Conducting a Virtual Research Symposium: Path to Success

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Administration
• Medical Education
• Virtual Event Management

Background:

• Annual statewide research symposium previously held in-person.
• Transition to a virtual format was necessitated by external factors.
• The event is hosted at a Magnet redesignated community hospital.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe strategies for transitioning a research symposium from face-to-face to a virtual format.
• To evaluate the success and impact of the virtual event on attendee access and participation.
• To gather feedback on the virtual symposium experience.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of virtual event technologies and platforms.
• Development of strategies to facilitate remote participation.
• Systematic collection of attendee feedback post-event.

Main Results:

• Successful transition to a fully virtual research symposium.
• Increased accessibility, with representatives from all nine system hospitals attending for the first time.
• Positive attendee feedback on remote access, prompt technical support, and presenter quality.

Conclusions:

• Virtual event formats can successfully enhance accessibility and participation in academic symposia.
• Remote attendance is valued by participants, particularly those facing travel barriers.
• Effective technical support and quality presentations are crucial for successful virtual academic events.