The impact of academic conferences and how to make them useful

Academic conferences have to date largely evaded empirical examination, despite demanding a lot of time and effort from those attending. Based on my work for a forthcoming book, I consider examples of conferences, including the Cochrane Colloquium, that provide important lessons from which we can learn about the impact of conferences. Travel to the conference, the venue, and when it is held can be a barrier to delegates attending, impacting on what will be said and discussed. By sharing new knowledge and wisdom, conferences act as a signal that cuts through the noise and adds to the “Knowledge Enterprise”. But if the delegates are too tired from travel or do not attend, it is not possible to meaningfully discuss issues. There is a need for the evolving discipline of Meta-research to examine research conferences, and for academics to discuss and challenge the role and value, and usefulness of academic conferences.