When will registration open for the 2021 IS-MPMI Congress?
Registration is now open! Rates and other important registration information are now posted on the
congress website. You can register for the full series (and save 20%) or register for an individual event(s) in the series. There is an option for everyone!
What are the costs of a virtual meeting?
With registration for the 2021 IS-MPMI Congress: eSymposia Series now open, you may have wondered where your registration fee goes. While going online makes scientific meetings far more accessible to a worldwide audience, counterintuitively, it does not make meetings less expensive to produce. In our dedication to delivering quality content at the best price possible, IS-MPMI is providing a peek at our books to show the various costs associated with the production of a virtual meeting
Software Licensing Fees
Event platforms require licensing fees based on attendee capacity and meeting length. Licensed 2021 IS-MPMI Congress platforms include the professional version of Zoom used for meeting sessions; the technical abstract, programming, and event experience mobile and web app which includes ePosters and a new social interaction platform, Wonder, which will be used to enhance the interactivity and quality of this year’s networking events.
Online Event Management Hours
The additional technological needs of a virtual meeting often require more staff time than an in-person meeting; this ensures attendees, presenters, and sponsors all get the most out of their virtual experience. Tasks applicable to virtual meetings include:
- Creation and testing of the online platform
- Construction of toolkits and resource materials for presenters, moderators, sponsors, and attendees
- Coordination of schedules with presenters and AV technicians
- Rehearsals and training for conducting sessions online
- Conversion of live content to on-demand recordings
Live Support During the Meeting
Novel technology requires novel support. To ensure attendee experiences are as smooth as possible, each of our plenary sessions is preceded by a rehearsal session to familiarize presenters with the virtual tools, some of which they may never have worked with. All rehearsal and live sessions are attended by a member of IS-MPMI staff and a hired AV technician. The staff member assists and guides the moderator experience and addresses issues or questions related to the meeting content. The AV technician assists with recording each session and addresses technical questions or challenges. Most people would be surprised to learn that every hour of live content requires four hours of live support.
Universal Meeting Costs
In addition to virtual-specific costs, there are also costs that are incurred while developing a meeting, regardless of whether the format is virtual or in person. These standard meeting costs include:
- Mobile app development and licensing
- Marketing Graphics
- Registration processing
- Credit card fees
- Abstract software and processing
- Speaker fees
How Does a Virtual Meeting Save Costs?
A virtual meeting does save costs for IS-MPMI related to the physical venue—and it saves travel and lodging costs for our attendees. Cost savings related to holding an event online instead of in person include those related to space rental, poster board set-up, event signage, AV set-up, food and beverage, and staff travel and lodging. Some of these costs are offset, however, by their “virtual venue” equivalent, such as Zoom and the online event platform.
As a scientific organization, the value of IS-MPMI is defined by the hard work of its members—much of which is presented at meetings like the 2021 IS-MPMI Congress: eSymposia Series. Registration fees ensure that this work is showcased in a professional manner and engenders greater enrollment by attendees by communicating the value of the content.
IS-MPMI continues to be diligent in providing our attendees with the best value at the lowest price possible. We hope you’ll be able to log in with us at the 2021 IS-MPMI Congress: eSymposia Series!
What is the cancellation/refund policy for the 2021 IS-MPMI Congress?
Cancellations MUST be made in writing and received by IS-MPMI by the dates below:
Series Registration: June 18, 2021
Molecular Mechanism and Structure: June 18, 2021
Pathogen-Host Coevolution: August 20, 2021
Plant-Microbe Interactions in the Environment: November 5, 2021
Cancellations received by these dates are subject to a $50 processing fee. Registration cancellations received after these dates are NOT subject to a refund. You may transfer your registration to another member of your organization. By registering for the congress, you are agreeing to the cancellation and refund terms and conditions.
During registration, all registrants must agree to the terms and conditions set forth in IS-MPMI's Privacy Policy.
Read the full terms and conditions here.
