IBMS Congress

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28 Sep 2011IBMS CEO Jill Rodney comments at close of Congress

IBMS Chief Executive Jill Rodney speaking at Congress 2011

It really has been a great Congress.

It has given Council and I an opportunity to hear first-hand, about the challenges our members are facing. As I have mentioned through my speeches and when talking with people, we have begun a member research project to really understand what our members need from us, and find out how we can further help and support our members. We have started by interviewing and videoing a number of Congress delegates and there is more to come, we will keep you informed of the next steps soon.

But despite the difficult work climate, many members are hopeful about the opportunities that the changes will bring, and see potential benefits for them, their teams and more widely the profession. I think it also says a lot about our profession, that despite pressures back in the lab, over 2,500 delegates have invested in their professional development by coming to Congress to learn, network and share ideas.

I have also been highly impressed by some of the innovative products and technology that were on display in the Exhibition, and the high calibre of the lecture speakers who have given thought provoking insights into the way new science and new ways of working will drive and transform pathology.

It is my first Congress and it has been amazing to see the size and scope of the event in person. I would like to thank all the delegates for attending, and also thank our company members and other exhibitors for supporting the event; we couldn't put on such an impressive event without them. And as is the way with events, a lot of work has been going on behind the scenes for the past two years. So my thanks on behalf of everybody also goes to the Congress Committee, our conference producer - Step Communications, and to our hard working staff at the IBMS.

Jill Rodney, IBMS Chief Executive