Understanding how social networking influences perceived satisfaction with conference experiences

Annals of Leisure Research
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Abstract

Social networking is a key benefit derived from participation in conferences that bind the ties of a professional community. Building social networks can lead to satisfactory experiences while furthering participants' long- and short-term career goals. Although investigations of social networking can lend insight into how to effectively engage individuals and groups within a professional cohort, this area has been largely overlooked in past research. The present study investigates the relationship between social networking and satisfaction with the 10th Biennial Conference of Research on the Colorado Plateau using structural equation modelling. Results partially support the hypothesis that three dimensions of social networking – interpersonal connections, social cohesion, and secondary associations – positively contribute to the performance of various conference attributes identified in two focus group sessions. The theoretical and applied contributions of this paper shed light on the social systems formed within professional communities and resource allocation among service providers.
Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Understanding how social networking influences perceived satisfaction with conference experiences
Series title Annals of Leisure Research
DOI 10.1080/11745398.2013.772867
Volume 16
Issue 1
Year Published 2013
Language English
Publisher Taylor & Francis
Contributing office(s) Southwest Biological Science Center
Description 12 p.
Larger Work Type Article
Larger Work Subtype Journal Article
Larger Work Title Annals of Leisure Research
First page 103
Last page 114
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