PSVIII-B-2 - Comparison of In-person, Online and Hybrid Delivery Methods for a Large Multiple Day Extension Event

Abstract: The Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course (BCSC) annually hosts more than 1,800 ranchers on campus for 2.5 days of seminars and demonstrations organized by Texas A&M AgriLife Extension. BCSC is nationally and internationally recognized and includes topics such as nutrition, reproduction, genetics, and handling. Seminars and demonstrations are designed to be inclusive for participants of all experience levels in beef cattle production and related areas. In 2019, the BCSC included 2,300 participants from multiple states (n = 24) and countries (n = 6). In 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the BCSC was transitioned to a virtual format. All sessions in the large multi-day program event (n = 25) were promptly transitioned to an online format. A commercial convention application (CrowdCompass) was utilized to host the event which included a virtual trade show. Live concurrent sessions were scheduled in 2.5-hour time blocks and broadcasted from a central location on campus to ensure the high quality of videos and improve participant experience. All sessions (n = 32) were recorded and made available to attendees (n=1,800) through the convention platform for six months following the BCSC. Attendees completed a post conference online survey (n=236) assessing their experience and expressed a 97% satisfaction rate with the virtual experience. In addition, 71.62% of respondents stated they anticipated benefiting economically from attending the virtual BCSC. In 2021, BCSC adopted a hybrid format, with the conference being held in person, with a virtual option, due to concerns with the ongoing pandemic. Although the majority of participants still attended in-person (n = 1,645), the virtual presence was significant (n =253). Further, 97% of virtual attendees expressed satisfaction with the online format. The addition of virtual options to extension programs may be a valid alternative to increase outreach, even in large, traditionally in-person programs.