7 reasons not to shake hands at a conference

The traditional handshake, long considered essential for professional communication, is now being re-examined in the face of health concerns and cultural diversity. As conferences bring together people from different backgrounds and regions, reconsidering this custom has become increasingly important for both health and social reasons.

1. Health protection

Conferences create an ideal environment for the spread of disease, with hundreds or thousands of participants sharing space and coming into contact. Each handshake transfers countless bacteria and viruses between participants, potentially spreading everything from colds to serious infections.

During flu seasons or global health events, this risk increases significantly. While hand sanitizers provide some protection, avoiding unnecessary physical contact provides the best protection against disease transmission. Attending conferences often requires travel and important presentations, making staying healthy especially important.

2. Cultural awareness

Modern conferences attract a global audience with diverse cultural norms. In many cultures, shaking hands is considered awkward or inappropriate, especially in cross-gender situations. Some Asian cultures prefer to bow, while many visitors to the Middle East prefer the hand-to-heart gesture.

Avoiding handshakes demonstrates cultural intelligence and respect for international colleagues. This awareness helps build stronger professional relationships and demonstrates sensitivity to diverse cultural practices.

3. Social comfort

Not everyone feels comfortable with physical contact in a professional environment. Many people experience social anxiety or simply prefer to maintain personal space. Forced handshakes can create unnecessary stress and discomfort for these participants.

Alternative greetings allow everyone to interact comfortably while maintaining professional courtesy. This consideration helps create a more inclusive online environment where all participants can focus on meaningful connections rather than social pressure.

4. Pandemic awareness

Recent global health events have forever changed the norms of social interaction. Many professionals are now choosing to avoid unnecessary physical contact, even as restrictions are eased. This caution reflects a continued awareness of public health responsibilities.

Choosing a contactless greeting demonstrates respect for the health concerns of others and demonstrates social responsibility. This awareness is especially important at large gatherings where the risk of infection increases.

5. Personal hygiene

Conference days often stretch out, filled with constant socializing, sharing meals, and using technology. Frequent handshaking can cause your hands to become unhygienic, requiring you to repeatedly wash or sanitize them, disrupting network performance.

Keeping your hands clean becomes easier without constant physical contact. This practicality allows participants to focus on talking and socializing rather than maintaining hygiene.

6. Modern professionalism

Professional etiquette continues to evolve, and many organizations use alternative greetings. Fist bumps, slight bows, or warm verbal greetings often replace traditional handshakes in modern business settings.

These modern alternatives can express equal respect and friendliness while adapting to changing social norms. They also allow for more genuine interactions that focus on communication rather than formality.

7. Leading change

Choosing alternative greetings provides an opportunity to set an example in the professional world. By positively explaining these choices, conference participants can influence others to consider more inclusive and health-conscious online practices.

This leadership role helps create a more comfortable environment for everyone while maintaining professional standards. This shows awareness of evolving business practices and consideration for the preferences of others.

Alternative greetings

Several professional alternatives to handshakes have gained acceptance:

• Verbal greeting with eye contact
• A slight bow or nod of the head
• Donate your heart
• Friendly wave
• Elbow strike
• Namaste gesture

Implementation strategy

Avoiding handshakes requires tactful communication. Consider the following approaches:

• Explain your preferences early in the interaction
• Use warm body language and genuine smiles.
• Focus on meaningful conversation
• Maintain professional enthusiasm
• Show respect by listening carefully

I’m looking forward to it

As professional networks evolve, traditional practices continue to adapt to modern needs. The decision not to shake hands reflects awareness of health concerns, cultural sensitivity, and changing social norms rather than unfriendliness.

Success at conferences depends more on genuine interactions and valuable exchanges than on a physical greeting. By focusing on meaningful connections while respecting health and personal boundaries, professionals can build stronger connections through more thoughtful interactions.

This story was created using artificial intelligence technology.