{"id":20790,"date":"2024-10-10T18:39:30","date_gmt":"2024-10-10T18:39:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.conference2go.com\/?p=20790"},"modified":"2024-10-17T11:55:26","modified_gmt":"2024-10-17T11:55:26","slug":"virtual-vs-in-person-conferences-pros-and-cons","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.conference2go.com\/blog\/virtual-vs-in-person-conferences-pros-and-cons\/","title":{"rendered":"Virtual vs. In-Person Conferences: Pros and Cons"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
In-person conferences \u2013 be it academic events, trade shows, or business gatherings \u2013 have ruled supreme for the longest time. Archaeological ruins show evidence<\/a> of ancient forms of conferences \u2013 gatherings of people to discuss shared interests, be it wartime activities or hunting plans.<\/p> While virtual conferences started popping up on event calendars more than a decade ago, it was really the global COVID-19 pandemic that exponentially accelerated the growth of this event format. In 2021, 92% of organizers shifted to virtual events<\/a>. That number further increased to 98% in 2022.<\/p> In the last couple of years, the in-person conference market has reclaimed much of its share and glory. However, not before millions of people got a chance to experience the benefits of virtual events and meetings.<\/p> It comes as no surprise that many struggle with determining which format of event to add to their calendar: virtual or in-person conferences?<\/p> That’s what we are going to address in this article: the cons and pros of each format, and how to identify which one matches your specific needs and priorities.<\/p> PRO: Face-to-face networking<\/strong><\/p> Nothing beats face-to-face networking. We are ready to die on this hill. Yes, virtual events do try to accommodate and design virtual networking experiences. However, none of it will ever come close to the level and quality of interactions that happens when people with shared interests and diverse perspectives come together in a room, shake hands, engage in spirited debates, and share a coffee or a meal.<\/p> CON: Travel and accommodation expenses and logistics<\/strong><\/p> Attending an academic conference can quickly rack up expenses: there is the application fee if you want to join as a presenter and are submitting a paper; the cost of travel \u2013 be it by plane, train, or any other method; the accommodation; and so on.<\/p> Just figuring out the logistics can be a daunting task for some. Here, it’s everything from actually planning out the travel and lodging to accounting for travel time on your already busy calendar.<\/p> PRO: Immersive learning experience<\/strong><\/p> Virtual learning technologies have in many ways democratized access to education. Virtual events and classrooms make knowledge more accessible<\/a>.<\/p> Yet, virtual events can’t provide the same immersive type of learning experience as in-person conferences. Listening to a presentation as you sit in a conference room among your peers, asking questions, and engaging in countless discussions post-session \u2013 all these elements make the learning experience three-dimensional.<\/p> PRO: Exploration of the host city<\/strong><\/p> One of the biggest bonuses of traveling to an academic conference is the opportunity to explore the city where it’s hosted. Whether it’s spending a couple of extra days in a host city or exploring it after conference hours, attending in-person conferences is the perfect way to combine work with a short holiday.<\/p> Doing so with the participants of the conference you are attending will only strengthen the networking aspect of the event. Plus, it’s a great way to make friends who will remain in your life for years to come.<\/p> CON: Bigger environmental impact<\/strong><\/p>The Pros and Cons of In-person Conferences<\/h2>