As is the case with so many things, information about technology can be obtained from many on line sources, so face-to-face contact is not always necessary.
The Florida MUG may have booming attendance because of the age of the attendees. Their generational experiences may draw them first to a live presentation than to an Internet search.
Yes, I know many of us in this forum are exceptions to my statement above, but that is just what we are—exceptions, not the norm.