Sydney under the Microscope for International Medical Meetings

Sydney is about to come under the microscope, with almost 10,000 visitors arriving in the city this month for two major international medical conventions.

The first convention - the 26th Congress of the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis - starts at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre this Sunday (August 7). The five-day meeting will bring together 4400 delegates from 97 nations to discuss the latest research on an array of medical issues, from DVT to haemophilia and vascular biology.

Two weeks later, a further 5000 visitors from more than 90 countries will meet at the Centre for the five-day World Congress on Pain (August 21-26), which will examine the diagnosis and treatment of pain.

Sydney’s official meetings body, the Sydney Convention and Visitors Bureau, beat other major international cities to win the two meetings for the city more than six years ago. It estimates the congresses will generate almost A$51 million for Sydney across areas such as accommodation, dining, transport and delegate spending.

SCVB Managing Director Jon Hutchison said the visitors would be taking advantage of their time in Sydney to explore the city’s attractions and absorb its culture. Delegates at the Thrombosis Congress will be enjoying an exclusive performance of Nabucco at the Sydney Opera House, while others are planning a visit to Bondi Beach – by running in Sydney’s famous City to Surf race.

“These two congresses are great news for Sydney’s economy as international convention delegates are high-yield visitors, spending an average A$749 a day during their stay,” Mr Hutchison said.

“Both events are also enormously important for our medical community, which will benefit from the opportunity to host its international peers.”

Centre Chief Executive Ton van Amerongen said each congress would occupy almost the entire convention centre.

“In addition to their many meeting sessions, both events also have a significant exhibition component which will take up to half our available exhibition space.”

The Centre’s kitchen will also be kept busy. Gourmet canapés such as smoked salmon pancakes and mini dampers with rare roast beef will be served at cocktail events for more than 2500 people at each congress, while regular morning and afternoon teas for up to 4000 delegates will be served throughout the meetings.

Mr Hutchison said the Thrombosis Congress was being coordinated by Event Planners Australia, while Tour Hosts was the professional conference organiser responsible for the World Congress on Pain.

The two meetings mark the start of a spate of nine international medical events to be held in Sydney over the next four months, including the massive 5000-delegate World Congress of Neurology which will be held at the Centre from November 5-11.

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