Choosing Between Virtual and In-Person Diabetes Conferences
I count myself super lucky to have been a #dedoc voice four times now – once virtually at EASD 2022, and in person at ADA 2023, ATTD 2023, and ATTD 2024. I’ve enjoyed both the in-person buzz and the convenience of virtual meet-ups, each with their unique set of advantages (and disadvantages). Here’s my take on navigating these choices to find what works best for you.
Our #dedoc° voices — diabetes advocates attending ATTD in Florence 2024.
Source: Michelle Law
Virtual Diabetes Conferences
The Upside
Accessibility Galore: Imagine this: attending a global conference in my comfiest PJs, coffee in hand, right from my home office. The ease of logging in from anywhere not only breaks down barriers but opens doors to voices from anywhere with an internet connection.
Content Focused: Without the hustle and bustle of exhibition halls and racing between sessions, there’s a golden opportunity to zero in on the presentations. Taking screenshots, jotting down notes, and really soaking in the material? If you’re all about the scientific content, going virtual is the clear winner.
Cost-Effective Learning: Dodging the extra costs involved in being away from home means virtual conferencing is convenient and smart financial move.
Flexibility at Its Best: Being able to pause, rewind, and replay sessions means I can catch every detail, or ditch a less interesting talk for a more enlightening one in a few clicks.
Minimal Family Disruption: There’s no need to scramble over household logistics or childcare – I end the day in my own bed after each day of the virtual conference.
The Downside
The Missing Spark: Efficient, yes, but virtual chats often lack the spontaneous exchange of ideas you get from in-person interactions.
Limited Networking: It’s a shame to miss those chance encounters and spontaneous connections. Virtual meets can be great, but they don’t quite match the in-person experience, and it’s hard to meet people outside the #dedoc voices circle.
Exhibition Hall Experience: I miss not being able to physically explore the tech showcase or have those impromptu conversations with exhibitors.
In-Person Diabetes Conferences
The Good Stuff
The Power of Real Life: There’s an undeniable magic in meeting other #dedoc voices in real life. Sitting together in restaurants with everyone carb counting, beeping, sharing what tech they’re using and their tips and tricks. Totally unique and special.
Deeper Engagement: Being there in person means fully immersing in the experience, away from daily distractions, soaking in every word and live demo. It’s also cool getting to check out a new city in the downtime around the conference.
Hands-on Revelations: Getting hands-on with the latest devices is something you just can’t get online. The first time I got to explore a room full of the latest diabetes tech, my mind was blown!
The Not-So-Good Stuff
Accessibility Challenges: Travel logistics can be tricky, especially for those with health or mobility issues, making in-person events more of a challenge.
Privilege Check: It’s a harsh reality that not everyone can afford the luxury of time off work, much less unpaid, coupled with the necessary support back home to venture out.
Expense Factor: The financial burden of being away from home adds up quickly. While travel and accommodation are covered (and some meals), costs of other meals and the indirect costs of being away mean in-person attendance is the more costly option.
Conclusion
Dipping into the diabetes conference landscape, both virtually and physically, has been an enlightening and rewarding journey of learning and advocating. Each diabetes conference format offers unique benefits and challenges, so consider cost, accessibility, networking, and what experience you’re after when deciding which programme to apply for.
If I could give conference organisers one piece of advice about having people with lived experience in attendance, it would be to remind the presenters and exhibitors of the principles of Language Matters. I’ve seen some questionable language used at conferences on more than one occasion and it’s clear that not everyone in the diabetes ecosystem has had that memo!
Remember, every question we ask, every story we share, and every connection we forge drives forward our collective mission to better the lives of those with diabetes. So, whether you’re navigating virtual sessions or wandering through conference halls, remember: your voice is powerful, and your advocacy is crucial!
#NothingAboutUsWithoutUs
Written by Michelle Law from pumpsandpricks.com
Her previous conference write ups can be found here: EASD 2022, ATTD 2023, ADA 2023 and ATTD 2024
#dedocvoices #NothingAboutUsWithoutUs #virtual #inperson #EASD #ATTD #ADA #diabetesconferences
