ISRRT World Congress in Durban 2008 a great success

9/4/2008

The Treasurer, CEO and I have just been advised of the final financial reconciliation following the Durban Congress which has resulted in a surplus to ISRRT after expenses of 62,000 pounds Sterling.

This is a remarkable result and was only made possible by the excellent organisation and structure and incredidible committment and planning of the Convening Conmmittee under the leadership of Fozy Peer.

From the outset,the previous Board was impressed by the thoroughness and detail of the Congress bid and the current Board continued to be regularly kept up to date with a steady stream of meeting feedback and requests for comments and input.

Planning for such an event started 4 years out and included  the need to ensure financial fluctuations do not have a deleterious effect. The Scientific committee  including ISRRT Director of Education Cyntha Cowling  also needed  to ensure that the Program would still be current and appropriate when the Congress date arrived and would attract delegates.

These two factors were most certainly attended to as can be seen from the excellent financial result but equally importantly from the atmosphere during the Meeting and the post Congress feedback which has been exceptional. Two of the key influences in achieving this result, were the efforts of Fozy and her team in putting together an excellent Equipment exhibition using a professional coordinator to negotiate with the Exhibitors with Fozy's usual focussed input.
In addition, their efforts in promoting the Congress and having such a great program also ensured a higher than anticipated attendance.

All in all, an exceptional result of which our hosts the South African Society and the Convening Committee can be very proud. This result will not only give us the opportunity to invest some funds, but also ensure we can encourage the Regional Officers and Committee Directors to be very proactive in their Programs for the next two years.

Congratulations to all involved from the Board on behalf of all Member Societies.

Above: Durban Convening Committee