A virtual conference shared is a virtual conference halved
Outsider likes to think of himself as seasoned when it comes to conference reporting.
As soon as he walks in, he knows where the more inconspicuous coffee stands are so he doesn’t stand in a huge line when there’s a break, which booths have the best phone chargers, reusable cups and socks, and where all the convenient outlets are.
At around the afternoon of the second day, Outsider is often fairly weary from the early mornings and frantic reporting but usually gets a second wind after walking around the exhibition hall, chatting to delegates (who all seem to look like him along with most of the speakers), afternoon teas, drinks receptions, and the novelty of staying at a hotel.
However, this year all the conferences were looking to ‘pivot’ thanks to the virus that shall not be named. Some were putting out webinars every few weeks, some were delaying until next year, and some were trying to replicate days long conferences online.
When Outsider heard that the Association of Financial Advisers was holding its two-day conference online he was dubious as to whether delegates (or himself) could focus for two whole days online.
The conference had back-to-back sessions and Outsider’s back bore the brunt of it (along with his concentration) as breaks were few and there was no walking to the coffee stand or sleuthing around booths for free notebooks.
As Outsider looked at his surroundings – the four walls of his home, self-made tea, and no one to talk to – he sighed and thought this was indeed not the same as an in-person conference. Not even the magic trick the AFA’s virtual drinks reception host could conjure a laugh out of Outsider.
Outsider congratulates the AFA for pivoting and trying out this new style of conference but will make sure that next time he outsources at least some of the work to his younger colleagues.
AUTHOR
The Outsider
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