More virtual/hybrid EAG(x) participation options?

By Eevee🔹 @ 2025-02-22T22:17 (+11)

I wish there were options to participate virtually in mainline EAG events—or, failing that, an EAGxVirtual every 3-4 months.

I registered for EAG Bay Area 2025, but sadly, due to unexpected personal issues and costs, I was unable to attend. I would've still loved to hang out on the Swapcard and meet people virtually even though I couldn't make it in person. I know there are often people who end up having to miss all or part of EAG due to sudden COVID-19 infections.

A lot of tech conferences have gone hybrid, including Black Hat USA (a cybersecurity conference), Open Data Science Conference (ODSC), and NeurIPS in past years. Yet all EAG(x) conferences, at least in recent memory, have been either all-virtual or fully in-person.

Any thoughts on the pros and cons of making EAG a "hybrid" event or how to make it engaging for both virtual and in-person participants? For example:

• Livestreaming the talks in the main hall (e.g. Grand Ballroom at EAG Bay Area)
• Virtual-only tickets that give you access to the Swapcard and have a lower bar for admission
• Workshops and meetups that you can join in-person or virtually

Also, maybe to make things easier for in-person conference attendees who may have to change their plans suddenly (e.g. if they get sick), there could be a customized travel insurance plan that makes it easier to cancel if necessary, as a middle ground between full financial assistance by CEA and having to foot the bill even if your plans change. This could be offered by a third-party insurance company in partnership with CEA.