How the COVID-19 Pandemic Changed Medical Conferences

by Katie Robinson •

As the COVID-19 pandemic prevented large gatherings and hindered travel, otolaryngology society meetings were moved online. Today, in-person meetings are returning, but online options may be here to stay. 

“Overall, our 100% virtual meetings fared well; they either matched or exceeded prior 100% live programming in terms of registration,” said Jami Lucas, executive director and CEO of the American Academy of Otolaryngic Allergy (AAOA) and its foundation. “In 2022, we’re opting to host all our live programs as hybrids. Our first was a resounding success in January. Roughly half our audience was live, and many participants found that having options on how to participate made it easier to commit.” 

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ENTtoday looked at this topic in 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic first started (“I’ll See You When I See You,” Sept. 2020). Here, we discuss how well online only and hybrid meetings have been received, and what might happen in the future. 

Online Meetings Fared Well 

“Online meetings, given the current circumstances, have fared reasonably well, certainly, from the perspective of getting colleagues ‘together,’ sharing information, and providing a forum for discussion and question answering,” said Myles L. Pensak, MD, Triological Society executive vice president and professor emeritus of otolaryngology–head and neck surgery at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine in Ohio. 

While not as effective socially, online meetings enabled participation from a worldwide audience, permitted participants to choose their viewing time, and allowed for a minimum disruption of work and home responsibilities. “Clearly, virtual meetings cost less,” added Dr. Pensak. 

However, virtual programming can take more staff time, and production companies may take advantage of this latest boon with pricing. “We were able to negotiate out of our 2020 and 2021 hotel obligations, allowing us to focus on producing our virtual programming,” said Lucas. “Overall, our programs netted the same or better financial results. 

“We embraced virtual to find new ways to deliver content and engage the virtual audience,” Lucas continued. Using games in AAOA’s live programming increased engagement, and the virtual format allowed for some new opportunities. “We offered virtual office tours to share how folks modified their practices to be COVID-19 safe and hosted mid-day Surgeons’ Lounges to open dialogue among our faculty and attendees.” 

In 2022 we’re opting to host all our live programs as hybrids. Our first was a resounding success in January. Roughly half our audience was live, and many participants found that having options on how to participate made it easier to commit.