15th January, 2016, Prague. – Next in the series of educational and networking breakfasts within the Prague Convention Bureau Ambassador Programme took place at the Clarion Congress Hotel Prague on Wednesday, 13th January, 2016.
Patron of the Ambassador Programme Prof. MD. Julius Špičák, PhD, Head of the Hepatogastroenterology Department of the Institute of Clinical and Experimental Medicine in Prague shared his experience in organizing international congresses and conferences with more than 30 Czech scientists, doctors, and other experts.
Prof. Špičák began organizing international congresses and conferences in 1992. The first achievement was the organization of the European Gastroenterology Association workshop (ESGE) with the first ever live parallel video feed from several endoscopic operating rooms. The largest event he organized was the prestigious international medical congress UEGW 2004 (United European Gastroenterology Week), which attracted almost 10.000 delegates from 60 countries to Prague. Prof. Špičák was also the President of the Congress.
“I see a significant shift in terms of acquiring congresses to destination over the past 20 years. Previously, the acquisition and organization of the events were quite amateurish. Nowadays, there is a structure of convention companies and agencies providing professional logistics around each scientific community. To collaborate with a professional agency that guarantees not only a top quality presentation during the candidacy, but, subsequently, also the organization of the events on the professional level is absolutely essential.” says prof. Špičák, and he adds: “The key factors behind the successful candidacy are then the applicant’s personality, credibility and reputation in the scientific community, and the applicant’s professional achievements acknowledged by the community. The scientific content of the conference, renowned names of the keynote speakers, and last but not least, an attractive destination follow in the list.”
The event primarily aims to motivate potential and existing ambassadors to candidate for international congresses to Prague and to encourage its participants in their efforts and activities.
With practical information regarding specific candidacy support contributed: Zdeněk Giormani, Director of the Czech Convention Bureau, and Roman Muška, Director of the Prague Convention Bureau. New trends in the congress organization and factors influencing the choice of destination were mentioned during the final discussion of participants and guests.
