Where is the real networking happening?

Our firm is exhibiting at the 2006 Tennessee Tax Institute today and tomorrow.  The meeting attendance is getting smaller each year which has been the trend with these type meetings in numerous states for several years.  The declining attendance is not due to the Institute itself.  The program is first-rate as is the location and organization. 

Is the advent of so many other, less expensive CPE and CLE choices making traditional meetings such as this less attractive?  And more importantly:  where is the real networking going on?  Several clients and referral sources attend and support this meeting and we are happy to be here.  These clients and referral sources are some of the premier attorneys and CPAs in the city.  This is a prime networking opportunity so why is the meeting attendance getting smaller every year?  We are not the only ones asking this question.  The Trustees of the conference are asking it as well.

It seems to me that if a company makes a decision to opt for less expensive CPE and CLE opportunities for their professionals at the greater expense of lost networking opportunities, it is short-sighted.  But maybe I do not see the whole picture.  What are your thoughts?

Comments

[Patrick McEvoy]

Barbara:

It's a demographics issue:

1. The "old boys" are beginning to retire - hence succession problems.

2. The "old boys" didn't cultivate any new blood.

3. The old firms are now either "hoping" to be bought out by a larger firm...or

4. The "old firm" is waiting to shut down because the "old boys" can't keep going to networking events - why would you need more work if you're already putting in 2,500 hour years at age 58 or so.

Big 4 alumni meetings are still PACKED I notice though.

There's my thinking.

Patrick McEvoy
President
Rainmaker Best Practices

[Eva Lang]

You are right that part of the problem is more choices for CPE. The Institute is really pushing the CPExpress online study where you get access to more than 1000 hours of CPE for $149. Also, the last TN Tax Institute that I attended had a big focus on estate taxes and that is a declining practice area.