need to meet people offline and, in some cases, is more successful.
* Hoc our shit conferences are dead (LOL, Keith!).
* ALL marketing, advertising, and communication now can be measured to bottom line growth so if companies continue to sponsor events or attend trade shows, it’s because they found the monetary value.
* We can’t get the same human interaction online that we can in person. I like Teresa’s point about unconferences.

A few things I don’t agree with:
* Traditional media is changing dramatically and journalists no longer have the luxury of writing about brands where they are exposed to them via sponsorships. Regardless, sponsorships do not sell more product. They may create higher brand awareness, but people do not buy because of them, nor do they trust advertising (sorry Ari – still love you, though!).

P.S. Jon, thank you! We’re having fun with the podcast!

As for conferences, ones that continue to be hands on will never go away. In my case, there are several large soccer conferences (NSCAA and SoCal being the biggest) and the records continue to rise each year in terms of attendees.

Some people are finding that social media opens up the possibility to connect with people all over the world, but that often leads to lots of connections that are not deep.

Might be a moot point here as Social Media continues to create a multitude of possibilities for engagement whether for information gathering, education, relationship building or other. It will be interesting to see how sponsorships evolve or rather devolve in the coming years. Great post and definitely a worthwhile listen to your discussion on InsidePR…thanks Gini. Andy

Sports attendance is up in nearly every market. There are eyeballs in those seats, so why wouldn’t be there be sponsors too?

I agree with Teresa on the richness of personal interaction. However, I don’t really think I can justify the ROI on attending SXSW, one of the greatest meet and greets on the planet. I’m going to give up 3-4 days of billable hours plus expenses for … what? I am making connections in new ways and strengthening them either IRL or through phone contact as needed.

Agree that some types of employee and professional conferences will soon be extinct. But I disagree because other types will never be replaced. Trade shows, educational seminars, consumer events and promotional conferences will continue in perpetuity!