Scientific conferences need a good program – here’s how

A well-thought-out program begins with the right questions, formats, and ideas.

But what makes a good program for scientific conferences?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It’s more a matter of many small decisions that contribute to success, decisions that the organizers consciously make: What content do you choose? How much emphasis do you place on exchange? How precisely do you formulate your call for sessions?

To help you make the right decisions, we have compiled all our tips on program planning for scientific conferences here.

🛫To begin: Ask yourself these questions

Before you dive into the actual planning of your conference, ask yourself five questions.
These will help you put yourself in the participants’ shoes, identify potential gaps, and make more informed decisions about what truly belongs in the program and what your conference might not need. Sometimes, a fresh perspective is all it takes to give the program a small boost that has a significant impact.

❌Don’t do this: Avoid typical mistakes

Planning errors are avoidable.
Once a problem has crept into the system, it’s usually too late. As soon as the conference program is finalized, it’s difficult, if not impossible, to undo fundamental mistakes.

Too few breaks, too many parallel sessions, or too little clarity about the goal and target audience of the scientific conference: these are mistakes that repeatedly prove costly for organizers.

✍️Clear session descriptions belong in every program

To attend or not to attend?
Anyone clicking through a conference program has little time. That makes it all the more important that the content is clear, concise, and engaging. With the right description, you’ll spark interest and ensure well-attended sessions.

This also solves another problem: A good session description clarifies who can really learn something and who would likely be bored. This helps participants make the right decisions.

This article will help you write compelling texts – and shows you what to leave out.

🎤Planning and conducting Q&A sessions

Questions from the audience are invaluable.
Provided, of course, that a) there are any and b) someone knows how to coordinate them.

To ensure the Q&A session doesn’t become a mere formality but instead provides genuine impetus, it needs a suitable structure. Our tips will show you how to create space for good questions, strategically initiate discussions, and confidently handle critical feedback.

💬World Café, Fishbowl and Open Space: Open formats promote exchange

What has never hurt any scientific conference: more interaction.
If you’re looking for more exchange and participation, it’s worth considering alternative formats. In this article, we introduce Barcamp, World Café, Fishbowl, and Open Space, each with practical examples and tips on when each format is particularly suitable.

🖼️Don’t underestimate the supporting program!

Of course, participants come for the actual – the official – scientific program.
But it’s often the informal moments that are most memorable. This article shows you how to design a targeted social program that enriches your conference, fosters exchange, and makes your event truly special.

💻Virtual conferences also need a framework

Digital doesn’t automatically mean distant.
Virtual conferences can flourish with a creative supporting program. A shared buffet or a city tour aren’t essential for more interaction. Digital excursions or collaborative puzzle-solving have already proven successful in practice.