New dates for 15th Global Conference on Ageing – March 3-5, 2021
Due to the global pandemic, it is not with surprise, that the International Federation on Ageing (IFA) has now moved the dates into 2021. Niagara Falls, Canada is still the location. As a Conference Partner, I will continue to post monthly updates on the themes and specific speakers and topics as things evolve. However, I can’t help but wonder given the uncertainty of how, where and when the COVID-19 pandemic will unfold, whether any conference experience as we have known it pre-2020 will quite be the same.
As a leader in an international professional association post September 11, 2001, I was directly involved in the planning of five conferences up to 2006. Through that time, I recall how difficult it was to get delegates to fly anywhere out of their zone of risk tolerance, not to mention the squeeze on associated cost factors (for planners and attendees alike). I recall studying how other major organizations were starting to explore and adopt the virtual conference experience.
A further dint in conference planning came during the 2007-09 great recession and virtual conferences and webinars became more commonplace. Of course, time marched on, and to a large extent, we returned to the preferred human desire to confer in person. Large conferences continued, which is exactly what happened with the IFA 2018 where well over one thousand people attended. Now 2020, like a ton of bricks, the world of everything including conferencing has taken the big hit. This time is not only different; it is a time our collective memory will never forget.
So what does this perhaps mean for our collective will to once again, confer in person?
Well I’m sure the IFA team, like other organizations with postponed conferences, must be considering, “how can we plug in a platform to add a Virtual Conference option to some highlighted sessions in 2021?” My hunch is that there will still be many not willing or able to travel for various reasons, even then. This can be done, but requires rethinking pricing models for the different ways of presenting live & virtual.
Under the changing circumstances, which will likely be with us for some time, moves to make this conference accessible in these virtual ways would be greatly appreciated, and valued by those involved in advancing the field of aging and longevity. Given the severity of this global pandemic, the themes of the 15th IFA conference will be even more important to discuss as we concern ourselves with its impact on health aging for older and younger populations.
How extremely fitting it is therefore today to draw attention to the one-day IFA Pre-Conference Vaccines4Life Summit “which aims to inform the global agenda for a life course approach to adult vaccination. The summit will bring together experts, thought leaders and decision makers in immunization, ageing, public health, health policy, health economics, government, journalism, digital marketing and communications and frontline healthcare professionals such as physicians, pharmacists, nurses and nurse practitioners.”
Meanwhile on April 3rd, I will be on the IFA Virtual Town Hall – “COVID-19 Global Effects on Older People”.
I look forward to the immediate insights from world specialists, as this event will share:
- Stories of extraordinary resilience and courage in the face of COVID-19
- Global challenges facing vulnerable populations during this pandemic
- Lessons to be learned and good practices in protecting and respecting the rights of older people in these unprecedented times
More IFA 2020 updates next month. Meanwhile you can follow more on your own at https://ifa2020.org/