Professional groups in the age of social networking

We all know that professional membership societies may not be among
our top priorities, given the number of responsibilities that we
jewelers juggle on a daily basis.

Professional membership societies often entail get-togethers,
conferences and networking. I am wondering folks, in the age of
social networking, do you think that the membership fees worth it at
all? Do they still sound in our professional life?

Thoughts?