Integration of virtual platforms for enhanced conference experience: Data-based evidence from the Society of Interdisciplinary Placebo Studies 2021 conference

Abstract

BackgroundThe Society of Interdisciplinary Placebo Studies (SIPS) was one of many organizations that hosted a virtual scientific conference in response to the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. Retaining essential benefits of an in-person conference experience was a primary objective for the SIPS conference planning committee and guided the selection of a virtual platform on which to host the 2021 meeting. This article reports on the methods used to design and analyze an engaging, virtual scientific conference, along with the findings and implications for future meetings.MethodsParticipant use of and interaction with different features of the conference platform were recorded and exported for analysis. Additionally, all SIPS conference attendees were invited to complete a brief, online post-conference survey that inquired about their perceptions of the SIPS conference specifically as well as their opinions of virtual and hybrid conferences in general. Using these data, we assessed (1) attendance patterns, (2) level of engagement, and (3) attendee satisfaction.ResultsThe platform recorded 438 unique, active conference attendees who used either a mobile app, web browser, or both to participate during the 3-day program. Seventy-four percent (N = 324) of active users attended all 3 days with 30 and 26 new attendees on Days 2 and 3, respectively. The connections feature offered on the platform was the most utilized function within the online forum. Attendance in the parallel workshop sessions remained constant across the 3 days, with an average of 44.6% (SD = 6.77) of people moving between workshops within a single session. The two poster sessions had an average of 47.6 (SD = 17.97) and 27.8 (SD = 10.24) unique views per poster, respectively. Eleven percent (N = 48) of attendees completed the post-conference survey. Thirty-six percent of these responders stated they were only able to attend because the conference was offered virtually. Further, the quality of the conference had an average satisfaction rating of 68.08 out of 100 (SD = 22.94).ConclusionResults of data analyses suggest the virtual platform allowed for those who were unable to attend to join virtually, produced moderate engagement throughout the conference, and that the majority of attendees were satisfied with the quality of the fully-virtual conference. Therefore, incorporating virtual aspects in future in-person conferences could enhance conference experience and participation.

Residents and Fellows of US Medical Residencies and Fellowships Strongly Prefer In-Person to Virtual Conference Format

“…This is echoed in the literature with previous studies, suggesting that not only does the virtual format save time 6,7 but also that it provides an opportunity for an increased number of conference participants from distant locations 17 while having a positive environmental impact 18 . Virtual conferences are also inherently more inclusive than in-person conferences to those who may not have previously been able to attend secondary to economic, geographic, and disability-related barriers 19-21 .…”

“…while having a positive environmental impact 18 . Virtual conferences are also inherently more inclusive than in-person conferences to those who may not have previously been able to attend secondary to economic, geographic, and disabilityrelated barriers [19][20][21] .…”

COVID-19 pandemisinin ulusal göz hastalıkları toplantılarındaki bildiri katılımı üzerine etkileri

“…First of all, it was difficult or impossible to attend face-to-face meetings due to travel restrictions and social distance measures during the pandemic. Online meetings, on the other hand, eliminated the need for transfer, accommodation and related expenses and provided a more flexible schedule [4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][16][17][18][19][20]. These factors encouraged more people to attend the online meetings.…”

“…In this way, the effectiveness of online meetings can be increased and scientific information sharing can be realized more effectively. Nevertheless, the importance and value of face-to-face meetings should not be forgotten because such events support personal interaction, networking and indepth discussions [9][10][11][20][21][22].…”

“…The primary objective of this study was to examine the statistical distribution and trends of the participants submitting papers at the national ophthalmology meetings organized online by the Turkish Ophthalmology Association (TOA). Understanding the effect of the COVID-19 outbreak on academic activities will be an important source of information for healthcare professionals, researchers and congress organizers working in the field of ophthalmology [10][11][12][13][14].…”