ABSTRACT
Some reasons for the changes in conference design have already been described in earlier chapters: the modification of the intergroup exercise, the introduction of the large-group event and of the advanced training group, the reinforcement of the conference as an institution and the consequent reorganization of programme and management. These changes have resulted in the dropping of external projects for conferences that last only two weeks, the suspension of any follow-up event other than the introduction of an advanced training group, and the omission of special interest sessions. In the first section of this chapter I propose to summarize the concepts on which these developments have been based as a preface to discussions about the differences between residential conferences and non-residential courses; the introduction of this kind of learning opportunity into other kinds of training institution; and the problems of research into conference and course effectiveness.
