This is such a great question. Not sure if I have answers as virtual conferences are a whole new dynamic. But, for what it’s worth, here are my thoughts.. (a thread) #PatientsIncluded https://twitter.com/katebirnie/status/1299734269720276993

As in-person conferences, work w/ patients (co-chairs, in planning committee) in organizing the conference. Setting the stage is impt & partnering w/ patients from the beginning will set the stage for success..

Offer compensation to patients who are doing this work. There are many reasons for doing this (see my pinned tweet) and will help bring new voices in... #PatientsIncluded

Address the barriers of patients on org committee to ensure their full participation. There's not formula for this. It requires listening and an openness - they could be physical, technological, cultural, emotional. There is no right answer here... #PatientsIncluded

The key at this *very first* beginning point of organization is to authentically involve those people who are most affected by the decisions/research/policies being discussed. And seeking the diversity that encompasses.. #PatientsIncluded

We're not even talking about the actual conference organization yet! There are parallels from in-person conferences to virtual conferences - scholarships for patients to attend, ensuring representation in panels, posters, keynotes, etc.. #PatientsIncluded

But a *good* #PatientsIncluded conf does more - it creates community, opportunities for experienced & newer #PatientPartners to mentor each other *and* other conference attendees. How do we do this in a virtual conference? How do we create safety?..

How do we ensure inclusion of those who have less easy access to tech? To me, these are the questions that *have* to be addressed to be *truly* #PatientsIncluded in our new reality

Would love to hear from @couragesings @TO_dpr on this.