Event 15th Congress of the Asean Federation of Endocrine Societies
Venue Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre (QSNCC)
Delegates 1,400
Date November 29 - December 1, 2009

The brief
To exchange the latest academic knowledge and research on endocrinology among doctors from the six member countries.

Challenges
Registration opened during the country’s political unrest. This made for slow progress with the delegate numbers.

“We kept the organising committee updated on the situation while staff were on hand to field questions from delegates,” says Sukumal Thadugslip of QSNCC’s in-house PCO.

“Staff met with sponsors and key organisations to ensure a good turnout.” The team also began promoting the
congress at related events and at hospitals outside Bangkok so as to help boost domestic attendance. 

Execution
The pre-congress programme began a day before the official event. “Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) provided fast-track immigration services as well as staff to assist with our airport welcome,” says Sukamul. 

Turismo Asia organised the pre-touring programme, which included half-day visits to the Grand Palace, the Jim Thompson House, a traditional villa and an international buffet dinner at Ramayana Restaurant.

While Dusit Thani was the main hotel, delegates were given the option of another 12 hotels located near BTS Skytrain and MRT subway lines. All delegates were provided with rail passes.

The plenary hall was divided into three sections in order to host the exhibition, opening ceremony, seminars and social functions respectively. The optional congress banquet was held in the ballroom and was attended by 300 delegates. Entertainment was provided by the group themselves with each of the six member countries providing a traditional performance from their home countries.

Comment
“A strong three months of registrations before the congress saw the final attendance surpass expectations, which everyone was very pleased about,” says Sukamul.