What It's Like To Attend a Conference -- in Person -- in the Age of Covid-19? (fastcompany.com) 35
What happens when no one shows up for a tech conference?
Fast Company's technology editor harrymcc writes: From Apple to Microsoft to Google, major tech companies have responded to the coronavirus crisis by either canceling their 2020 conference or making them purely virtual. But one well-established event — Vancouver's CanSecWest — went ahead earlier this month, with streaming as an option but not mandatory. Only three attendees showed up in the flesh. But so did security reporter Seth Rosenblatt, who wrote about the eerie experience for Fast Company.
They were outnumbed by the six staffers at the event -- "there to run the online component" -- but the article notes that the conference's organizer and founder promised all attendees "infrared body temperature checks, on-site coronavirus testing, ample supplies of disposable face masks and hand sanitizer, and restrictions on physical contact and interaction..."
"Empty hallways and escalators echoed with every footstep, and it smelled empty, the ventilation system circulating unused air. At the conference registration desk, I was offered a disposable surgical face mask and gloves."
Fast Company's technology editor harrymcc writes: From Apple to Microsoft to Google, major tech companies have responded to the coronavirus crisis by either canceling their 2020 conference or making them purely virtual. But one well-established event — Vancouver's CanSecWest — went ahead earlier this month, with streaming as an option but not mandatory. Only three attendees showed up in the flesh. But so did security reporter Seth Rosenblatt, who wrote about the eerie experience for Fast Company.
They were outnumbed by the six staffers at the event -- "there to run the online component" -- but the article notes that the conference's organizer and founder promised all attendees "infrared body temperature checks, on-site coronavirus testing, ample supplies of disposable face masks and hand sanitizer, and restrictions on physical contact and interaction..."
"Empty hallways and escalators echoed with every footstep, and it smelled empty, the ventilation system circulating unused air. At the conference registration desk, I was offered a disposable surgical face mask and gloves."
The probably won't do that again (Score:3)
Those conference facilities cost a bundle. I wouldn't want to be the person trying to justify that budget for that type of return.
It probably wasn't a picnic either for the concessionaires who were opening up to serve thousands of people.
It is possible they had a no-cancel contract signed in the pre-crisis era. The should have sent out a late RSVP weeks ago to see who would actually show up.
Were the planners Fox News viewer types who thought that the pandemic was really just another flu season?
Re: (Score:3)
I'm guessing they paid for the venue and couldn't get their money back. By holding the conference they didn't have to return anyone's registration fees.
What's it like? (Score:5, Insightful)
Stupid!
WTF!! (Score:3)
Stupid!
Exactly! There is no other description for doing this in the middle of an epidemic.
The organizers think this event is worth (other) people dying for?!?!
They should be boycotted forever.
All the checks are pointless (Score:2)
Because everyone goes to the supermarket and once there most people forget all about the social distancing if it's even possible when trying to reach the milk or whatever or pushing a trolley down a narrow isle when 5 other people are there.
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That statement is nonsense.
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I get things delivered and then can give them a quick wipe once they arrive
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Because everyone goes to the supermarket and once there most people forget all about the social distancing
That is not my experience. Most people are being conscientious in grocery stores and are keeping their distance in aisles and checkout lines. It is becoming more socially acceptable to reprimand violators. I went shopping last week, and about half the people in the store were wearing masks.
We don't have to reduce transmission to zero. We just have to get R0 below 1.0. With no precautions, C19 has an R0 of about 2.5.
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The swedes don't seem to think so.
It's awesome (Score:2)
I'll tell you it's great. Plenty of open seats. When's the speaker gonna show up?
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Okay, but who do you have sex with? And how do you get them to take the mask off?
Re: It's awesome (Score:1)
I thought the conference sex was supposed to be anonymous anyway?
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Hmm, have you seen the chicks at one these conferences? Why would I want them to do that?
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Yeah, I've seen them, some of them naked, and they looked much better than you.
The Churches are all still holding in person too (Score:3)
South Korea traced their second outbreak to one numbskull [aljazeera.com] who refused to skip Church. Didn't help that her pastor tells her that only the unfaithful get sick...
If we had a functioning government they would force the Churches closed like they did in 1918.
Re:The Churches are all still holding in person to (Score:4, Interesting)
At least in Vancouver, where the conference was held, all churches, mosques, synagogs, and temples are physically closed. A couple of local Sikh temples have kept their Langar (kitchens) open and are delivering free food to those in need, the homeless, and other shut-ins across the city.
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Except, Constitution.
And, really, in the broader time frame, it doesn't matter if you die, and we won't.
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The Supreme Court has recognized time and time again that the government can regulate first amendment privileged actions if (a) it has a compelling public interest interest and (b) the regulations are narrowly tailored to serve that interest -- meaning it uses the least restrictive means possible and (c) the regulations are content neutral.
So as long as the government doesn't treat one religious group different than another, has a good reason to shut down public meetings, and does not interfere with religi
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Ah, the minor authority of very limited jurisdiction, both in geography and time, called the "Supreme Court", then.
This is where you do something about it.
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I don't know what you're talking about. Strict scrutiny has been the standard set by the court since 1938. Sure, eighty-two years is a "limited" time, but it's longer than most of us will live.
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82 years is, indeed, nothing compared to forever.
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Forever is not really relevant for any practical considerations. The Sun won't last forever.
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The sun may not. I will.
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For those who prefer some physics along with their theology. [wikipedia.org]
Is this a Russian Troll? (Score:2)
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Amusing.
No, the issue is that reality is far larger than you recognize.
I don't know. What is it like ... (Score:4, Insightful)
... to be a total dumbass and ignore the strong advice of just about every health professional on the entire planet? You tell me.
What it's like (Score:3)
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it looks like they had a loooooot of room for social distancing :D
No reimbursement (Score:2)