The Institute of Biomedical Science, in its various guises (IMLS, IMLT and, in the beginning, the Pathological and Bacteriological Assistants’ Association [PBLAA]) has been organising conference events since 1924. The Biomedical Science Congress is the most recent incarnation, having changed from the ‘Triennial’ format in 1995. Over the subsequent 14 years, there have been eight of these major biomedical science events, which have taken place biennially in September at the International Convention Centre in Birmingham.
Over those years, scientific and professional changes have cascaded through pathology with what seems like ever-increasing frequency – and the pace of change seems to show no sign of easing. At the same time, biomedical scientists are being asked to improve standards and the service they provide within the confines of increasingly limiting professional and budget constraints.
These changes are taking place against a scientific background, and science, by its very nature, does not stand still. New discoveries are embraced, older theories are challenged in the light of acquired knowledge and understanding, and working practices are changed.
Ever-popular exhibition
In addition to the scientific lecture programme, the Biomedical Science Congress offers a major exhibition supported by over 120 suppliers in the laboratory medicine arena. It is in this forum that delegates and visitors can see cutting-edge laboratory technology on display – often for the very first time in the UK.
Needless to say, the exhibition is very popular with delegates. As anyone who has attended a Biomedical Science Congress event in recent years will know, the IBMS sends out an electronic survey after each event in order to obtain feedback on the overall Congress experience. This brief report provides a snapshot of what delegates think about the exhibition.
It is not only in the lecture halls that knowledge is imparted. As the figures in Table 1 illustrate, for many delegates the exhibition of equipment, reagents and services is an indispensible source of knowledge and information. It is also where relationships are maintained, costs are saved and problems solved.
The IBMS also surveys exhibitors about their experiences, too. Exhibitor feedback indicates that delegates at the Biomedical Science Congress find the exhibition very useful.
As can be seen in Table 2, exhibitors find that delegates very much appreciate the exhibition and what can be achieved by attendance. In a day where a lot of time is spent sitting in lecture sessions, the exhibition is the main focus of interaction, networking, discovery and general updating of knowledge about the practical aspects of biomedical science.
Glimpse into the future
The exhibition at the Biomedical Science Congress has always been the largest of its kind in the UK. In recent years, as well as new products, there have also been new companies to discover and familiar names in new incarnations following mergers and other significant events in the market.
Delegates like the exhibition because they can see, handle, assess and discuss the features and performance of the products and equipment on display. It is there that they are almost certain to find something that can enhance their daily routine, while enabling them to deliver more accurate, reliable and effective results in the face of increasing pressures on time and resources (Table 3).
As was highlighted during the plenary session at the last Congress, it is through adopting new technologies and developments that healthcare services can be delivered more efficiently and effectively in the future.