IMSANZ and SOMANZ Combine Conference

Event Name                   IMSANZ & SOMANZ - Combined Conference
Destination  Alice Springs, Northern Territory
VenueAlice Springs Convention Centre
Pax322 delegates 

 

About the event

Internal Medicine Society of Australia and New Zealand (IMSANZ) & the Society of Obstetric Medicine of Australia and New Zealand (SOMANZ) - combined conference for the very first time for their Annual Scientific Meeting held in Alice Springs in September 2016. This inaugural joint meeting showcased the latest research and knowledge in both Internal Medicine and Obstetrics.

Attendees were physicians, nurses, advanced trainees, specialist obstetricians and research scientists and the conference was organised by Auckland-based PCO, Workz4U Conference Management.

Why the NT?

The joint conference focussed on renal, rural and remote health issues, many of which were specifically relevant to the NT. As a result, a number of Northern Territory medical specialist speakers made a major contribution to the conference programme. It was also felt that Alice Springs was a “bucket list” destination for many delegates, the majority of whom had never previously experienced a remote Australian location.

Triumphs

The conference social functions showcased the uniqueness of Alice Springs - a casual Aussie BBQ was held under the stars at the off-site venue known as The Old Quarry. Located at the foot of the spectacular MacDonnell Ranges, its rocky escarpments provided a dramatic outback setting. Dinner entertainment included Indigenous children’s drumming group Drum Atweme and Indigenous artist and didgeridoo performer, Tommy Crowe. Artwork he created “live” onsite was auctioned, raising A$1300 for Alice Springs dialysis clinic, The Purple House.  

Special NT Touches

Optional pre-conference workshops and field trips included a presentation and tour of the iconic Royal Flying Doctor Service Alice Springs base and museum.  A visit was also undertaken to The Purple House dialysis clinic, which also functions as a social enterprise and community centre.

A special Indigenous ‘Welcome to Country’ presentation was delivered at the conference opening by traditional owner Kumalie (Rosalie) Riley, an Arrernte Elder and artist.

Comment

Organisers indicated that Alice Springs, its convention centre and the creative social program venues made a huge contribution to creating a unique experience for the delegates. 

“Our event went off without a hitch - Alice Springs proved to be an excellent place to hold our meeting. Venue staff were engaging, helpful and efficient and off-site accommodation was also readily accessible. The cultural extras including the Welcome to Country and dinner at The Quarry were highlights. I would recommend Alice Springs as a conference destination and the venue without hesitation.”
Professor Don Campbell 
Monash Health, Melbourne
Immediate Past President IMSANZ 

Download full case study here