International Society of Hypertension picks Korea’s capital for biennial event
About the ISH
The International Society of Hypertension (ISH), established in 1966, has held biennial scientific meetings in order to promote scientific research and cooperation for the prevention and management of heart disease and stroke in hypertension and related cardiovascular diseases around the world. The biennial meeting has continuously grown, attracting up to 8,000 delegates from all over the world.
Bidding Guideline Analysis and Preparations
The organizing committee for Seoul’s 2016 ISH bid was established on January 8, 2008 through selection of a PCO in order to fully launch its preparations for the scientific meeting. The first process was analysis of ISH bidding guidelines. The ISH has organized 22 biennial scientific meetings and chosen the host of each event eight years in advance, presenting clear proposal guidelines for holding the event. The organizing committee’s top priority was to prepare a proposal complying with the guidelines in order to be first on the short list of finalists. The organizing committee analyzed the ISH guidelines and made its proposal as follows:
- The number of seminar rooms and size of the exhibition center (detailed usage plan required)
- Duration (five days)
- Over 8,000 participants: by expanding the number of participants through joint meetings with affiliated societies, they aim to attract over 9,000 delegates – 5,000 from Korea and 4,000 from abroad.
- Innovative academic programs and the invitation of 150~200 symposium speakers. The proposed scientific programs include basic, clinical medicine and innovative program management based on advanced IT systems.
- Lodging (8,000 rooms required from five-star to low-budget hotels) -> 30 hotels of diverse types (7,500 total rooms) within 5km of COEX.
- Support from and cooperation with neighboring nations and affiliated societies -> letters of recommendation from a total of 20 affiliated societies and six government agencies at home and abroad.
- Financial obligations -> healthy financial structure of the Korean Society of Hypertension as well as seamless cooperation with sponsors
Korea was chosen as the host of the 2016 ISH scientific meeting, beating Manila, Singapore and even Beijing just before the Chinese city hosted the 2008 Olympics. The key reasons why the ISH executive committee selected Seoul are as follows:
- Analysis of 2016 global hypertension markets and the growth of the Korean market. (Korea is expected to become a super-aged society in 2014, attracting more investment from multinational firms)
- The Korean government’s active policy and investment strategy to promote Korea as a bio-medical hub in Asia.
- Strengths of Seoul as a convention destination: convenient access through Incheon International Airport, one of the top airports in the world; an appropriate event venue; hotels of diverse types; convention support from airlines; a wealth of cultural heritage and tourist sites where the past and the present coexist; clean air; the fascinating Han river; the newly restored Cheonggye stream; and other eco-friendly features.
- The Seoul city government's active promotion and support.
The Seoul city government’s active promotion and support. The active sponsorship of the Seoul city government was supported through a personal greeting from the mayor of Seoul and a promotional video showcasing the Korean government’s strong support. Another factor for success was the passion and energy that the Korean Society of Hypertension and the organizing committee poured into the effort. During the 5 months of preparation, the Seoul City Government and the Seoul Tourism Organization’s officials provided necessary data and professional advice for effective management and a flawless, attractive English-language proposal.
The above endeavors made the almost impossible dream come true. Based on their ceaseless zeal and energy, many other hosts, the Korea Tourism Organization, the Seoul City Government, the Seoul Tourism Organization and PCOs will do their utmost to continuously hold more conventions in the future. If they work together to accurately identify client needs and highlight their strengths, Seoul, the capital of the Republic of Korea, will soon solidify its position as one of the most loved convention destinations in the world.
INSESSION International Convention Services, Inc.