The year 2020 was difficult for many societies with cancelled annual meetings due to travel restrictions concerning the COVID-19 pandemic. The Metabolomics Society was no exception in 2020, ultimately deciding to hold a virtual conference. Despite the challenges of shifting unexpectedly to the virtual setting, Metabolomics 2020 Online proved to be a great success, with nearly 900 participants and enthusiastic feedback from society members in attendance.
We are excited to introduce Metabolomics 2021 Online, the second virtual conference that will take place from June 22-24, 2021. While we will not be meeting in person, we are confident that the caliber of our program this year will push the boundaries of our understanding in multiple domains of metabolomics research. Building on the success of Metabolomics 2020 Online, once again we are using a “Live Aid” format where sessions will be hosted in different time zones in collaboration with our regional networks, enabling it to continue as a truly international event. We will open the conference with day 1 focused on special interest workshops, which has now become a tradition of our conference format. Days 2 and 3 will feature scientific sessions that will begin with a keynote speaker followed by talks selected from submitted abstracts and the ability for viewers to ask questions, in order to maximize member interactions.
We hope that you will show your continued support of the Metabolomics Society by sponsoring Metabolomics 2021 Online. Building on what we learned last year and sponsor feedback, we have expanded the interactive opportunities between attendees and sponsors through added virtual networking events, talking during the scientific sessions, and flash talks that will play throughout the sessions. We now have three sponsorship levels of platinum, gold, and silver with the benefits outlined in the brochure below. Prices have increased from last year to reflect the current market value, as packages were severely discounted last year to offer a reprieve to our corporate partners during a challenging season. We are also expanding the scope of engagement and attendee interaction, with the aim to cover the costs of the third-party IT resources required for the virtual event. We hope this will be a useful way for you to reach out to our membership and let them know that science hasn’t slept during lockdown!