I recently participated in C++ on Sea (https://cpponsea.uk/ https://cpponsea.uk/) - online, of course. The conference setup used https://remo.co/conference/ htt

I recently participated in C++ on Sea (https://cpponsea.uk/ https://cpponsea.uk/) - online, of course. The conference setup used https://remo.co/conference/ https://remo.co/conference/ which automatically groups people into tables, where each table is essentially a video conference call. You can move around freely between tables but each table can only hold 8 people. I felt it was possibly better than a physical conference because it's so simple to join new conversations - no walking around looking for interesting groups (you can see who is currently sitting at each table) and none of the nonverbal social awkwardness in joining a conversation. Plus you always have the names and profiles right there. Never been easier to meet people imo. I'd contradict your claim based on this experience. You clearly can establish small groups, and it seems to work really well when you do.