Virtual and Face-To-Face Academic Conferences: Comparison and Potentials

Abstract

Academic conferences have always been privileged spaces and moments for the dissemination of new scientific knowledge, as well as for social interaction and for the establishment and development of social networks among scientists. However, the virtual dimension of conferences, in which individuals are not physically present in the same place, begins to emerge as an increasingly used possibility, which implies a different framing of these scientific events. This paper seeks to comparatively analyse several models of academic conferences, putting forth their advantages, limitations and potentials. Furthermore, it also seeks to reasonably envision the importance and challenges to be faced in the near future. The analysis allows concluding that virtual conferences tend to take on an increasingly central role in this type of scientific dissemination, but without totally relegating the conference mode with face-to-face interaction. Moreover, there may be conferences that emerge as a hybrid between these two types of conferences, in an attempt to provide their main benefits to the various participants. However, the insufficient literature on this topic calls for the need to develop and deepen studies in this area that allow understanding this academic and social, but also economic phenomenon, in its broader implications.

Factors affecting conference participation decision-making

“…According to Mair, Lockstone-Binney, and Whitelaw (2018), there are different motives and barriers to academic conference attendance. However, Sá, Ferreira, and Serpa (2019) add that the literature on academic conferences is rather scarce. Therefore, this study aims to examine factors affecting conference participation decision-making from the academics' perspective.…”

Online, face to face and hybrid meetings. What is the new normal in the COVID-19 era? A global collaborative survey by iTRUE group and UroSoMe working group

“…In fact, in hybrid meetings, speakers talk in a face-to-face way, providing a virtual platform for a simultaneous interaction for those unable to attend physically. It might not be surprising that virtual congress and mainly hybrid meetings may replace in the next future face-to-face congress as the preferred choice because of their easy interaction and convenience [16]. Our survey pointed out this hypothesis showing that half of the responders that preferred face-to-face congress or webinars would prefer hybrid meetings in the future.…”

The ethical advantages of video conferencing in medical education

“…Attending a face-to-face conference has several advantages, including the ability to network and the opportunity to be immersed in the 'scientific experience' [7]. The traditional conference model also provides the opportunity to take a break from routine clinic work, thereby helping prevent burnout, which can reduce quality of care.…”