US association runs virtual conference

Coinciding beautifully with a series of features on the future of virtual meetings on MEETINGS:review, it has come to our attention that the American Society for Training & Development (ASTD) will offer a highly sophisticated virtual version of its annual International Conference & Exposition.

The ASTD 2009 Virtual Conference will provide participants with the chance to be a part of the world’s largest gathering of workplace learning professionals from the convenience of their home or office. The Virtual Conference will be offered from 31 May to 3 June 2009 – the same days the live conference will take place in Washington, DC.

“ASTD offered a virtual version of our TechKnowledge Conference & Exposition earlier this year and it was a tremendous success,” said Anthony Allen, director of digital media for ASTD.

“This is the first time we have offered our International Conference & Exposition virtually. It is a unique and trend-setting conference experience that benefits all participants.”

People unable to attend the conference in person will be able to register for the full conference or can choose a one-day virtual option. The content will be available for 30 days allowing participants time to access the information after the event.

People attending the conference in person will also have access to the virtual conference as part of their registration, and will be also able to access the content for 30 days, starting 5 June.

The ASTD 2009 Virtual Conference features 80 live webcasts, 15 videos of general sessions, showcase speakers and other selected sessions, Virtual Conference Orientation, networking sessions via conference call, a special LinkedIn community, and ASTD’s Second Life community.

There will also be a ‘Live from the EXPO’ offering, allowing virtual attendees to talk directly with vendors on the EXPO floor.

For more information, visit www.astd.org