The mode of interaction is totally different in person. In a text discussion I can skim through several pages and find a point that resonates, then respond with something topical/helpful. In person, you're limited to a single stream of conversation (maybe more if you walk around), there's not the same 'wide area scanning' mechanism.
Re:Tell HN: HN London Meetup
by robertlagrant on Wednesday August 31, 2022 @12:55PM
(#32665001)
Maybe we need a vim/emacs tickbox option so we know how to seat people.
To put all those people on one table certainly might help in exchanging different perspectives, but the conversation probably wouldn't have the same depth.