Conferences have synergy. Teamwork produces synergy. It's a popular word in the names of companies that want to be seen as forward-thinking and innovative. Cooperative interaction among groups, especially among the acquired subsidiaries or merged parts of a corporation, that creates an enhanced combined effect. It is wrong, however, to assume that synergy happens as a natural by-product of every merging of companies or collaborative effort by a group of people.
True synergy takes work.
True synergy takes the right ingredients. The ability to collaborate on technology or product development. The ability to fill gaps in expertise. The means to acquire or improve market access. That team goal must take precedence over any personal goals.