Following the symposium/workshop and parallel sessions, participants provided valuable feedback, reflecting on the impact and effectiveness of the event. Key feedback included:

• In-depth Learning and Insight:

  •  Participants expressed appreciation for the informative presentations and engaging discussions, highlighting the value gained in understanding diverse perspectives on heritage.

• Productive and Collaborative Environment:

  • The workshop was commended for creating a collaborative space that encouraged fruitful discussions, offering participants the opportunity to share expertise and gain new insights.

• Bridge Between Academia, Society, and Practice:

  •  Several participants emphasized the need for more workshops that bridge the gap between academia, society, and actual practice. The event successfully provided a platform for this convergence.

• Positive Response to Organization:

  • The organization of the workshop, including logistics, food, and the overall structure, received positive feedback, contributing to a well-received and enjoyable experience.

• Impactful Site Visit:

  • The site visit was regarded as informative and useful, particularly in enhancing understanding of traditional crafts, setting the tone for subsequent sessions.

• Insightful Parallel Sessions:

  • Participants found value in the parallel sessions, describing them as a good idea for brainstorming and delving deeper into heritage tools, actions, and policies.

The symposium/workshop and parallel sessions yielded valuable lessons and insights, shaping perspectives on heritage management and fostering a deeper connection between theory and practice.

• Importance of Diverse Perspectives:

  • The event emphasized the significance of incorporating diverse perspectives on heritage, enriching discussions and expanding the understanding of the challenges and opportunities in heritage preservation.

• Collaboration Across Disciplines

  • Interdisciplinary collaboration emerged as a key theme, with lessons learned emphasizing the need for collaboration between various academic disciplines and industry professionals for holistic heritage solutions.

• Engaging Community for Sustainability:

  • Participants recognized the importance of community involvement in heritage projects, realizing that sustainable and meaningful heritage initiatives must align with the needs and aspirations of local communities.

• Digital Technologies as Catalysts:

  • The sessions accentuated the transformative role of digital technologies in heritage preservation, not only as tools for documentation but also as agents for enhancing accessibility, awareness, and cohesive heritage experiences.

• Architects

  • Architects were exposed to innovative techniques, emphasizing the importance of adaptive reuse and culturally sensitive renovation. The impact extends to incorporating heritage attributes into architectural design for community well-being.

• Policymakers

  • Policymakers gained insights into the challenges and opportunities in heritage policy development, emphasizing the need for clear national strategies, community collaboration, and adaptive educational policies.

• Community/Users

  • The community and users benefitted from the focus on community involvement, social benefits, and enhanced accessibility, fostering a sense of belonging and pride in heritage. Digital tools were presented as instruments for engaging with tangible and intangible heritage elements.

After the final discussions, participants were asked to provide feedback on the two-day workshop. Feedback included:

• “Great workshop, loved the topics and really learned a lot today and from the site visit yesterday”

• “Thank you so much, it was a very informative and productive workshop”

• “We need more of these workshops to bridge the gap between academia, society, and actual practice. Fantastic experience!”

• “Very informative and engaging session; workshop and discussion themes were very collaborative and mind turning”

• “Thank you for this great and interesting workshop and organisation! It was a great pleasure to meet you all”

• “I loved the workshop talks and whole title… the speakers are well chosen, the tour was so informative and day 2 as well. The organising of the workshop was great, the food, logistics and everything. Thank you.”

• The tour was informative and very useful. I have learned a lot more about the crafts. The session was also useful and full of information. The parallel session was a good idea to brain storm and discuss more about the heritage and the tools, actions, and policies”

• “An insightful workshop that discussed heritage assets from different perspectives and gave ideas for future researchers. Thanks for the good drinks and foods”

• “Thank you for the well organised and informative day. The lectures were fruitful and informing. I enjoyed sharing expertise and the food was good”

Participants and presenters described their positive experiences at the workshop on social media. Selected quotes from statements on LinkedIn included:

• “Glad to have embarked on an unforgettable journey through Egypt’s heritage”

• “The workshop left me feeling connected to Cairo’s intricate cultural fabric and renewed my commitment to thoughtful heritage preservation. Having the chance to exchange ideas with scholars from around the world was also invaluable.”

• “I am immensely grateful to all the individuals who contributed to the success of this enriching event”

• “I had the privilege of meeting and learning from some of the most remarkable figures in the field”

• “The shared discussions and presentation of the breakout room results were enlightening. The event organizer’s recap of the day’s discussion and key recommendations showcased the collective effort and dedication of all participants”

• “I look forward to applying the lessons and connections from this experience in my own work preserving Egypt’s heritage for future generations to appreciate and be inspired by”

•  “Overall, this workshop was an enriching experience that deepened my understanding of Egypt’s tangible and intangible heritage. I’m immensely grateful to the organizers and presenters for sharing their knowledge and experiences with us.”

• “It was a rare opportunity to learn from and network with peers and professionals from around the world, who share a passion for heritage and cultural sustainability.”