Research Integrity, Trust Trends Transforming Scholarly Events

“Integrating DEI and sustainability isn’t just about ticking boxes. It’s about creating events that truly resonate with our diverse global community,” Laura Harvey, Ex Ordo‘s Chief Customer Officer. [You can listen to the episode on Spotify.]

Navigating the Future: Insights from My Association Chat Podcast Interview with Laura Harvey

Change is everywhere – even in niche areas like scholarly events. And you know how it is with these things. While some of these changes are good, some come with their own set of new challenges.

Recently, I had the opportunity to sit down via webcam and mic for an interview with Ex Ordo’s chief customer officer Laura Harvey, a rising star in the academic conference arena.

If this domain is your kind of thing, then this conversation will be of particular interest to you. We discussed many trends that will and already are transforming scholarly events.

Here is a brief run-down of some key insights from that discussion:

Trend 1: The Financial Pivot: A New Era for Academic Conferences

The financial dynamics of academic conferences are undergoing a significant transformation. Harvey pointed out that profitability is now at the forefront of conference planning. This shift is influenced by various factors, including the transition to open-access publications, the escalating cost of living, and the economic implications of the pandemic.

“We’re seeing a paradigm shift where financial sustainability is becoming as important as the academic content of the conferences,” Harvey said.

The key is to strike a balance between financial viability and academic integrity. This involves exploring new revenue models, such as hybrid event formats catering to in-person and virtual attendees, thus expanding the potential audience base and sponsorship opportunities.

Trend 2: Embracing DEI and Sustainability from the Get-Go

One of the most striking aspects of our discussion was the importance of embedding DEI and sustainability into the DNA of conference planning. Harvey emphasized that these considerations are no longer afterthoughts but are central to creating events that truly reflect our diverse global community.

“It’s about creating spaces where every participant feels valued and heard. This extends beyond the conference content to the very fabric of event planning,” she explained.

Implementing DEI in conferences means more than just diverse speaker lineups. It’s about accessible event venues, inclusive communication language, and programming that reflects various perspectives and experiences. Similarly, sustainability is about making eco-friendly choices in every aspect of the event, from digital materials over printed ones to selecting venues that prioritize green practices.

Trend 3: The Revolutionary Impact of AI and Emerging Technologies

How do we not include Generative AI somewhere in any discussion in 2024 about change? The role of technology, particularly AI, is revolutionizing academic conferences. From streamlining administrative tasks to facilitating advanced research discussions, AI is a game-changer.

“AI is not just enhancing the efficiency of conference planning but also enriching the content and delivery of academic discourse,” Harvey said.

Emerging technologies are enabling more interactive and immersive experiences for attendees. For instance, AI-driven analytics can help tailor conference tracks to attendee preferences, while virtual reality (VR) can create engaging virtual environments for remote participants.

Trend 4: Upholding Research Integrity and Trust in the Digital Era

Maintaining research integrity has become more challenging yet critical with the proliferation of digital and hybrid events.

Note that this interview happened before Claudine Gay’s recent highly publicized resignation from Harvard following plagiarism allegations, which only serves to emphasize the current concern around this issue of research integrity. (Although it’s also important to note that Gay was already in hot water before the alleged plagiarism rose to public awareness).

Harvey shared insights during our conversation about ensuring the authenticity and reliability of content presented at academic conferences.

“The integrity of research presented at these conferences underpins the credibility of the entire academic community,” she stated.

This involves implementing stringent peer-review processes, fostering an environment of ethical research practices, and using technology to verify and authenticate research materials.

Additionally, educating researchers and attendees on ethical research sharing is paramount. (After talking with Harvey, I came away thinking that this one trend alone deserves its own episode of the Association Chat Podcast in the future.)

Trend 5: Maximizing Post-Event Content: A Strategy for Extended Engagement

One of the most innovative trends in academic conferences is the strategic use of post-event content. Laura Harvey highlighted how converting conference materials into digital assets can extend the life and impact of the event.

This approach not only enhances the value of the conference for attendees but also reaches a wider audience who couldn’t attend the live event. It’s a model that promises both extended educational impact and financial benefits.

“Transforming conference content into digital formats like webinars, e-courses, or podcasts not only extends engagement but also opens up new revenue streams.”

(*This trend is also one we recently featured in another interview with podcast guest Dan Streeter.)

From financial sustainability and integrating DEI and sustainability to leveraging technology and ensuring research integrity, these trends are defining the new normal in academic conference planning.

So what happens next? We adapt and keep going.

If you’d like to hear the complete interview, you can catch it embedded below or listen to it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player.

—

Check out this episode!

Actionable Advice for Association Executives

As we unpack these trends, association executives need to take proactive steps:

• Financial Strategies: Consider innovative revenue models like tiered pricing for in-person and virtual attendees.
• DEI Implementation: Audit current practices and actively seek diverse voices in all aspects of the event.
• Leveraging Technology: Explore AI tools for personalized attendee experiences.
• Upholding Integrity: Establish clear guidelines for ethical research presentation.
• Content Utilization: Develop a plan to repurpose conference materials into digital formats for extended engagement.

A Vision for Virtual Conferencing

Mo Rocca on Creativity, Comedy, and Obit Con vs Comic Con