ISRRT_COVID-19_book

The final implication is the inability for physical networking and collaboration. HCP societies
and conference organisers leverage on attending physical conferences to network with
vendors, the society executive council, board members and other industry experts. As a
result, the conference organising committee is not able to seek new speakers through these
methods, and become heavily reliant on personal connections which are limited. Some
organisers solicit speakers through published manuscripts, however, these random email
solicitation may go to junk or remain unresponded as the sender is not recognised. Essentially,
a majority of the speakers who may engage in virtual conferences may be of a slightly younger
age group, whom can operate the virtual platform easily. This may reduce the engagement of
more veteran speakers in the industry.
Adaptation for the future
The increased use of hybrid learning techniques are being developed to embrace the digital
era. Without access to hands-on workshops, and carbon-footprint free adaptation of CPD, the
use of simulation and virtual reality may take over. Simulation-based learning and real-time
extended reality can offer immersive experience without the need to be at the physical site.
Hybrid conferences can become a norm. As safe travel gradually resumes, overseas delegates
can attend conferences physically. Healthcare institutions may have more options for their
staff to attend conferences in a virtual or physical manner. This also depends on their hospital
guidelines, or their limitations on registration, travel, and accommodation costs. Organisers
can also save on stipends to bring in delegates as talks can be offered as pre-recorded sessions
or VOD. There will be a need for on-site operational consciousness and strict infection control
measures of public area. This will increase the operational costs and financial burden borne
by the organisers 7 .
Conference organisers can consider the optimal platform recommendations for virtual
conferences such as optimizing pre-recorded talks streaming, live question and answer
segments and panel discussions during sessions, early accessibility for participants to plan
their preferred session schedule, viewing gallery for electronic posters, virtual booths for
participants to explore, ability to provide networking with speakers, and the ability to view
video-on-demand lectures after live session ends.
53