The 2023 Academy of Management (AoM) Annual Meeting took place in Boston, Massachusetts, from August 4 to 8. This highly anticipated event marked a significant milestone as it became the first fully in-person meeting since the onset of the global pandemic. It is worth noting that the previous gatherings faced disruptions due to the COVID-19 crisis, with the 2020 meeting being canceled altogether, the 2021 edition transitioning to a virtual format, and the 2022 meeting adopting a hybrid model.
Attending this year’s AoM Annual Meeting offered a unique opportunity to witness the return of scholars, researchers, and industry professionals to a traditional conference setting. The vibrant city of Boston served as an ideal backdrop for this momentous occasion, hosting a diverse range of sessions, workshops, and networking events throughout the five-day event.
The atmosphere at the meeting was brimming with enthusiasm and eagerness. Academics and practitioners alike eagerly engaged in fruitful discussions, exchanging ideas and insights on various topics within the field of management. The event featured presentations from esteemed speakers who shared their expertise on emerging trends, innovative strategies, and challenges facing today’s organizations.
Attendees were delighted by the chance to reconnect face-to-face after such a prolonged period of remote interactions. The joy and renewed energy in these personal encounters were palpable, reflecting the deep-seated desire for human connection and collaboration within the academic and professional community.
One of the key highlights of the 2023 AoM Annual Meeting was the emphasis placed on diversity and inclusion. Prominent sessions and workshops were dedicated to exploring ways to promote equity and foster an inclusive environment within the workplace. Recognizing the importance of diverse perspectives in advancing management research and practice, participants engaged in thought-provoking conversations around gender equality, racial and ethnic representation, and accessibility in the field.
Furthermore, the conference showcased the latest advancements in management scholarship, with attendees gaining invaluable insights into cutting-edge research and innovative methodologies. The exchange of knowledge and the cross-pollination of ideas sparked new collaborations among attendees, paving the way for future interdisciplinary endeavors.
The success of the first fully in-person conference since the pandemic serves as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the academic community. It reflects the collective determination to overcome the challenges posed by the global health crisis and reaffirms the significance of in-person interactions in driving intellectual progress.
As the AoM Annual Meeting came to an end, participants departed with a renewed sense of purpose and inspiration. The connections forged and lessons learned during this event will undoubtedly shape the trajectory of management research and practice in the years to come. With optimism and enthusiasm, the community eagerly anticipates future gatherings that will continue to foster collaboration, innovation, and meaningful engagement within the world of management.
