What is the future of online conferences

The new situation caused by the coronavirus is called the black swan. In psychology, this concept is used when an event knocks the world or a given sector of the economy out of its current mode, causing its total reorganization. It was the global pandemic that forced the society to go online: e-learning, home-office, remote operators, and even business training in the form of webinars. Obviously, the world already knew these solutions, but this new reality caused humanity almost completely switched to remote functioning. This is a big breakthrough, a big change, which could have caused many of us to feel dizzy. Fortunately, many on-line training sessions have been organized to familiarize people with the new solutions and show them how comfortable they are.

Every year, many conferences were organized around the world: scientific, literary, related to general HR or the IT industry. Such events were extremely popular, participation in conferences is, after all, a great opportunity to meet inspiring people or engage in interesting discussions. This year thwarted the plans of many organizers of large conferences. However, we didn't have to wait long for a new solution, which is online conferences.

Last month there was the 11th edition of EKO WYZWANIA- a fully remote conference, organized so that everyone from their own home could take, active or passive, part in it. Did it succeed? Of course! There was time for expert statements, interesting presentations, and also time for asking questions. It required a different type of logistics, but if there's a will, there's a way.

So, what are the advantages of organizing online conferences?

1. This is cheaper!
   The price of renting a conference room, catering, sound system, transport- that's only one of the many fees that should be considered when organizing a large conference.
   Of course, such an event in the remote version generates its costs, after all, IT support or the presence of a speaker will be necessary. However, many items without which an ordinary conference could not take place, simply fall off- thus relieving the budget.
2. This is ECO!
   This point definitely bodes well for the future of online conferences. More and more of us are aware of the importance of caring for the planet. Therefore, any solution that has a positive impact on the environment is demanded. Due to the access to the transmission from home, you don't have to worry about the transport. Assuming that more than half of the conference participants would arrive by car, we can imagine how much exhaust gas would rise into the air. By eliminating this reason, we bow to Mother Nature.
3. This is convinient!
   While working, we can't always afford to travel many kilometers, especially a few days trip to a remote city, even if the conference seems to be extremely interesting. This limitation disappears with the onset of online conferences. The only conditions that must be met are prior registration, internet access and a device from which such transmission can be viewed. Nowadays it sounds like very simple matters.

As you can see, the issue of online conferences seems to be not only interesting, but also rich in positives. The conference is, by definition, a meeting organized to discuss, solve problems and consult. Therefore, it carries the opportunity to develop and exchange factual information. You don't have to give them up today, you don't even have to leave the house to take part in.

2020 is undoubtedly a year of great changes. The question then arises whether Internet conferences will completely oust those organized in the current way? I think not because people need face-to-face interaction. However, online conferences are an extremely convenient and good replacement that can permanently enter the calendars of organizers of large events.