Episode summary

Why in‑person conferences still matter in a post‑COVID world.

What formats work now: short talks, interviews, demos, strong hosting.

How to turn “a great day out” into Monday‑morning change.

Guests

David Carr — EM physician (Toronto). Leads the Annual Update in EM at Whistler. Focus: inclusive, high‑energy, “hard‑core EM” content.

Haney Mallemat — EM & Critical Care (South Jersey/Philadelphia). Founder of ResusX; designs short, high‑engagement sessions that feel like live conversations.

Key themes

Why travel when content is online?

From lectures to experiences.

Programme design starts with the audience.

Strong hosting is part of pedagogy.

Social learning drives change.

Practical takeaways for clinicians

Arrive with intent: bring 1–2 real patient problems to solve.

Choose your format: prioritise short talks, interviews, and hands‑on if your attention is fragmented.

Make it stick on Monday: debrief with a colleague, write one practice change, set a review date. Present a short “what I learned” to your team.

Borrow authority wisely: take clear, referenced points (e.g., contrast allergy/nephropathy policies) back to local committees.

Practical takeaways for organisers

Audience first: define who you serve; let that drive length, tone, and format.

Shorten and vary: fewer bullet‑heavy lectures; more interviews, panels, and no‑slide formats when it helps educators shine.

Coach and curate: select speakers for content and delivery; build a pipeline for new voices.

Invest in hosting: treat chairs as educators; they safeguard pacing, transitions, and safety.

Design the socials: plan purposeful evening micro‑teaching and cross‑disciplinary meet‑ups.

Measure impact: mandate feedback tied to CPD; analyse themes and close the loop next year.

Risks and tensions

Edutainment vs evidence: keep the energy without losing rigour.

Access and equity: budgets, visas, disability, and caring responsibilities exclude many; amplify content post‑event.

“Too innovative?” Novel formats can struggle with recognition and funding; meet audiences halfway and iterate.

How conferences translate to patient care

Prioritise topics that solve common bottlenecks.

Put change agents on stage with take‑home resources (e.g., clear radiology guidance on contrast “allergy” and nephropathy).

Encourage attendees to form local groups to implement one change within two weeks.