INFORMS Open Forum

  • 1.  How do you build meaningful connections with your peers in a virtual age?

    Posted 03-04-2026 10:30

    As more of our professional and social interactions take place online, many of us are finding new ways to form genuine connections. Some people thrive in virtual spaces, while others find it challenging to build relationships without in‑person moments.

    What strategies or habits have helped you create meaningful connections in virtual settings? Have you had any standout experiences where an online interaction felt especially impactful?

    Looking forward to your thoughts!



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    Garrett Johnston
    Membership Engagement Coordinator
    gjohnston@informs.org
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  • 2.  RE: How do you build meaningful connections with your peers in a virtual age?

    Posted 03-04-2026 20:56
    Great question. Meaningful virtual connections come from consistency and real value. I focus on showing up regularly in a few communities, contributing something specific, and following up one to one when a post resonates. Short coffee chats help when the conversation stays centered on real work and shared challenges.

    One standout experience for me started with a simple comment that led to a follow up conversation and then a collaboration. The connection became real when we moved from networking to solving a problem together.

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    Laxmi Vanam
    Senior Data Strategist | Decision Intelligence | AI Governance | KPI Orchestration | IEEE Senior | Forbes Tech council Member
    Vanguard
    Fort Mill SC
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  • 3.  RE: How do you build meaningful connections with your peers in a virtual age?

    Posted 03-04-2026 23:40

    Thanks for raising an interesting topic. Many of my online classes require that students placed in virtual groups with members they have never met quickly become high-performing virtual teams. I find that allowing such teams to build a social base by engaging in fun virtual activities (e.g. virtual coffee while playing Two Truths and a Lie) at the start of the term, before attempting to complete any team assignments, can lead to later success. I suspect these fun icebreaker activities can create some level of social support that allows members to later feel more like they are part of the team, increasing levels of motivation and cohesion when tackling team assignments.



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    Kurt Wurthmann
    Professor
    NSU
    Fort Pierce FL
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