Virtual academic conferences as learning spaces: Factors associated with the perceived value of purely virtual conferences

Background The COVID-19 outbreak came with an unprecedented opportunity to investigate how the new reality of social distancing and limited international travel will affect the organization of academic conferences. Objectives Drawing on conceptualization of academic conferences as professional learning spaces, in this study, we examine the factors associated with the perceived value of purely virtual academic conferences and how such perceptions differ between participants from different research fields. The aim was to gain knowledge about factors that should be considered when designing a virtual conference. Methods Survey data from participants of three different virtual conferences were collected (N = 311). Kendall's rank correlation and chi(2)-analyses were performed. Results and Conclusion Results show satisfaction with social interaction, the extent to which presentations met participants' topics of interest and the perceived importance of learning and getting an overview on the research topic to be related to the value rating. Researchers from different research fields differ significantly in their opinion about the most appropriate conference format regarding getting an overview on the research topic. For some researchers, virtual participation might be a valuable alternative to attending a conference in person. The study serves as a first attempt to understand how and for which target groups virtual conferences serve as a valuable learning event. Further research on this conference format is needed.

Automated summary

This study investigates the perceived value of virtual academic conferences during the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically looking at differences in perception among participants from different research fields. Results indicate that factors such as social interaction, alignment of presentation topics with interests, and the importance of learning about the research topic are correlated with the value rating of virtual conferences. Researchers from varied fields have differing opinions on the most suitable conference format for gaining an overview of the research topic, with virtual participation being seen as a valuable alternative for some. Further research is needed to better understand how virtual conferences can serve as valuable learning events for different target groups.