The 25th Annual Conference of the Japan Academy of Nursing Administration and Policies was held at PACIFICO Yokohama North in Nishi Ward, Yokohama, on Saturday, August 28 and Sunday, August 29, 2021. This academic conference was held in a hybrid format with online streaming of on-site events.

 

This year’s conference was chaired by Kanoya Yuka, professor of gerontological nursing at Yokohama City University’s School of Medicine, Nursing Course. The conference featured one major difference compared to other years: it was held during a pandemic. Professor Kanoya faced new challenges in organizing the conference, but with the support of the Yokohama Convention & Visitors Bureau a successful hybrid event was held.

Harnessing the Power of the Internet and Social Media to Increase Attendance

Attracting participants to nursing-related conferences, which do not involve the acquisition of academic credits, is essential, and the ongoing pandemic made it especially difficult this year. Social media was an important tool used both to attract participants and share safety information and updates before and during the conference.

Making the Most of Hybrid Events: On-demand Streaming for One Month

This was the first year that the Japan Academy of Nursing Administration and Policies held their annual conference as a hybrid event.

Japan Convention Services, a major convention management company with experience managing MICE events during the pandemic, handled online distribution, providing a stable, dedicated online site. Throughout the convention, questions from both on-site and online attendees were sent to speakers, making the event worthwhile and informative for everyone.

On-demand streaming of recordings was made available for one month.

Professional Infectious Disease Countermeasures Combined with Homegrown Slogans

Thorough guidelines were in place to protect against the transmission of the coronavirus, with the infection control standards of both the Japan Academy of Nursing Administration and Policies and PACIFICO Yokohama North being followed.

Health declaration forms were required of all on-site attendees. In addition, carbon dioxide measuring equipment was used to monitor ventilation and disinfectant solution was provided around the venue.

In the lecture hall, double-layer anti-splash film was installed for speakers and replaced after each lecture. Seating areas were spacious to prevent crowding.

MICE: A Place to Promote Local Companies and Products

Space was provided for corporate exhibition booths where nursing-related companies were able to promote their products. In addition, local companies had booths to sell local products and Yokohama souvenirs.

[Postscript]

The Japan Academy of Nursing Administration and Policies received support from the Yokohama Convention & Visitors Bureau through the Yokohama MICE Events Support Subsidy System. The bureau provides a range of support to help organizers overcome the increased financial burden and other challenges resulting from the shift to hybrid events and to ensure that exhibitions in Yokohama are held safely.

• Name of Event 25th Annual Conference of the Japan Academy of Nursing Administration and Policies
• Dates Saturday, August 28 to Sunday, August 29, 2021
• Venue PACIFICO Yokohama North
• Organizer Yokohama City University School of Medicine Nursing Course Gerontological Nursing