With the conclusion of #EdCog2020 and my first experience at attending, let alone running an online conference, I'm sharing this thread some of the lessons (#1-8, below) learned as we make plans for next year.
1. Pick a conference theme that resonates with attendees. We chose to focus the conference theme for #EdCog2020: Pivoting to Online Learning. This uniting thread cut across all activities in the conference. 
2. Get the best presenters to connect with the conference theme. We were fortunate to have @FiRawle, @cogscimom, @wammesjd, Michelle Cadieux @MacIntroPsych, Jonathan Tullis, @deenakshaffer, @DrDianaBrecher, Paul Denny, @IrinaGhilicPNB , @tsmartini, @JenniferMeka, and @AmyPachai
3. Strategically space out breaks throughout the day to allow everyone an opportunity to restore their energy, motivation and attention resources.
edcog.mcmaster.ca/index.php/abou…
edcog.mcmaster.ca/index.php/abou…
4. Mix it up: instead of a wall of back-to-back talks, plan a variety of conference activities. We included concurrent workshops, plenary talks, Data Blitz (short 5-min talks), and Panel Discussion.
5. Add networking a fun interactive components to keep attendees engaged. In lieu of a reception, we had a Pub Quiz (using @crowdpurr with prizes from @McMasterAlumni ) following our Public Lecture, lunchtime breaks featured sign-ups for Networking Lunches w a speaker.
6. Encourage (and guide) speakers to make presentations interactive. Speakers used Polls, breakout rooms, Q&A, and follow-ups on twitter to keep attendees engaged and make active contributions.
7. Work with the best behind the scenes to get the technical and organization details of the conference done professionally. I was fortunate to have Michelle Cadieux, @ConnieImbault, Paulina Rz, Christine Kennedy @McMasterAlumni and support from @McMasterU, @McMasterScience
8. Apply the lessons to next year. I'm proud to announce that we are going #hyflex for #EdCog2021 so attendees can join us in person or remotely!
edcog.mcmaster.ca
edcog.mcmaster.ca
