Introducing Tribology Frontiers Week
Edward P. Salek, CAE, Executive Director | TLT Headquarters Report September 2020
Don’t let the virtual format rub you the wrong way.
The virtual Tribology Frontiers Week format gives participants multiple options on when and how to consume content.
The world’s tribology research community is coming together Nov. 9-13 for a week of keynote presentations, technical sessions and networking opportunities.
That sounds like a typical STLE Tribology Frontiers Conference (TFC). What’s exciting about TFC 2020 is the fact that it has transformed into a virtual online event. It offers participants a valuable, cost-effective and safe experience that fits the world economic and health situation in 2020.
The Tribology Frontiers Conference Planning Committee is chaired by professor Daniele Dini, who heads the renowned tribology research group at Imperial College London. Through the committee’s efforts, Tribology Frontiers Week will feature 79 hours of exceptional programming. In fact, the virtual format has attracted presenters who might not normally accept an invitation due to scheduling restraints or travel limitations.
Some of the highlights include:
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Eight keynote speakers, each presenting their informed outlook on a topic at the forefront of tribology research
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Live Q&A with academic and industry leaders during “meet the experts” sessions
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Invited spotlight talks by noted principal investigators
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Technical sessions featuring contributed 20-minute presentations from leading tribology researchers and institutions from around the world
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Dedicated time each day for poster sessions and exhibits
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"Beyond the Cutting Edge” Symposium organized by the editors of Tribology Letters
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Continuing education course provided by the ASME Tribology Division (cosponsor for the event).
The virtual format gives participants multiple options on when and how to consume content. Sessions will be presented from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. U.S. Central Standard Time beginning Monday, Nov. 9, and continuing through Friday, Nov. 13.
While one could attend the entire program for five consecutive days, most people are creating their own session schedule for each day, much like you would at an in-person event. Because all sessions are recorded and archived, you also will have the opportunity to re-watch presentations or catch a presentation that conflicted with another session.
Tribology Frontiers Week does have a registration fee, but it is less than half the cost of the live event. Additional expenses such as travel, accommodations and meals—which add up to a substantial amount—are not a factor in the virtual world. Also, keep in mind that the one all-inclusive registration fee provides access to all sessions during the week of Nov. 9-13 and for up to one year after the event ends.
Of course, technical content and education are not the only benefits of attending a conference. Networking opportunities with colleagues and exhibitors are a must if attendees are to consider the event a success. Technology can’t fully replace the experience of making connections in meeting room corridors, at breakout sessions or over a happy hour reception. However, tools such as session comment boards, virtual breakouts and conference live chat close the gap.
There will be eight to 10 hours of networking time available during the Tribology Frontiers Week and Q&A opportunities with speakers and presenters. In addition to the group networking time, there is functionality for one-on-one meetings by appointment/invitation for people who want to connect that way.
One final consideration. Many technical organizations report that virtual event attendance is exceeding in-person events from the previous year—sometimes more than doubling. The explanation: Once the cost of travel and the logistics of schedules are freed up, more people can attend and engage with the conference content. This is especially true for international attendees who invest considerably more time and money to participate in a North American event.
Note: The virtual Tribology Frontiers Week schedule is making provisions to accommodate participants from various time zones around the world.
As more virtual conferences take place, post-meeting attendee satisfaction surveys are showing that all demographics—and especially those later in their careers—appreciate the experience. Tribology Frontiers Week is poised to provide a similar value. Don’t miss out!
For more information and for the latest details on the conference, visit
www.stle.org/TribologyFrontiers.
You can reach Certified Association Executive Ed Salek at esalek@stle.org.