The 10th International Congress on Obesity in Sydney provided a near perfect example of a meeting being designed and delivered in a way that reflected the ultimate mission of the organisers and delegates. Some 2500 delegates from nearly 100 countries participated in an event where good nutrition was not just discussed, but lived. The delegates comprised clinicians, dieticians and associated health care workers. In preparation, the executive chef of the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre worked closely with the organisers to ensure healthy and nutritious meals and snacks were in line with the objectives of the overall scientific program. In addition, the centre service staff received special briefings with regard to the nutritional details of the food items they would be serving so that they could answer any questions the delegates might have. The ceremonial and social programs were equally tuned to the theme, with the opening ceremony featuring a child playing a computer game. A girl enters with a basketball and starts bouncing it around. Within minutes there are some 60 kids on stage involved in a high energy game, underscoring the message that childhood obesity is avoidable. With a conference of that size, there are unavoidable queues on registration day and we created an effective and appreciated diversion by having animal keepers circulate with some native animals to the delight of our international visitors. It was an extremely successful meeting, with some 400 speakers and 1000 posters. The healthy living message was also incorporated into the suppliers assisting the planning and management of the meeting. If appropriate, they would need to prove their credentials with regard to the products they supplied. The same applied to the 140 exhibitors. The congress party at Wharf 8 was hugely successful, thanks in part to the healthy yet tasty fare our delegates enjoyed. The caterers were also happy to prepare cuisine that was so appreciated. The attendance of some 71 media representatives ensured the message of the meeting went well beyond the confines of specialist medical journals.
<< Top
|