Issue link: http://psai.uberflip.com/i/1293694
ASSOCIATIONINSIGHT Portable Sanitation Association International News BIWEEKLY EDITION SEPTEMBER 30, 2020 Page 19 Virtual Conference Concerns and Solutions…Continued from page 18 Continued on page 20 I Want to Talk to the Speaker after the Session We will do our best to make this happen. Even if the content of the speaker is prerecorded, we will try to have the speaker available live afterwards for the question and answer period. This Doesn't Feel Like a Conference; It Just Feels Like Content At an in-person conference, you get away for a few days and are immersed in the experience—learning, socializing, eating, drinking, and maybe even sight-seeing. You go not just for content, but to hang out with friends, acquaintances, and strangers who become colleagues. Since a virtual conference has you sitting in front of a computer at home or at work, the scenery doesn't change and you likely didn't even set up an out-of-office notification. It is understandable that you are not getting the conference "feel." One way you can change this feeling is to focus on a key element of any conference: connecting with people. If you are not one to lead into these types of meetings, no need to worry. There will be plenty of opportunities to connect through chats and lounges and with exhibitors. I Miss Serendipitous Meet-ups and Just Wish I Could See the People I Know Conference attendees love the haphazard chances to meet people at session tables, at the buffet and bar lines, or just hanging out in the hallway. A virtual platform can replicate these chance meetings by easily displaying all attendees' contact information and session schedules. This is your chance to reach out to them and go over what you are experiencing at the conference and make new connections. You can also set up breakout rooms for both personal and professional meetings that will be hosted by volunteers or sponsors. Share links to these meetings with co-workers and work the room like you would do in- person. If you want to meet privately, it is easy to create a room for just you and those you invite. Finally, you can expect scheduled pre- and post- conference activities, such as attendee happy hours, discussion groups, and even learning groups from conference sponsors or exhibitors. Where Are My Free Drinks? What Are the Benefits of a Virtual Conference? No, you don't get a free drink with a virtual event ticket. That doesn't mean you can't enjoy your own special concoction while watching. Still, there are many positives to a virtual conference. Here are a few: • No air travel. No being stuck in a middle seat. No creepy neighbors. No running from gate to gate like your hair is on fire. No losing your bag between flights.