An Emerging Model for Virtual International Academic Conference in Architecture, Engineering, and Construction

Yanqing Fang,Emmanuel Itodo Daniel

doi:10.3389/fbuil.2021.701755

Abstract

Academic conferences are very important to industrial development and academic scholars. However, the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has led to the cancellation of many international conferences; thus, virtual conferences have received a great deal of attention. Their expanding role has created an urgent need to explore the best approaches for successful execution. However, there is limited empirical evidence on the organization of these conferences. This study aims to offer a comprehensive analysis of the key success factors through a case study of the International Group for Lean Construction’s first virtual conference. The results revealed the influence of multiple factors. In addition, a successful model for an international virtual academic conference is proposed. The model contributes to the knowledge of sustainable development in engineering management and architecture, engineering, and construction practice.

Highlights

International academic conferences on architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) are very important to academic and industrial development scholars
The analysis of the Google Sheets document and semi-structured interviews yielded core themes and subthemes related to the organization of a successful virtual international academic conference (VIAC) and the key success factors in the first virtual International Group for Lean Construction (IGLC) conference
This study aimed to explore the key success factors in VIACs

Summary

Introduction

International academic conferences on architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) are very important to academic and industrial development scholars. Attending conferences and presenting papers are central to academic and industrial research (Neustaedter et al, 2016). Academic conferences provide opportunities for scholars to communicate and to exchange information about developments in their subject areas. After coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was identified, it quickly became a pandemic that affected all aspects of life (Nawaz et al, 2020a), including international academic conferences on AEC. The World Health Organization advocated avoiding large gatherings to avoid exposure to the virus and to reduce its spread. This led to the cancellation or postponement of many international academic conferences. The AIA Conference on Architecture (originally scheduled for May 14–16, 2020) was postponed, and the 108th Annual Meeting of the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture was rescheduled as a virtual event

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Conclusion