The Future of Conferences

Explore the evolution and future of conferences in this thought-provoking talk by Cristina (Crista) Lopes at Strange Loop Conference. Delve into the 50-year history of academic and technology conferences, examining their integral role in professional identities and career advancement. Analyze the emerging challenges in the conference culture, including environmental impact, exclusionary practices, and ethical concerns. Discover how the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted traditional conference models and opened doors to new possibilities. Investigate alternative approaches to conferences, drawing insights from online communities and recent virtual event experiences. Gain valuable perspectives on steering the future of professional gatherings towards more sustainable and equitable practices. Learn from Lopes' expertise as a distinguished professor, IEEE Fellow, and co-founder of a virtual conferencing company to envision a post-pandemic landscape for knowledge sharing and community building in the tech industry.