When you think of all star lineups in 1927, the first names that might pop into your head are probably Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig.
But look at this epic conference lineup, which gathered in Brussels for the Fifth Solvay International Conference on Electrons and Photons and the newly discussed quantum theory: Albert Einstein, Marie Curie and Niels Bohr capped a list of 26 attendees, 14 of which went on to become Nobel Prize winners.
Just imagine how much planning and expense must have gone into such a monumental event. Of the three aforementioned scientists, Einstein hailed from Germany, Curie from Poland and Bohr from Denmark. One has to wonder how much they paid for train fare, hotels, post-conference chatter over a pint of ale and roast duck. Furthermore, how many other innovators opted not to attend for financial reasons? How many simply couldn’t set aside their research – or their families – for that much time? Perhaps one of the greatest ideas was never heard due to these obstacles.
Unfortunately, many of these problems still plague people today when trying to gather for conferences. The cost of travel and lodging is still exorbitant, as executives can spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on airfare, cars and hotels—not to mention meals. Yet conferences are still a crucial part of staying in touch and exchanging information, so a reliable and cost-effective solution is required.
Conference calls are one of the best options for gathering large groups together and facilitating crucial debates and conversations. You can even create sub-groups during the call to allow for private, simultaneous discussions without losing anyone from the call.
Have you had any epic meetings take place over a conference call? How much money have you saved by gathering your team over the phone instead of around a table?
