The impact and benefits could be controversial but, I believe could take us as further in science and cultural competency than we can even comprehend. Just look at the growth in communications internationally typing away on RG. I was a guest speaker at the University of St. Petersburg a while back. We had a Russian-American Conference on Substance Abuse. Now, virtually, with large screens, and video conferencing.....Can you imagine?? Personally, I would hire my own translator in person, if there were non-English speaking contributors. Just the fact that the software companies are in a fight for the best technology on just this very thing, tells us its potential. Before, you know it, we will be holograms and sit next to each other. I can happen when great minds meetgreat minds. Great question.
Check this out, Cris
The 2nd International Virtual Conference on Advanced Scientific Results (SCIECONF-2014), June 9. - 13., 2014 (held in Zillion, Slovakia) http://www.scieconf.com/about-conference/
@Cris Oprea, I think basically your idea is quite good. Such international virtual conference for the scientific community would have significant benefits, indeed. But I also support arguments @Dr. Marilyn B Field which are rational and valid for the time being.
I have some experiences with Virtual Conferences as the organizer and also as the participant.
I think, that any type of conference (classical or virtual) has its own specifics and of course pros and cons.
The possibility of personal communication and meeting is irreplaceable on the other side the Classical (stone) conference can be impractical, expensive and time consuming, especially when you have lack of given sources.
What stands for the Virtual Conference is financial aspect, time and space affectivity. I think that in nowadays it is absolutely a standard approach, to communicate via email, skype, chat or other online communication channel ... isn't it?
The virtual communication stands as alternative for oral communication, not as replacement, I suppose.
From technical point of view, I am sure, that Virtual Conference can by much easier and more scientific than the classical conference (but it depends on organizers).
Dear @Cris, I agree with dear @Anton that Virtual Conferences have many positive and helpful features; I am personally organizing a virtual symposium this summer; all papers went usual reviewing as usual conferences.