COVID-19 has provided an opportunity to redefine the scientific conference. Online meetings have become the norm, so how can we make the most of them?
The online meetings might lack many of the onsite conference benefits such as conversations over breaks and dinners, face-to-face networking, fresh outlooks, etc.
However, as others have realized, there is a lot to like about virtual conferencing. More meetings move online, a trend likely to continue even after the pandemic fades — physicians and researchers are increasingly trying to accept the new virtual reality of scientific gatherings. To be able to attend an event in the comfort of your home.
There will be moments of less-than-optimal sound and occasional technical glitches, may be due to poor internet connection. It may have some other advantages compared to a physical meeting. You may pause and rewind a pre-recorded session when you missed it or spend more time to take notes on a particular slide.
As more conferences go online, some have moved into binge mode. Some have watched about 10 sessions in one sitting, a feat that would have been impossible if it is a physical meeting.
The availability of online events has massively increased. You may attend workshops in the morning in Europe and the evening in the United States.
Virtual conferences might lack a physical gathering rapport, but it is still possible for attendees to connect. Some may find digital communication with eminent speakers less intimidating than a face-to-face encounter.
The pandemic continues to present interesting challenges to all of us. And as solutions to these challenges present themselves, SSBMT will embrace the new normal and reach out and connect – even virtually to all its members and supporters.
