Explore the future of academic conferences in this thought-provoking keynote address from UIST 2019. Delve into the environmental impact of traditional conference travel and discover innovative alternatives, including virtual conferences. Learn about the challenges and opportunities presented by virtual environments for academic gatherings. Gain insights into the potential for reducing carbon emissions while maintaining the collaborative spirit of research communities. Examine the technological advancements needed to make virtual conferences a viable option and consider how these changes could reshape the landscape of academic networking and knowledge sharing.