THE BRIEF
The ISSCR is an independent, non-profit organisation formed in 2002 to foster information exchange on stem cell research.
Organisers wanted to host a conference that added an international focus to stem cell
research activities in Australia, but one that provided an outstanding experience for
international delegates from 43 countries.
CHALLENGES
The Cairns Convention Centre and Australian Stem Cell Centre started work on the bid in June 2004 and 12 months later Cairns was confirmed as the destination for the 5th ISSCR Annual Meeting.
The convention centre, ASN Events, ISSCR and Australian Stem Cell Centre worked to meet the conference’s complex needs. The meeting required a plenary room for 2,000 delegates, 11 additional meeting rooms (four of which had to accommodate 500 delegates each), 85 trade booths and more than 1,200 posters.
The convention centre’s flexibility meant the great hall could be used for the plenary meeting in the morning and then again in the afternoon, divided into quarters, for four simultaneous meetings. The remainder of the centre was left free for a trade exhibition, poster sessions and smaller meetings.
Hotel operators combined to ensure delegates had access to a variety of accommodation options within the city.
A tour desk operated at the convention centre, allowing delegates to select post-meeting tour options. The majority of delegates chose to visit the Great Barrier Reef.
EXECUTION
An Australian flavour was important to the organisers. International delegates in Australia for the first time were greeted at on-line registration by staff able to handle questions about Tropical North Queensland, particularly the 600 tours available in the region. On arrival at the convention centre, delegates were provided with a brochure on Australian colloquialisms. It
explained phrases such as ‘don’t come the raw prawn’ and ‘fair dinkum’, which made for
interesting conversation.
The farewell dinner was a themed Aussie barbecue with tropical produce and delicacies such as kangaroo sausages and buffalo burgers.
VERDICT
Mike Pickford, director of ASN Events says the event was an enormous success. “Feedback
has been exceptional and stem cell research internationally benefited from the excellent exchange of international scientific information.
“The decision to hold the event in Cairns Stem cell coup for Cairns More than 2,000 delegates from 43 countries visited Tropical North Queensland for a four-day annual meeting that highlighted the region’s meetings and incentives capabilities resulted in record attendances from all countries throughout the Asia Pacific region.”
Michelle Singe, communications director, Australian Stem Cell Centre says: “Sometimes it can be one or two minor things that make or break a major international conference of this magnitude. For us, the special ingredient was the staff at the Cairns Convention Centre.”
CAIRNS & REGION CONVENTION BUREAU
Tel +61 7 4015 1218
Web www.cairnsconventionbureau.com
CAIRNS CONVENTION CENTRE
Tel +61 7 4042 4200
Web www.cairnsconvention.com.au
Stem cell coup for Cairns
More than 2,000 delegates from 43 countries visited Tropical North Queensland for a four-day annual meeting that highlighted the region's meetings and incentives capabilities
