TLDR; SIGCSE TS 2025 will continue to be a hybrid event. Some aspects of the conference will be only available to in-person attendees. However, online participants will be able to participate in:
- Keynotes & Plenaries
- SIGCSE Award Presentations
- First Timers’ lunch
- A selection of panels and special sessions
- A selection of online paper presentations
- A selection of online tutorials
- Nifty Assignments
- The legendary SIGCSE TS Coffee Break Show
- The online conference communication platform (Whova)
We’re thrilled to welcome you to the upcoming SIGCSE Technical Symposium 2025, which is set to be a blend of in-person, hybrid, and online experiences. The online portion of the symposium will synchronously run alongside the in-person event from February 26 to March 1, 2025. We’re excited to offer an array of engaging panel sessions, workshops, and presentations to cater to both online and in-person attendees. For our online attendees, the technical symposium will take place on Zoom. As mentioned on the website, online attendees’ registration costs are significantly cheaper than in-person registration in most cases. This blog post aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the opportunities and resources available to you as an online participant.
Symposium Format and Interaction
Some sessions, including keynotes, nifty assignments, and panel sessions, will be streamed live during the symposium, with live chat available for asking questions during the presentations. Sessions will not be recorded, this decision was made to promote interaction and engagement during the symposium.
Online Paper Presentations
Throughout the symposium, all online papers will be presented via Zoom during the paper session slots. Additionally, in-person attendees can participate in online paper sessions as the Zoom room will be projected in a dedicated room at the Convention Center. This arrangement enables in-person attendees to join and engage with the online paper presentations, fostering an inclusive environment for all. Questions can be asked through Zoom chat, ensuring interactive participation from both online and in-person attendees.
Online Only Tutorials
Some tutorials will be offered only online through Zoom, accessible to both in-person and online attendees. These tutorials aim for inclusivity, encouraging in-person participants to join online for a streamlined experience, avoiding the complexities of hybrid tutorials. Details regarding the Zoom sessions for online tutorials will be disseminated to registered attendees by the tutorial organizers.
Hybrid Sessions
Throughout the symposium, all hybrid events will be streamed live on Zoom. Questions can be asked through Zoom chat, ensuring active participation for online attendees.
Online Only Social Hangout
In lieu of orchestrated community activities, attendees are encouraged to join the Zoom room dedicated to social interaction. This unmoderated space will be open and accessible throughout the entire conference. Think of it as the virtual equivalent of the hallway conversations at an in-person symposium — a chance to casually connect with fellow attendees, exchange ideas, and network.
The Coffee Break Show
Online attendees may join the symposium breaks for the SIGCSE TS Coffee Break Show. Hosted by Mark Sherriff, accompanied by rotating co-hosts and special guests, this show will cover the day’s agenda and highlight exciting events at the 2025 SIGCSE Technical Symposium. Stay tuned during the five breaks to catch up on the Technical Symposium updates, engaging discussions, and interviews—an opportunity to stay informed and connected with the symposium’s pulse.
Whova App
We’re once again using the Whova app for the program and networking. To get started, we recommend exploring the app — it’s the best way to connect with others. A community post for online attendees has already been created, but we encourage you to create your own posts and reach out to fellow participants.
Pro tip: Update your profile with a picture! It makes it easier for people to find you and helps break the ice.
Session Categories and Program Navigation
The program’s labels and badges on the website serve as a tool to tailor your symposium experience. We’ve categorized sessions into three distinct badges: ‘Hybrid,’ ‘Online,’ and ‘Online Only.’
- The ‘Hybrid’ sessions offer an online viewing of the live in-person sessions held in a physical room at the convention center. Online attendees will have the ability to participate via the Zoom chat.
- For ‘Online’ sessions, the presentation occurs online; however, it is projected in a dedicated room at the convention center so that in-person attendees can watch. All interaction will happen primarily through the Zoom platform.
- Meanwhile, ‘Online Only’ sessions occur exclusively through Zoom. There is no in-person option or dedicated physical space.
- The labels on the Whova app and the website allow you to filter the program, to find sessions.
We’re committed to providing an inclusive experience for all attendees. While the online and hybrid format presents new challenges, it also opens new opportunities for collaboration, learning, and networking.
We look forward to welcoming you to an engaging Technical Symposium experience.
Oluwakemi Ola
Narges Norouzi
SIGCSE TS 2025 Hybrid Experience Chairs