There are more than 300 reasons why every biomedical scientist should come to Congress, writes IBMS Deputy Chief Executive Sarah May.
I know that is an impossibility, as the NHS would grind to a spectacular halt if every biomedical scientist came to Congress – come to think of it, that would make a very powerful statement about the value of pathology to health care. But Congress is the most service-specific learning event of its kind.
Why are there 300 reasons to attend? Well, that is the number of lectures and seminars that take place over the duration of Congress. Each Congress is a product of what biomedical scientists want, in terms of content and accessibility.
We listen and we plan to ensure the maximum number of people can access the maximum amount of content that is current and relevant to all members.
We blend the cutting edge with the mainstream; whether just starting out, making a sideways change, or moving on to more challenging roles and responsibilities, Congress is the opportunity to learn about whatever it is you want to know.
An extra day and extra choice
This year, in addition to the usual Monday to Wednesday lecture programme, we are planning an even bigger Congress with even more choice by starting some of the most popular lecture programmes on the Sunday afternoon.
We know how difficult it is becoming for scientists to have time off to attend lectures and conferences, so we will be running an afternoon programme of education and training lectures and a quality programme too, in addition to launching a new molecular pathology programme on the Sunday.
As an added opportunity for our cytologists, we will be providing an afternoon of microscopy workshops on the Sunday. With only 40 microscopy stations available, this will be on a strictly first come, first served basis, but more on that
next month.
Applied biomedical science
We are proud of the fact that we offer the most comprehensive biomedical science programme in a single conference,
under one roof. We recognise that with resources limited, every lecture must deliver meaningful content for it to be value for money. We recognise that with the blurring of the boundaries between the traditional pathology disciplines, our delegates want more choice than can be off ered in a uni-discipline event.
With nine parallel lecture streams, there is the opportunity to access all areas of biomedical science and pathology. Our mantra is “you learn and everyone else benefi ts”. In other words – every department that sends people to Congress will benefi t from the learning and experience that their delegates bring back.
Key opportunities for trainers
Our trainers are the oil that keeps the wheels of our profession turning. We know that training is a demanding and sometimes lonely role when you simply want some help and advice, or someone to say that what you are doing is
fine.
The education and training lectures have been structured to deliver a package of information and insight into the issues
and challenges that face our trainers who carry the responsibility of multiple people at multiple career levels with multiple needs.
Our education team will be at Congress to answer all your questions about portfolios, training approval and assessments.
Also, our specialist advisors, along with members of the scientific advisory panels, will be present to offer discipline-specific advice for anyone who wants to ask an expert.
Management and quality management
A whole day devoted to the key issues that are challenging managers, with a focus on service transformation and all the associated issues of IT, logistics and the often overlooked issues relating to staff. This programme will be a must for anyone approaching, or in the throes of, a consolidation exercise.
We recognise that quality issues are something that a large number of our members want to hear about, particularly through well-delivered talks by key people in the field. We have responded by off ering two days of quality talks.
For those who cannot come to the Wednesday programme, there is now the opportunity to come and hear our quality
talks on the Sunday. Partnering with industry Our Congress exhibition is the most comprehensive showcase of all that is
new, key and upcoming in pathology and laboratory medicine.
The scope of exhibitors and equipment means that the exhibition is a valuable source of information in its own right. With more than 170 exhibitors and teams of experienced staff on site, the Congress exhibition is a must for anyone seeking to update or replace products or simply seeking scientific and technical advice.
The highly successful New Technology Showcase seminars, delivered by key exhibitors and which have proved to be extremely popular, will be running again this year in addition to the main lecture programme. These seminars are free for anyone to attend.
And breathe…
After a full-on day of lectures, there is always the chance to take time out and catch up with friends and colleagues during the evening social events. The combination of relaxation and networking is an element of Congress that brings the whole profession together.
This year, we will combine the traditional Welcome Evening with some new venues on the subsequent days, all within easy walking distance of the Birmingham ICC Congress venue.
Visit ibms.org/congress for details, contact Marie-Helen Jean on 020 7713 0214 (ext 144), or email [email protected]
Application forms and instructions for the preparation of abstracts are also available on the congress section of the IBMS website.