The conference organizers want to account for the fact that some conference attendees may not be able (or want) to attend the conference in person due to a variety of issues (international and national travel, funding, etc.). However, hosting virtual presentations live raises a whole host of challenges that can negatively impact the conference experience.
Thanks in large part to the mobile app design, we intend to use that interface as the space for remote attendees to both share presentation materials and access materials and some sessions taking place in person.
To that end, here is what we are planning to do:
- We will be recording all plenary presentations and lunch-time award sessions.
- All presenters, regardless of modality, will have a Google Folder (via IWAC2027 Gmail) and/or be able to link to a folder of their own (via the mobile app) where they can upload conference materials. Presenters can also choose to record their presentations on their own computers during the conference and upload an mp4 file there.
- All panels where 2 or more speakers are attending virtually will be asked to pre-record the panel in entirety and upload the files to the G-folder with slides/scripts/handouts before the conference begins (by Wednesday morning). Q&A can be facilitated via the mobile app, or they can opt to include a conversation document in the folder where people can dialogue.
- We will not record community conversations, though we are considering having documentarians for these sessions.