Hospital forum debuts in Vietnam

Event Hospital Management Asia (HMA) 2009
Venue Hotel Equatorial
Organiser OIC Events and GazeFi Events
Delegates 722
Date August 12-14



The brief
The key goal for HMA 2009 was to provide delegates with tools and techniques to manage more effectively during the economic downturn. Organisers also aimed to update them on the latest products and services; teach advanced management skills; and provide a platform for delegates to meet and share experiences.

Challenges
There were 722 delegates from 52 countries in attendance – the organisers initially expected 600. Leslie Fronteras of OIC Events says: “Language and cultural differences were overcome with the help, great attitude and responsiveness of the  local partners and Hotel Equatorial. Our main local partners assisted with the translation of pre-conference announcements and HMA provided simultaneous translation during the sessions.

Local conference organiser GazeFi Events assisted with logistics and site inspections.

Execution
“Vietnam was chosen because it ranked highly as a destination and venue,” says Fronteras. “Hotel Equatorial was chosen because of the ‘can-do, will-do’ attitude of its management and staff.” Five half-day and full-day seminars ran on August 12, one day prior to the main conference. The main programme involved more than 50 speakers from 12 countries as well as 20 poster displays. Delegates were taken off-site for a tour of FV Hospital.

There were three concurrent events: The CEO Management Forum for senior delegates, the Meeting of Minds special interest sessions and the Hospital Trends Expo. The HMA Internet Café provided free coffee and internet access, as well as head and shoulder massages during breaks.

Networking events included a welcome reception attended by Vietnamese officials, a city tour and a Fellowship Night.

Comment
“The hotel management was outstanding,” says Fronteras. “They were very cooperative with last-minute requests, new ideas and adjustments. “We found the management and staff of Hotel Equatorial to be valuable partners in overcoming the many venue-related challenges caused by the high turnout.”