(StatePoint) In a world where technology makes it easy to “meet” virtually, many business leaders say that there’s no substitute for the real thing.

In-person meetings are important to driving revenue for companies and critical to career development, according to a new survey released by the national coalition Meetings Mean Business (MMB).

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With 97 percent of those surveyed indicating that meetings deliver returns on their investments, these business leaders say they are making in-person meetings a financial priority. Indeed, over 90 percent say they plan to invest as much, if not more, this year in face-to-face meetings, conferences and other events as they did last year.  

Hailed for improving engagement, collaboration, professional development and productivity, in-person meetings are particularly effective at helping their businesses close deals, according to 93 percent of those surveyed.