Poll results: Conferences in the age of COVID-19

Will you go to a conference in person next year? Our latest poll addressed that question and more. The 6-question survey was conducted on Crowdsignal from September 13 to October 31 and was answered by 121 respondents, 116 of which answered all the questions. My personal thoughts on two of the more significant virtual conferences I’ve attended are here and here.

 

The first question, answered by everyone, was “Under what conditions would you attend an in-person conference?”

 

Two-thirds of 119 respondents to the question “Have you attended a virtual conference since the beginning of the pandemic?” had done so, and most of them were satisfied.

 

Most respondents would consider attending a virtual conference, though fewer would consider presenting.

 

 

 

And nearly half of 116 respondents expressed some hesitation to the question, “Are you comfortable having your presentation recorded and viewed later by those who missed the live event?” 

 

 

The last question (“Where do you reside?”) revealed a remarkably diverse group from 21 countries.

 

Overall the main takeaways are that people are comfortable attending and presenting at virtual conferences, but that many are concerned about having presentations recorded and shared. This makes sense: one of the nice aspects of conferences is that you can present preliminary information and discuss emerging (perhaps even half-baked) ideas and ask off-the-wall questions. Still, until our industry comes through with an effective vaccine – or our governments and fellow citizens succeed in reducing transmission – virtual conferences will have to suffice.

 

Finally, on the subject of polling, the US has a rather important election tomorrow. If you are eligible and have not done so yet, please vote. And to everyone else, please wish us luck.