Chairmans' Post - Congress Message

More than 3600 participants attended the 7th IOC held in Sydney, 6-9 February 2010. Counting associated persons, 4087 persons registered. More than 2200 doctors attended. Delegates came from 93 countries and represented 90 World Federation of Orthodontists affiliated societies and associations. The largest delegations came from, in order, ASO, AAO, BOS, JOS, France, COS, NZAO, Germany and Indonesia. All these provided more than 100 delegates.

My committee and I were very pleased with the 7th IOC. We knew it would be a challenge to arrange more than 300 speakers and yet retain the feeling of fun that is a feature of Australian Orthodontic Congresses. There were very few scheduled speakers who withdrew. The reserve speakers fitted in seamlessly. Nearly every session finished on time. This a testament to the professionalism of the outstanding lecturers who presented in Sydney. The social programme was strongly supported with 2 of the events at capacity and all feedback very complimentary. One well known orthodontist from USA said it was the best congress he had attended in 51 years of dental conferences. It was most rewarding to see all the smiling faces in Sydney. My take is that we met our goals.

Our biggest concern was that the Saturday and Sunday night functions, which involved cruising on Sydney Harbour, would be spoilt by the rain. Fortuitously the wet weather abated and the events proceeded without a hitch. There was enough rain on the first 2 days to make the exhibitors very happy with the crowds in the exhibition.

If I had to choose one highlight as my favourite, it would be the WFO Lecture, given by Professor Bill Proffit. It was a great collation of the scientific and clinical advances of the past five years in particular, given by one of the greatest researchers and teachers of our profession.

The issue at every congress is that delegates have to make a choice between excellent competing lectures. SIOCC has attempted to address this by recording and webcasting all the doctor lectures. Access to the webcast can be purchased by any delegate who registered for the 7th IOC. A large number have done so already. Also all the posters were presented as digital posters. Some refinements of the criteria for digital posters will flow from this congress. However the electronic format means that delegates can continue to access the posters which will be available on the 7th IOC website for 6 months.

Our decision to hold the World Village Day on the third day worked well. All sessions were well attended. Delegates tended to stay with the programme presented by their regional society, although there was also considerable movement between the rooms. This was facilitated by the proximity of the 5 theatres.

I wish to record my thanks to the World Federation of Orthodontists for the privilege of chairing the organising committee and on behalf of the Australian Society of Orthodontists, of hosting the 7th IOC. I also thank all the members of the WFO Executive Committee, Scientific Programme Committee, the societies which organised the World Village Day, and last but not least the Sydney IOC Committee who all contributed to an excellent 7th IOC.