If they wanted to transact business or converse with friends they had to meet in person. However, transportation costs made certain meetings and activities prohibitive. Computer-mediated communications are just the most recent development in that progression. Even so, people still travel and still meet in person. This section explores some of the reasons why.
Customer service is an obvious example.
If service can be provided without an on-site engineer, costs are lowered. The more expensive the engineer, the more pressure to have one person serve many customers. The salesperson goes to the customer, shakes hands, and looks at the facilities. Workers in different groups travel to the staff meetings of their colleagues to establish rapport. Friends get together for dinner.