Conferences are more than just lectures. That was the clear result of a survey we conducted with hundreds of participants of academic conferences and congresses. In response to the question “What makes a successful conference for you?” the aspects “networking” and “meeting new contacts” were each answered with almost the same importance as “gaining new knowledge from lectures.”

Against the backdrop of the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, organizers as well as conference-goers had to get used to virtual alternatives. Born out of necessity, many different creative approaches have popped up in the meantime, seemingly overnight.

Last month, we published our first article on the Coronavirus pandemic (in German only), at a time when it wasn’t recognized as a pandemic. In view of the current situation, some of the statements we made didn’t age well – even if we referred to legitimate sources who since had to rectify their statements, too. The danger was generally underestimated in the beginning, particularly with regard to conferences. Time for an update and some decision guidance for conference organizers.

In Germany, the standard VAT rate is 19% – quite simple, really. Or so it seems. Except for the rather opaque legal situation, including several exceptions, when it comes to taxing event tickets. Which tax rate is the correct one: 0%, 7%, 19%, or a mix of all of them? Is it true that no VAT is charged to participants from abroad? And can conference software even handle things when things get a bit more complex?

Have you ever come across check-in terminals in a hotel? At many of these terminals, guests can even book rooms at short notice. Something similar also works well at conferences, where you implement on-site registration at self-service stations. The method has now proven itself in practice. However, organizers should pay attention to a few points beforehand.