“From birth to death, human beings are hard-wired to connect to other human beings. Face-to-face contact matters: tight bonds of friendship and love heal us, help children learn, extend our lives, and make us happy. And not just any social networks will do: we need the real, face-to-face, in-the-flesh encounters that tie human families, groups of friends, and communities together. “
~Susan Pinker, The Village Effect
From our first breath, humans are fundamentally wired for face-to-face connection. This isn’t just a social preference – it’s deeply rooted in our biology and intertwined with our capacity to love. From community gatherings to intimate friendships, real-world connections create the emotional scaffolding that supports us through life’s challenges. They remind us that in a world of increasing isolation, our humanity is found and renewed in the love we share with others.
Love flourishes in the space between people, the silent understanding of a long-term partnership, the unconditional acceptance of a close friendship, or the nurturing bond between parent and child. These connections don’t just sustain us – they help us rediscover our fundamental humanity in a world that often feels increasingly mechanical and distant. Each genuine interaction, fueled by love and empathy, reminds us of our shared human experience.
While digital technology helps us stay connected across distances, it can’t fully replicate the transformative power of physical presence. Our brains process face-to-face encounters uniquely, engaging networks evolved to read subtle expressions and body language that no screen can capture.
In these authentic moments of connection, we rediscover not just each other, but ourselves – our capacity for compassion, understanding, and deep, meaningful love.
Back by Popular Demand: A Close Encounter of The Best (Human) Kind
We are very pleased to announce the return of ENCOUNTER 360°– our one-of-a-kind “for good” event in Tampa Bay. This encore experience will be unlike any other. Because like everything we do, it’s been “reimagined” from beginning to end.
It’s not a virtual or hybrid event. It’s not a conference. It’s not a seminar, a workshop, a meeting, or a symposium. It’s not about attracting a big crowd. It’s not about making a profit but rather about making a real difference. And it’s not your typical run-of-the-mill everyday event crammed with stages, keynote speeches, team-building exercises, PowerPoint presentations, and all the other conventional humdrum. All things considered, it’s simply UN-conventional by design. And 100% of the net proceeds will be distributed to nonprofits serving the homeless community.
We hope you’ll join us, but don’t wait: ONLY fifty (50) seats will be made available, and that’s it. Less = more. More hugs. More handshakes. More connection. More encounters. Because we’re simply better together…
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE • CHECK FOR TICKETS • JOIN WAITING LIST!
As technology offers us new ways to connect, it is important to be aware of their limitations and differences from direct human interactions.
The way you “welcome” a person, how people “approach” you, how they interact, how they answer questions, their posture, sometimes even the clothes they wear, even the perfume they “choose,” have their relevance.
Furthermore, I seem to recall reading that we can never ignore the importance of “in-person” interactions for our mental and social well-being.
That is why we must always be careful to balance the conveniences of virtual communication with the need to maintain direct and meaningful human connections.
Humans are wired for face-to-face connection, which provides emotional support and reminds us of humanity. Digital technology can’t fully replicate the transformative power of physical presence. ENCOUNTER 360°, a “for good” event in Tampa Bay, aims to distribute 100% of net proceeds to homeless nonprofits.
I agree with you Dennis. There is no substitute to human face to face encounters Very true is what you wrote. We humans have a tendency to meet others and be part of the village community.
Truly appreciate your added insights and support “for good” here, my friend Ali… thank you!