Why a festival of ideas in Nature – Gathering of Tribes?

A question I have been asked is:
Why is the Gathering a festival of ideas and connection in the discomfort of outdoors!? 

Why subject ourselves to the discomforts of sun, wind, dust and camping? Why not meet like “civilised” people in a nice hotel with hot showers, flushing toilets, TV and daily room service? Why not sit in a nice climate controlled room around a big table with a projector and screen? If we are to engage with ideas, why not go easy on our bodies so we can focus on the mind stuff? Isn’t it enough to go for a walk on the beach at sunset and connect with nature there?

Good question!