In a distributed-work era, every in-person gathering competes with the alternative: not gathering at all. That raises the bar. In-person time is only worth the cost when it's designed around clear goals — when every minute together is intentional rather than obligatory.
Four tests
Before you gather, four questions decide whether it'll be worth it. Why does this exist, and what must be different when people leave? Who actually needs to be in the room? What should happen while everyone's together? And what progress should exist afterward? If you can't answer all four, the gathering isn't ready — the agenda is.
Designed, not just scheduled
A schedule lists what happens when. An agenda designs what each moment is for. The gatherings people remember — and defend in a budget review — are the ones where the flow was built deliberately, the right conversations were made to happen, and there was a clear answer at the end to what changed.
Questions
What makes an event worth attending?
A clear purpose, the right participants, a deliberate flow, and an outcome you can act on. Without those, even a polished event is just a well-run room.
Why do distributed teams still gather in person?
Because in-person time, when designed around clear goals, builds belonging and alignment in ways remote work can't — but only when it's intentional, not obligatory.