Virtual academic conferences as learning spaces: Factors associated with the perceived value of purely virtual conferences

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 outbreak came with an unprecedented opportunity to investigate how the new reality of social distancing and limited international travel will affect the organization of academic conferences.Objectives: Drawing on conceptualization of academic conferences as professional learning spaces, in this study, we examine the factors associated with the perceived value of purely virtual academic conferences and how such perceptions differ between participants from different research fields. The aim was to gain knowledge about factors that should be considered when designing a virtual conference.Methods: Survey data from participants of three different virtual conferences were collected (N = 311). Kendall's rank correlation and χ 2 -analyses were performed. Results and Conclusion:Results show satisfaction with social interaction, the extent to which presentations met participants' topics of interest and the perceived importance of learning and getting an overview on the research topic to be related to the value rating. Researchers from different research fields differ significantly in their opinion about the most appropriate conference format regarding getting an overview on the research topic. For some researchers, virtual participation might be a valuable alternative to attending a conference in person. The study serves as a first attempt to understand how and for which target groups virtual conferences serve as a valuable learning event. Further research on this conference format is needed.

The Covid-19 Pandemic - Experiences and Expectations About Attending International Seminars and Conferences Among Teacher Educators

“…Some respondents felt that online ISCs were a poor substitute for the real thing, but to some extent they filled the lack of coming together. This coincides with Seidenberg et al (2021) who stated that when physical gatherings are not possible, online conferences provide a learning space for researchers. Researchers may discuss their findings with colleagues and present their work without meeting in-person, and they have a possibility to publish in the post-conference journal or proceedings.…”

“…Because of the pandemic, conference organizers of in-person conferences were faced with three choices: to cancel the conference, to postpone, or to use online solutions. Seidenberg et al (2021) attempted to understand how the new reality of social distancing and limited international travel affected academic conferences. When physical gatherings are not possible, online conferences provide a learning space for researchers.…”

“…Prior to the pandemic, few academic conferences were held only online, and the experience with and the knowledge about online conferences were limited (e.g., Sá, 2019;Seidenberg et al, 2021). Raby and Madden (2021a) summarized the behavior of participants at an online academic conference and found that virtual conferences do not provide the same opportunities as in-person conferences.…”

What Motivates Marketing Educators to Attend In-Person and Virtual Academic Conferences in a Time of Pandemic Pedagogy?

“…Positive encounters can stimulate a positive social response such as brainstorming or networking with colleagues at an in-person academic conference (Oester et al, 2017). The study by Seidenberg et al (2021) found that 80% of virtual conference participants ranked the importance of social interaction as high or very high. The study by Yu et al (2020) also found that virtual conference attendees derive pleasure from making connections with people knowledgeable in the discipline while also reducing their environmental footprint.…”

“…Prior to 2020, virtual academic conferences were scarce (Seidenberg et al, 2021). However, the proliferation of virtual conferences continues in 2021 with the anticipation that large group in-person gatherings will eventually be permitted without restrictions.…”