ERS Virtual International Congress 2021

About the Congress

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the ERS made the decision to transform its traditionally in-person congress into a virtual experience. Scheduled for September 5-8, 2021, this digital event maintained the academic excellence and networking opportunities that participants have come to expect from the annual congress, while offering the convenience and accessibility of an online format.

With over 30,000 attendees from more than 100 countries, the 2021 congress became one of the largest respiratory medicine gatherings in history. The virtual platform enabled broader participation than ever before, as professionals who might not have been able to travel to a physical location could join sessions from the comfort of their homes or offices.

Key Themes and Scientific Programme

The scientific programme covered a wide spectrum of respiratory medicine and science, reflecting the diverse and evolving challenges in the field. Major themes included:

• COVID-19 and post-COVID respiratory conditions Presentations on long-term effects, management strategies, and latest research findings.
• Airway diseases Updates on asthma, COPD, and other chronic respiratory conditions.
• Interstitial lung diseases Recent advances in diagnosis and treatment.
• Respiratory infections Beyond COVID-19, including tuberculosis, pneumonia, and emerging respiratory pathogens.
• Sleep apnea and respiratory control disorders New approaches to diagnosis and management.
• Lung cancer Screening, early detection, and treatment innovations.
• Paediatric respiratory medicine Special considerations for respiratory health in children and adolescents.
• Environmental and occupational lung diseases Impact of pollution, occupational exposures, and climate change on respiratory health.

Notable Sessions and Presentations

The Opening Ceremony featured remarks from ERS leadership, including the current President, who highlighted the society's achievements over the past year and outlined their vision for respiratory health in Europe and beyond.

The State of the Art lectures were presented by leading experts in various subspecialties. Topics ranged from precision medicine in respiratory care to the impact of climate change on lung health. These sessions offered comprehensive reviews of current knowledge and emerging trends.

The Hot Topics sessions addressed urgent issues in respiratory medicine, including the latest COVID-19 research, vaccination strategies, and global health equity in respiratory care. These interactive sessions allowed participants to engage directly with experts and share their own experiences.

The Thematic Symposia provided deep dives into specific areas, with topics such as "Novel therapeutics in pulmonary fibrosis," "Air pollution and respiratory health," and "Digital health innovations in respiratory medicine."

Key Highlights and Announcements

Several important announcements and research findings emerged during the congress:

• New clinical practice guidelines for the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) were presented, updating previous recommendations based on the latest evidence.
• Breakthrough research in biomarkers for interstitial lung diseases offered promise for earlier diagnosis and more personalized treatment approaches.
• Studies presented on long COVID provided insights into the persistence of respiratory symptoms and potential rehabilitation strategies.
• Evidence on the effectiveness of various COVID-19 vaccination strategies for immunocompromised patients was shared, informing clinical practice.
• Novel delivery methods for inhaled medications demonstrated improved efficacy and reduced side effects in clinical trials.
• The ERS announced new collaborative initiatives with patient organizations to improve advocacy and support for people with respiratory conditions.

Poster Sessions and e-Posters

The virtual format allowed for an expanded poster presentation experience, with over 2,000 e-posters submitted and displayed. Participants could view posters, read abstracts, and interact with authors through dedicated discussion boards. This digital approach to poster presentations increased visibility for research projects and facilitated more extended conversations than traditional in-person poster sessions.

Awards were presented for outstanding posters in various categories, recognizing excellence in both clinical research and basic science. The virtual platform made it possible for all participants to view award-winning posters and engage with their authors regardless of time zone or location.

Professional Development and Educational Opportunities

In addition to cutting-edge research presentations, the congress offered numerous educational opportunities:

Hands-on courses were adapted to the virtual format, focusing on practical skills such as interpreting pulmonary function tests, mastering bronchoscopy techniques, and managing respiratory emergencies. These sessions utilized interactive elements including case studies, demonstrations, and expert feedback.

Meet the Professor sessions provided intimate group discussions with leading experts on specific topics. These smaller sessions allowed for in-depth exploration of complex clinical scenarios and research methodologies.

Career development workshops offered guidance for early-career professionals, covering topics such as grant writing, publishing in high-impact journals, and navigating academic career paths in respiratory medicine.

Networking in a Virtual Environment

Despite the challenges of a virtual format, the congress incorporated numerous opportunities for professional networking:

• Dedicated networking rooms based on topics, career stage, or geographical regions
• Virtual exhibit halls showcasing the latest products and services from industry partners
• Social media integration allowing participants to share insights and connect beyond formal sessions
• Regional meetings enabling professionals from specific countries or regions to exchange information on respiratory health challenges unique to their contexts
• Mentorship sessions connecting experienced professionals with those earlier in their careers

Industry Exhibition

The virtual exhibition hall featured pharmaceutical companies, medical device manufacturers, healthcare technology providers, and publishers specializing in respiratory medicine. Exhibitors presented product demonstrations, educational sessions, and opportunities for one-on-one discussions with representatives.

The digital format of the exhibition allowed for more extensive product information to be shared, including detailed specifications, clinical trial data, and instructional videos. Participants could request follow-up information and schedule meetings with industry representatives throughout the congress period and beyond.

Congress Impact and Legacy

The ERS Virtual International Congress 2021 demonstrated that important scientific discourse can continue successfully in digital formats. The broader accessibility allowed increased participation from low- and middle-income countries, fostering greater diversity in the global respiratory medicine conversation.

Many sessions remain available on-demand to registered participants for an extended period after the event, enhancing the educational value and allowing for asynchronous learning. This extended access feature represents one of the key advantages of the virtual format that may continue in future hybrid or digital events.

The experience gained from organizing this large-scale virtual congress has informed future event planning for the ERS and similar medical societies. The lessons learned about digital engagement, virtual platform capabilities, and online networking strategies will shape not only future congresses but also potentially transform how professional education and scientific exchange occur in the post-pandemic world.

Looking Forward

As respiratory medicine continues to evolve in response to global health challenges, the ERS remains committed to facilitating knowledge exchange and professional development. While the prospect of returning to in-person gatherings is anticipated, the digital innovations embraced during the 2021 Virtual International Congress will likely enhance future events, possibly creating more accessible and inclusive hybrid formats that combine the best aspects of both approaches.

For respiratory professionals worldwide, the congress provided a timely update on rapidly evolving science, practical guidance for clinical practice, and valuable connections with colleagues sharing similar challenges and goals all essential components for advancing respiratory health in the continuing effort to improve patient outcomes and reduce the burden of respiratory disease globally.