OPINION — Phoenix is having a moment as a meeting destination, recently ranking No. 4 in U.S. News & World Report’s inaugural list of the nation’s best conference cities. But filling a ballroom is only half the job. With Gallup reporting that 51% of remote-capable U.S. employees work in hybrid roles, the more important question is what happens once everyone gets together?
Colleagues may collaborate for months through email, video calls and chat messages, then meet in person with little room for genuine connection. When companies invest in bringing people together, they should make that time count.
Too often, the first attempt is a predictable icebreaker: Share a fun fact. Find someone you do not know. Tell us about your favorite vacation.
