IBMS Congress

www.ibms.org

4 Jan 2010Congress 2009: a vibrant success

The IBMS has announced attendance figures for the recent Biomedical Science Congress, which clearly demonstrate that the biennial event remains the largest and most influential in laboratory medicine.

A combined audience of 3743 delegates and exhibition visitors attended this year’s IBMS Congress at Birmingham’s International Convention Centre (ICC). Attendance reached near-record levels, demonstrating the extent to which Congress continues to meet scientific, professional and vocational needs, and reflects delegate satisfaction with the format of the event and the venue.

Commented Chief Executive Alan Potter: "Everyone working on the scope, content and profile of Congress, from advisory panel members who deliver its scientific focus, to IBMS executive staff responsible for that all important administration, is totally focused on putting together the best possible programme for every attending biomedical scientist so they may benefit from and enjoy the experience. We were also very pleased to continue our association with the ICC, the spiritual home of Congress since 1995."

Nearly 80% of registrations were for attendance at the lecture programme, demonstrating once again that scientific and professional content is the main attraction for the majority of those attending. The IBMS advisory panels again compiled topical programmes with considerable generic and discipline-specific appeal.

The three-day lecture programme was packed with leading experts in pathology speaking on cutting-edge scientific and vocational issues. This traditional element of Congress was supplemented this year by additional content, included a plenary session on the final day – which was very informative, entertaining and particularly well attended.

Also featured were displays and seminars on Sexual Health and Wellbeing, the so-called Golden Hour – that important 60 minutes following a traumatic injury – and a very topical Health of the Nation plenary session on swine influenza. Each added to the value of Congress and broadened its appeal.

IBMS President John Stevens commented: "Biomedical science is facing some significant issues that will severely challenge our profession in the months and years to come. How we deal with those issues and maintain our high professional standards is one of the strong motivations for attending Congress. We can demonstrate our professionalism and caring qualities in the manner in which we go back to our places of work and accommodate change while maintaining the integrity of biomedical science and its effectiveness.

"In the pressured environment of pathology it is easy to lose sight of the things that drew us into this profession. However, a visit to Congress helps us rediscover our science and remind us why we became biomedical scientists in the first place. For me, Congress is a revitalising experience that helps me to remember that I am part of a scientific community, sharing my profession with many others facing the same challenges.

"Biomedical science now has more to offer than ever before and is a profession at the forefront of healthcare science. This premier biennial event challenged the way IBMS members viewed their profession, offered new insight into career development and provided a thoroughly enjoyable
experience."

The accompanying exhibition comprised the displays of over 130 companies – from leading international manufacturers to smaller specialist suppliers – and was well supported by delegates and also by those who visited the ICC simply to attend the exhibition. Many companies displayed products never before seen in the UK and reported keen interest in their displays.

The next Biomedical Science Congress is scheduled to take place at the International Convention Centre, Birmingham, on 26–28 September 2011.