During the submission process, we asked if participants would like to present virtually or in-person. However, we know circumstances may have changed since the submission period closed earlier this year. To accommodate changes, we are pleased to announce a new pilot program for hybrid sessions at the conference. These sessions will have both remote and in-person presentations as well as an in person and virtual audience, able to engage with the presentations. In all hybrid sessions, at least half of the presenters will be in-person to ensure an engaging experience for all participants. Since this is a pilot program to measure the need for this accommodation going forward, only a small number of hybrid sessions will be available.
Submission decision notifications will be sent later today and will include the accepted presentation format, either virtual or in-person, based on the submitter’s original selection. In the notice, accepted participants will have the opportunity to let APPAM staff know if their circumstances have changed and they now wish to reconsider their original presentation format preference. APPAM staff will review these requests and use them to determine which sessions will be hybrid, virtual, or in-person. They will accommodate as many requests as possible but please know they might not be able to accommodate all requests.
We hope to see many of you in Austin but for those that are unable to join us in-person, know you’ll be able to participate in over 40 conference sessions and special events. In addition to the hybrid sessions, we’ll have nearly 20 virtual sessions with all remote presenters and 13 Super Sessions and special events that will be streamed live. Virtual attendees will be able to interact in all streamed sessions through Zoom’s Chat and Q&A features.
The full schedule will be shared in two weeks when conference registration officially opens. We hope that by offering virtual, hybrid and in person sessions, we are maximizing the number of attendees that can attend the conference and share their important research, in the way they want to attend and share. If you have any questions about the conference or its programming, please contact APPAM Deputy Executive Director, Tristanne Staudt at tstaudt@appam.org.
I look forward to seeing you in Austin!
All the best,
John Martinez
APPAM President-Elect