The Fresh Look Editing 5 for May 2021
Conference season is in full swing. Unlike last year when the initial shock of the pandemic saw many events cancelled, organizers are delivering opportunities online. Individuals are embracing this new way of absorbing professional development. Still, the online environment brings some familiar and unfamiliar challenges. Whether you’re attending an individual session or a multi-day event, here are some tips to make the most of your digitally-delivered content.
1. Explore your space
Most conferences will give you the opportunity to log in and explore the platform before the event begins. Think of this as the digital equivalent of wandering around the conference hall with a map prior to an in-person event. Make sure you figure out how to access your sessions and chat spaces, find out who you can contact if you run into technical difficulties, explore accessibility options so you can have a comfortable experience, and make a point of figuring out what schedule your time zone is in. If there are vendor booths, make a few notes of who will be there and who you’d like to revisit later.
2. Gather your friends
One thing an online event can’t quite replace is the feeling of milling around, sharing notes on speakers you enjoyed and discussing what sessions you’ve attended or plan to attend. Even though it’s not the same, there are still ways to be social. Follow the event’s hashtags on social media and take part in live chats either during sessions or afterwards. Some platforms will have ways to send private messages to presenters or attendees, so search for that option if you’d like to continue a conversation with someone you meet in the conference space. You can also gather a group of colleagues and experience the conference together by chatting and sharing notes via another space, such as Slack.
3. Stay hydrated (and fed!)
Even if your event is online, fuelling your mind and body is key. Make it fun! Treat yourself to a favourite snack and munch away during or between sessions. Take time out to eat meals, much like you would if you were at a conference with catering onsite. Keep a bottle of water close to hand. Of particular importance to an online format — keep your eyes hydrated as well. Eye drops can come in handy after staring at a screen for long periods of time and after scrolling through comments. Your body is important, treat it with some TLC!
4. Make a point of filling out the feedback form
A recurring theme I’ve heard during online events is people’s desire to see some kind of hybrid options going forward when in-person gatherings return. Being online has opened opportunities for conferences to attract attendees who typically wouldn’t be able to make it due to geographical, financial, or accessibility restrictions. If you attend an event and like what you see, make sure the organizers know. Conversely, if there are areas you feel could be improved, speak up. This is a remarkable time for event organizers to improve service delivery and expand their audience.
5. Don’t overdo it
Being online gives opportunities to see even more events and conference sessions you wouldn’t have been able to in physical space. The increased access is great, but can be overwhelming. Explore your event’s on-demand options and find out what you can do to watch sessions later. Just be sure to find out how long recordings will be available and make a plan to watch at a time that works best for you. Take a break — turn your computer off, take a #StetWalk (join the movement!), dance around your living room … whatever rejuvenates you. You don’t have to be everywhere at once, and pacing yourself will help you get the most out of your experience.
Happy online conferencing!