Planning an international conference not only requires a cutting edge programme and knowledgeable speakers — it’s also important that the destination is attractive for potential delegates. As a new location for the International Conference on Integrated Care (ICIC), Ireland had the potential to be an exciting prospect for its 17th edition. The choice of venue would be crucial, with around 1,100 delegates expected, a large industry exhibition and several breakout sessions planned.
Abbey Conference & Events worked with the Meet in Ireland team to provide site inspections and liaise with International Foundation for Integrated Care (IFIC) in advance. Ultimately Ireland was chosen to host the conference for a number of reasons: one key factor was the work of the HSE on integrated care in Ireland. Hosting ICIC17 was an important opportunity for Ireland’s health sector to promote their work in the area, and boost the country’s reputation.
Practical and financial supports available through Meet in Ireland made it an attractive proposition for IFIC, while the large number of tech companies based in Ireland was important in terms of securing commercial sponsorship and exhibition for the event. As a destination, Ireland it
self was a popular choice, and one that would attract a high number of delegates. Finally, University College Dublin (UCD) ticked all the boxes for the client as a venue — after several site inspections at other potential venues, the campus was felt to be the right fit for ICIC17.
ICIC17 received a record number of attendees, with over 1,100 delegates descending on Dublin for a three-day conference. It was a memorable week for all attendees, and a welcome reception in Trinity College Dublin and gala dinner in Royal Hospital Kilmainham were both very well received. Hailed as a success for the organisers, the event highlighted the work of the HSE in integrated care.
Feedback from the client was extremely positive. “It was brilliantly conceived and done and enabled me and my team to focus fully on our clients knowing that everything was well taken care of.”