However in my opinion there is still so much to gain from getting out there and meeting people face to face. With a bursting inbox and a list of important deadlines to be met, ask yourself if your target audience is realistically going to remember the sales email forwarded to them last year? The likelihood is slim, however they will remember a face and pleasant conversation. Often at these types of events you meet people not just with similar business goals but with common interests, whether it is sports, music, food anything. Networking is about building relationships with others in varying fields with the idea that if an opportunity arises in the future you may decide to work together. These events may seem very Corporate on the surface, but the concept is often to take away the formalities of business, a more hands on approach, in a relaxed environment which sees people parting on a first name basis and often friends.