ASA Announces New Policy on Video Presentations at the Annual Meeting

The Board of Trustees of the American Society for Aesthetics has approved a new policy on the use of Skype and comparable video  presentations at ASA Annual Meetings, commencing with the 2020 Meeting:

As the use of Skype and comparable video presentations at ASA Annual meetings significantly reduces opportunities for dialogue and discussion, reduces registration revenues, and presents expensive technology challenges for ASA, their use at ASA Annual Meetings, commencing in 2020, shall be prohibited, with the following exceptions: (a) When essential  to meet the requirements for a participant of the Americans with Disabilities Act or (b) When the necessary travel visa is denied by the host country; in the case of these exceptions, participants shall notify both the program chair and the Secretary-Treasurer at the earliest opportunity so they can make necessary arrangements.

Previously, ASA had no policy on the use of Skype and comparable video presentations. This new policy is consistent with the policies of most of the 75 members of the American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS).

The Trustees understand the growing interest in virtual participation at its meetings, due in part to travel costs and in part to interests in a greener society. One very large ACLS member is experimenting with a major virtual participation component, with high-tech interactions for many sessions and a fee to register (ranging from $50 for students to $150 for departments). It estimates that it needs 150 paid registrations to break even on the costs of the technology. Other large organizations are monitoring these developments, as will the ASA.

The ASA will continue to explore options for the use of technology to increase access to its meetings and always welcomes suggestions from its members.