From Pivot to Tradition:
How Going Virtual Expanded Our Conference World

Written by Anna Alexander – This article is from AIM Issue 4 (released June 2026).

Our most powerful tool: "Yes, And."

In the world of applied improvisation and here in our community, we teach and embody the power of "Yes, And." We believe in the value of accepting the reality of a situation and building upon it to create something new. Everyday we are faced with offers, unlimited chances to accept and say “Yes, And.” Looking back at the history of our gatherings over the last few years, it is clear that the Applied Improvisation Network didn’t just preach these concepts—we live them.

2020: The Pivot

Before I joined AIN as your Administrator in 2021, the organization and the world faced a global hurdle that no one saw coming. Remember March 2020? The pandemic forced a pause on physical gatherings, pushing back our beloved in-person conferences. Faced with the inability to meet face-to-face, our community had a choice: wait it out, or adapt.

True to our nature, AIN chose to adapt. The result was the 2020 Virtual Symposium: "Imagining a Better Normal." It was born out of necessity—a way to keep our spirits up and the important conversations going when travel was impossible. At the time, it felt like a temporary bridge, a placeholder, until we could return to the way things were.

2021: A New Era Begins

When I stepped into the role of Administrator in June 2021, the digital landscape was shifting from a temporary fix to a need for a sustainable platform. That year’s theme, "What Comes Next?," was perfectly timed. We weren't just waiting for the pandemic to end anymore; we were actively exploring the future of our field, our network, and our community in this new reality.

We realized that the virtual space offered something unique and something we needed. It democratized global access to our conference, welcoming voices who might not have been able to travel to an in-person event due to cost, distance, or scheduling. The "temporary" fix to our in-person conference hiatus was actually opening doors we hadn't realized were closed.

2022-2025: A Tradition Cemented

By the time we were finally able to embrace in-person gatherings again, the virtual component had proven it was no longer just a backup plan.

From "The Power of AI" in 2022 to the clever focus on "sustAINability" in 2023, our Virtual Conferences have allowed us to explore deep, resonant themes in the online space. In 2024, we tackled "Applied Improvisation: Against All Odds," a testament to the resilience of the work we do and the people in our community. Most recently in 2025, our Virtual Conference went camping! We had fun with our CAMP IMPROV theme, exploring the connection between applied improvisation, creative play, and the spirit of a classic summer camp.

2026-And Beyond: Looking Forward

Out of that initial pivot during an unknown time, a new and amazing tradition was born. We have held a Virtual Conference every year since our first symposium. We learned that these events are not "less than" compared to our in-person gatherings; they are simply different. They are a testament to our resilience and our commitment to connecting with one another.

Today, our annual Virtual Conference stands as a reminder of our collective capacity to adapt. Whether on a screen or in a conference hall, the spirit of AIN remains the same: we are here to support, learn, and grow—together.

Naturally, this raises the question: When will the next Virtual Conference take place? With our 2026 Global Conference gathering in Rimini, Italy this October, we are navigating a new rhythm for our calendar. Will the virtual gathering happen before we meet in Rimini, or will it follow? We are currently in the planning stages and look forward to sharing the details soon. Keep an eye on your email for the official announcement!