Nature Comment: Accessible hybrid conferences are possible and affordable at large scale
Nature Comment: Accessible hybrid conferences are possible and affordable at large scale
In August 2024, the International Astronomical Union General Assembly was held for the first time on the African continent, as a fully hybrid and open-access conference. This opportunity to approach such a traditional and historical event from a new perspective encouraged a spirit of innovation enabled by emerging technologies.
In a rapidly evolving world where gathering in person is increasingly challenging, hybrid meetings have become essential to keep communities connected. However, achieving meaningful hybrid interaction during a conference is currently far from trivial, as it combines all of the many requirements of an effective in-person meeting with those of an equally effective online meeting. Despite these obstacles, hybrid conferences ensure heightened accessibility, inclusivity and sustainability via the inclusion of the online component.
