I am currently preparing for my first post-lockdown on-site conferences (besides one in my hometown).
The costs, the effort (family organisation, hotel search, logistics...), the travelling: I find it hard to justify. The more events that are held virtually, the better, cheaper, more CO2-efficient and, above all, more inclusive.
#ConferenceCulture #AcademicAirTravel #Inclusiveness #scholcomm
I try to organize all events virtually now.
But I have to admit that especially the disadvantages of the newer ones in the field regarding networking are enormous. The beer garden meetings or the pizza in the lunch break can be the basis for a lifelong important contact. And that is disappearing.
The alternatives I know (mostly video chats and avatars in 8-bit landscapes) are at best crutches for those who already know each other - at least from my personal point of view.
I think we need to do some of both, just like (at $WORKPLACE) we've gone from having physical-only to virtual-only on to the current state of virtual/hybrid meetings plus physical-only workshops and special events.
Many events can be virtual-only. But there is a need for occasional in-person networking as well. How to do that in a way that is climate-friendly, inclusive, practical etc. is a hard nut to crack. But definitely reducing overall travel is the way to go.
hauschke
Ludo Waltman
Osma Suominen