In this age of teleconferences, are national conventions really necessary?

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 Jul 2016 19:40:09 -0400

Considering the the amounts that will be spent for the party for these Parties, couldn't the money be better spent somewhere else? I understand it's a private organization but seems like a huge waste of time and resources. Or is all the pomp and ceremony really something?
Note: I admit my bias as I hate pomp and ceremony.

Response by MCPO Roger Collins made Jul 20 at 2016 7:45 PM

MCPO Roger Collins — Wed, 20 Jul 2016 19:45:34 -0400

BTW, I'm with you on fun and festivities. I'm not a party guy or a joiner. To

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Jul 20 at 2016 8:01 PM

CPT Jack Durish — Wed, 20 Jul 2016 20:01:58 -0400

Silly. You can't party in a teleconference.

Response by Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen made Jul 20 at 2016 8:04 PM

Lt Col John (Jack) Christensen — Wed, 20 Jul 2016 20:04:58 -0400

Lots of cost associated but no different than when a big corporation holds conventions, stockholder meetings, etc. It gives the loyal a chance to get together; a giant networking session. Also good for economies of cities hosting any convention, political or corporate. Just need to tone down a bit.

Response by SGT Damaso V Santana made Jul 20 at 2016 9:25 PM

SGT Damaso V Santana — Wed, 20 Jul 2016 21:25:12 -0400

No substitute for face to face.

Response by MSgt Richard Rountree made Jul 20 at 2016 9:30 PM

MSgt Richard Rountree — Wed, 20 Jul 2016 21:30:25 -0400

Hard to do the arm twisting with no arms to twist...face to face, eye to eye, and a firm handshake--there is no substitute.

Response by SSgt Jerry DeLaney made Jul 20 at 2016 9:37 PM

SSgt Jerry DeLaney — Wed, 20 Jul 2016 21:37:26 -0400

Active face to face meeting builds camaraderie, and unity within the group. No other way works as well.

Response by PO2 Sarah Ogborn made Jul 20 at 2016 9:47 PM

PO2 Sarah Ogborn — Wed, 20 Jul 2016 21:47:00 -0400

In my opinion, people largely like to have a reason to meet up, show off, and promenade around. Will these ever go away? Nope. I agree with you, I hate pomp and ceremony, give it to me cut and dried bare bones so I can continue with my day.

Response by SGT David Commini made Jul 21 at 2016 12:35 AM

SGT David Commini — Thu, 21 Jul 2016 00:35:06 -0400

You can't quite get the same feel for someone via teleconference that you can get when you meet them face to face. Also, it is good for likeminded people to get together and hang out and share ideas in person; there have been psychological studies done, but none that I can source right away. And, it provides a level of security to talk about inter-group politics and strategies that you don't necessarily have via teleconference.

So, in short, yes national conventions are really necessary.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 21 at 2016 5:15 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 21 Jul 2016 05:15:05 -0400

Where else would people go to party?