Moving academic conferences online: Understanding patterns of delegate engagement

Raby, Cassandra L ORCID: 0000-0001-7065-0306 and Madden, Joah R (2021) Moving academic conferences online: Understanding patterns of delegate engagement. ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION, 11 (8). pp. 3607-3615.

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Abstract

Scientific conferences are a key component of academic communication and development. During the COVID-19 pandemic, in-person conferences are rapidly moving online, yet these virtual events may not provide the same opportunities as in-person conferences. If virtual meetings are to continue to provide effective communication and networking between researchers and stakeholders, they must be adapted to increase delegate engagement and enthusiasm. Here, we present a case study of a recent medium-sized online conference. We assessed the behavior and engagement of delegates with different components of the meeting using data from website analytics and postconference surveys. Behavior was variable across the available events; talks were particularly popular but engagement with social and networking opportunities was variable. Our conclusions have been summarized in six recommendations to support future online conference organizers in enhancing engagement with their events.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	face&#8208, to&#8208, face, networking, scientific meetings, social media, virtual
Divisions:	Faculty of Health and Life Sciences Faculty of Health and Life Sciences > Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences
Depositing User:	Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited:	07 Feb 2022 15:18
Last Modified:	18 Jan 2023 21:13
DOI:	10.1002/ece3.7251
Related URLs:	Author Publisher
URI:	https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3148433