Freeman has released new research conducted in partnership with The Harris Poll, revealing the significant return on investment of in-person events for both individuals and organizations.

The full report, titled “The ROI of Relationships: Building a Cycle of Success,” is the final installment in a three-part series examining the role of live events in today’s business landscape.

Key findings include:

• 95% of working professionals trust brands more after attending their events
• 82% believe in-person settings are best for building crucial job relationships
• 96% of event decision makers agree that hosting live events achieves multiple objectives, including talent retention and development

“As we continue to navigate the complexities of modern business, this research reminds us that the most powerful connections are still made face-to-face. At Freeman, we’re committed to creating experiences that not only drive professional growth but also deliver the kind of meaningful relationships that can transform careers and businesses,” said Janet Dell, CEO of Freeman.

The study highlights a positive cycle of success created by in-person interactions:

• Confidence boost: 63% of working professionals report increased confidence in business relationships from live events
• Skill development: 94% say in-person events allow them to grow interpersonal skills
• Industry edge: 92% believe these events help them stay on the cutting edge of their industries

The study reinforces that face-to-face interactions create a positive cycle of success, benefiting professionals’ careers, improving job performance, and strengthening brand relationships. It covers:

• How in-person events contribute to confidence in business relationships
• Why these interactions are instrumental to career growth
• What this means for a brand’s business goals
• Actionable ways to leverage live events to create a cycle of success for your business

For more information and to download the full report, click here.

Other 2025 research reports available from Freeman are: 2025 Freeman Trust Report and the 2025 Gen Z Report.