Federation of Infection Societies - Conference & Exhibition 2009
Comtec helped the Federation of Infection Societies (FIS) bring together one of the countries largest gatherings of infection control specialists and experts at the Birmingham ICC in November.
With swine flu being the hot topic on everyone’s lips since the World Health Organisation declared a pandemic of the H1N1 strain on June 11th, Infection2009, which was held 11th-13th November, was a pivotal event on the infection control calendar attracting attendees from around the world.
There were a number of high profile speakers talking at the event including Professor Neil Ferguson who presented his mathematical modelling and analysis of the H1N1 virus. Professor Ferguson, advised the UK, US and Chinese governments and the World Health Organisation on the management of the swine flu pandemic.
This is the first year Comtec have worked with FIS on their event. The Federation’s conference is traditionally the largest gathering of microbiologists in the UK and this year the event brought in over 800 visitors and 75 exhibitors, smashing all previous records.
With FIS, Comtec created the Infection 2009 brand and formed collaborations with some of the countries top organisations such as the Royal College of Nursing, British Geriatrics Society and the Department of Health.
Account Manager Rachel Bullock stated; ‘When the H1N1 strain was confirmed as being pandemic in June we realised that now, more than ever, the need to bring together some of the worlds experts in pandemics and other areas of infection control was vital.’ The event, which spanned three days, was one of the largest in the Comtec Calendar for 2009.
During the event the crew were responsible for a variety of services including filming and co-ordinating speaker sessions, managing the exhibition and producing a Gala Dinner for attendees.
The project was self-generating, which encompassed every area of Comtec’s expertise and involved most Comtec staff members. Pre-event, Comtec were entrusted with sourcing exhibitors and sponsorship for the conference & exhibition. By building a database of companies specialising in infection control that operate in the UK, Comtec’s sales team were able to accurately target the correct individuals to ensure a maximum conversion rate.
Delegate sales were also driven by Comtec. Primarily targeting contacts from the collaborating organisation’s, followed by those sourced externally, Comtec created a series of html campaigns, partnered with a Direct Mail shot and follow up calls which brought in record numbers of attendees.
With a large number of delegates and attendees coming from overseas Comtec used their expertise in delegate management to ensure it was easy for delegates to book a place at the conference including negotiating special room rates with local accommodation via the Birmingham Convention Bureau.
Print work requirements for the event ranged from promotional marketing materials through to exhibitor manuals, delegate handbooks and menus. All of these are designed and produced by the in house media department, who having created the initial theme and branding for the event carry this through all elements of the project.
Comtec created an event website which included online delegate booking, abstract submission and delegate session selector. Comtec also modernised the marketing of the event using online techniques such as email campaigns, twitter, RSS feeds and video to maximize the attraction of the event.
Post event, Comtec ensure they collect feedback covering all aspects of the event from all attendees, either exhibitors, speakers or delegates to ensure the event grows and develops year on year, in stature, attendance from both exhibitors and delegates, sponsorship, income and profit.
