The First Virtual Meeting Was in 1916

In 1916, the American Institute of Electrical Engineers (AIEE) conducted the first virtual meeting, connecting over 5,000 attendees across eight U.S. cities via telephone lines. This groundbreaking event, facilitated by John J. Carty, was a significant achievement in telecommunications, showcasing recent advancements in various engineering fields. Renowned figures like Alexander Graham Bell and Theodore Vail participated, while localized breakout sessions and musical interludes highlighted the evening. Despite its success, this pioneering effort was not repeated in the same format.