#Communication #(R)Evolution
Changing Communication in a Digital Society
Three-Country Conference on Communication Science
7 – 9 April 2021, Zurich
DACH 21 – the first three-country conference on communication science took place from 7th – 9th April and was organized and hosted by the Department of Communication and Media Research (IKMZ) at the University of Zurich.
As an online-only conference with 553 participants from 16 countries, DACH 21 was a big success, due to a good mix of proven components of an annual conference and new, innovative features. These included more than 120 scientific presentations and a keynote presentation, panel discussions, general meetings, and workshops. In addition, pre-recorded video presentations provided more room for discussions. Formats such as online speed dating, get-togethers in virtual meeting locations and the conference dinner in festive virtual rooms with entertaining interludes contributed to a special conference community feeling. Another unforgettable event was the raclette, which participants enjoyed together in front of the screen using a specially sent raclette oven.
Many people contributed to the success of the conference. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the IKMZ staff and students who helped to organize and realize the event. We thank the agency con gressa and our technical partner Jörg Sovinz Livestreaming & Video Production for their competent support.
Special thanks also go to all sponsors and the University of Zurich for their financial support.
Finally, we would like to thank all reviewers, speakers and panel chairs for their contribution to the success of the unforgettable conference.
- An all-in-one conference platform is essential for the conference community feeling. Integrated, innovative networking tools are highly valued.
- Live lobby moderation during the conference is time-consuming but it is worth the effort. It keeps the attention of the participants between sessions and is evaluated very positively. Thus, it creates an important difference when compared to the usual experiences with video conferencing systems.
- Pre-recorded presentation videos provide more room for discussions. However, they need to be properly advertised in order to encourage participants to watch them.
- Organizing an online conference means more rather than less workload.
- Professional technical support is indispensible in the preparation and during the conference.
We are very happy about the numerous positive feedbacks on our conference and keep the DACH 21 as a great success story in a very positive memory.
