ANA Webinars: implementation of a conference-based virtual networking event.

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Medical Education
• Professional Networking

Background:

• Junior and Early Career Member (JECM) Committee identified a need for enhanced networking opportunities at the American Neurological Association (ANA) annual meeting.
• Traditional in-person networking can be challenging for early career professionals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and implement a virtual networking event for the ANA annual meeting.
• To evaluate the perceived benefits and effectiveness of virtual networking compared to in-person interactions.

Main Methods:

• A one-hour virtual networking session was designed with small group meetings (mentor, moderator, mentees).
• Participants (mentees, moderators, mentors) were recruited, and an exit survey was administered for evaluation.

Main Results:

• 110 participants attended the virtual session, including mentees, moderators, and mentors.
• 90% of respondents felt the session met their goals, and 99% found it comparable or better than in-person networking.

Conclusions:

• Virtual networking sessions for neurologists are feasible and highly effective.
• Future virtual networking events should refine mentor-mentee matching and address mentee attrition.
• Further research is needed to assess the long-term impact of virtual networking in neurology.