Conferences: Hybrid future

After many event cancellations during Covid-19, in-person conferences are roaring back with a virtual twist

Following two years of delay due to the coronavirus pandemic and its devastating effects on society, in May 2022 the International Astronomical Union opened a major conference on massive stars.

The decision to hold the conference in-person at a resort hotel in Cavan, Ireland, had been taken four months earlier, leaving the organisers little time to explore options for those who wanted to attend online. The budget did not extend to a full hybrid conference, meaning scientists who had grown used to joining sessions from the comfort of their homes during lockdowns had to travel to take part.