The advantages for an online conference depend on the scale and goals of the conference. If your goal is to get your information out to "attendees" who may not

The advantages for an online conference depend on the scale and goals of the conference. If your goal is to get your information out to "attendees" who may not have the means (time/money) to travel and that info is high value to both the receiver and attendee, its a great medium. If your goal is to connect 1:1, its not great, but virtual versions of Braindate where 1:1's can be scheduled make it more useful. During lockdown, people had a lot more incentive to connect virtually because that was the only way to connect. And a virtual conference provided access to people you may not have access to in your usual spheres. I personally prefer in person as I enjoy the vibe and learn as much or more in the hallways as I do in the sessions... At large conferences, I don't attend sessions in person that will be available to stream later so that I can take advantage of the other features that are only available in person. We have a new tool in our toolbox that was developed greatly during lockdown and in the subsequent years and the value will be based on how much people use them as much as by their intrinsic features. There is so much more one could say, but in the end, I don't think its an either/or ... its about fit.