A Global Dialogical Field: Merging the Physical and the Digital in a Hybrid Conferencing Tool

This chapter explores the innovative approach to conferencing taken by the “Deep City” symposium in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which necessitated a blend of digital and physical platforms to continue scholarly and professional exchanges. The event, planned for fall 2020 and later moved to March 2021, was restructured into a hybrid model due to social restrictions. The reimagined conference utilized a global dialogical platform that seamlessly integrated the physical with the digital, enabling participation from diverse geographical locations and disciplines. This hybrid model allowed for an inclusive, interactive environment that extended beyond traditional physical event boundaries, promoting a rich exchange of ideas across the globe. The platform not only facilitated real-time interaction but also served as a dynamic archive, capturing the proceedings for asynchronous engagement. This chapter details the technological and conceptual frameworks that supported this hybrid format, reflecting on the implications for future academic and professional gatherings, particularly considering ongoing challenges such as climate crises and technological disruptions.