Australian & New Zealand Spinal Cord Society Annual Scientific Meeting held in Christchurch
Welcome Reception
ANZSCoS 2008 had a record attendance with over 280 people
attending, with approximately half the delegates coming from
Australia.
Conference Innovators worked closely with a small organising
committee based at Burwood Hospital in Christchurch. Planning
commenced 14 months ahead of the conference taking place and
meetings were held monthly. The agenda based meetings were
chaired by Event Manager, Helen Shrewsbury who, together with Event
Co-ordinator, Rachelle George ensured the planning was kept on
track and timely decisions were made. Together they worked
with the committee to establish and plan an event that would not
only meet budget expectations but also ensure delegates would
recognise the value in attending and have an exciting learning,
networking and social experience when at the Conference. The
result was that ANZSCoS 2008 had a record attendance with over 280
people attending, with approximately half the delegates coming from
Australia. Conference Innovators organised sightseeing tours
to Akaroa, Hanmer and Kaikoura for visiting participants and
recommended itineraries for those who stayed on after the
Conference to enjoy the local attractions.
Special Touches: Due to the nature of the
Conference, and several delegates being in wheelchairs, a low
registration desk was available.
This meant the first impression delegates received was excellent
and they felt comfortable that their needs had been considered and
met. A low catering table was provided by Vbase and delegates
in wheelchairs were able to help themselves to the buffet at lunch
time.
Each keynote speaker was introduced by someone with a Spinal
Cord Injury, which made the topic very personal and relevant.
A Welcome Reception was held on the first evening of the
Conference amongst the exhibitors and delegates were entertained by
children from
Papanui High School Kapa Haka group. A Conference dinner
for 220 guests was held in The Convention Centre on the last
evening.
Conference Innovators worked closely with Vbase to ensure the
evening was a success and ran to time. Delegates were
entertained by a string quartet during dinner and then danced until
late with a popular local band who soon had everyone on the dance
floor, including 15 people in wheelchairs!
Challenges: Ensuring the Conference ran
to a tight budget but delivered an event that surpassed all
previous conferences. One delegate in a wheelchair arrived in a
house bus and needed somewhere to park it for the duration of the
conference, close to the Convention Centre!
Overcoming Challenges: Conference
Innovators ensured there were no budget blowouts and worked closely
with suppliers to ensure they fully understood the
requirements. Local suppliers were used, where possible and
inexpensive personal touches added to ensure the correct "wow"
factor was achieved!
Client Comments: I cannot speak too
highly of the service that was provided by Conference Innovators in
the organisation of the ASM of the Australian and New Zealand, held
at the Christchurch Convention Centre.
I was the chairman of the Organising Committee. I have been in
this role on a number of occasions over the last 25 years. CI has
been by far the best conference organisers to deal with. I cannot
fault them in any aspect of their work.
The feedback I have received from delegates has also all been
positive. Good venue, good content and good entertainment!
What is more we ran to budget.
I would have Helen Shrewsbury in my team anytime!
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