Earlier this week I wrote about how I still hadn’t embraced the concept of virtual trade shows. Yesterday I attended a “meat space” conference and experienced everything I said I loved about real time events – face-to-face meetings, eye contact with real people, no work distractions, and the ability to simply focus on the event without office distractions.

But in all fairness, I must admit there were things about the conference on Wednesday that had me longing for the virtual show. I know. I know - there’s just no pleasing me. Seriously, don’t even try. Anyway, a couple of times the subject matter at the event were a little a field of Revenue’s focus and I was kind of bored. At that point, I was wishing that I had the ability to check my email, chat with co-workers, do some planning that needs to be taken care of, or just get up and go to the coffee shop without being noticed.

I received some email from people regarding my post on eComXpo (I promise the comment feature will work when we switch blogging software in a month) and the reaction was mixed. Many of you love the idea that of not leaving your homes or families or taking three days off from your busy work routine and daily commitments. For them the show was a great way to connect with others, learn a heck of a lot and save on airfare. However, they all noted that there is still no replacement for meeting people in person.

Consultant Shawn Collins, who participated in a panel at eComXpo, says he likes the on-demand options and the inclusion of WebMaster Radio, but he agrees with me that “It can be tough to focus on a virtual tradeshow when you are in the office.”

That’s why Affiliate Summit, the twice yearly conference he co-founded with Missy Ward, doesn’t have Wi-Fi in the educational sessions. Although some of you may have noticed that Wi-Fi snuck into the Orlando show due to some confusion. Shawn claims that people in this industry can’t resist working if they have access. Dr. Collins’ diagnosis - “Perhaps we’re all afflicted with Affiliate ADHD?”

So, despite the begging and pleading from attendees Affiliate Summit organizers refuse to have Internet access in the educational sessions. “I think it’s just plain rude to the speakers to have people in the front row with their heads buried in their laptops and clickity clak going on everyplace,” Shawn says. “Instead, there is Internet access in a designated area.” I think that’s a great policy.

Meanwhile, there are lots of conferences and shows coming up over the next several months (PubCon, Ad:Tech, ShareASale’s Think Tank, Affiliate Summit) so be sure to let me know about your experiences. lisap@revenuetoday.com.