12th FASAVA Congress
Overview
The recent 12th Federation of Asian Veterinary Associations (FASAVA) Congess 2024, held in Kuala Lumpur was a monumental event in the veterinary community, attracting about 1,500 delegates from different parts of the world. This case study explores the features of the congress, the challenges faced, and how the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, as its venue partner played a crucial role in its successes. The event not only celebrated the proud history of Malaysian veterinary medicine but also set a benchmark for future congresses in the region.
Unique Features
The 12th FASAVA Congress was distinguished by several unique aspects:
National and International Collaboration: The congress brought together specialists from around the globe, highlighting Malaysia's recognition of veterinary excellence. It was a significant platform for local specialists who trained abroad to return and contribute to their homeland, fostering a sense of nationalism and pride.
Inclusion of Veterinary Nurses and Paraprofessionals: For the first time, the event featured a dedicated session for veterinary nurses, and technicians, recognising their critical role in the industry. This initiative aimed to elevate their status and encourage more individuals to consider careers in veterinary support roles.
Comprehensive Educational Opportunities: The congress offered a blend of wet and dry labs, hands-on training sessions, and expert lectures. This comprehensive educational approach catered to a wide range of interests and specialities within the veterinary field.
"Working with the local association, Malaysia Small Animal Veterinary Association (MSAVA) on this year's congress felt like a family reunion. It was an ambitious undertaking, as our expected attendees increased by triple. We were concerned about catering to the diverse needs of such a large international audience however, the venue proved to be invaluable. The variety of halls and meeting rooms allowed us to create dedicated streams for different topics and experience levels. This isn't just a successful congress; it's a blueprint for building a stronger global veterinary network, one collaboration at a time."
Hiccups and Hurdles
Organising a large-scale international congress within a tight nine-month timeline presented several challenges:
Accommodating Diverse Needs: The event aimed to cater to a wide range of veterinary professionals with varying backgrounds and interest. The content must be designed to accommodate every delegate's needs. The collaboration between FASAVA and the local association, MSAVA created a platform for knowledge exchange on a larger scale than individual conferences.
Venue Selection and Cost Management: Choosing a venue that could accommodate a large number of attendees and provide the necessary facilities was crucial. The Centre emerged as the ideal choice due to its central location, state-of-the-art facilities and previous positive experiences by the MSAVA. The Centre also offered several value-added services including discounted parking rates for important guests and conducive meeting space for sponsor negotiations.
PCO Selection and Coordination: Selecting a Professional Congress Organiser (PCO) was a daunting task due to the tight timeline. The organising team had to sift through multiple proposals and conduct video and in-person interviews to find a team capable of delivering a seamless event experience. One particular PCO stood out due to the personalised and engaging approach and we proceeded to select them. Their long-term relationship with the venue also proved valuable in ensuring the overall success of the event.
The selection of the Centre as the venue for the 12th FASAVA Congress proved advantageous for more than just logistical and spatial reasons. Whilst the Centre's comprehensive facilities and extensive infrastructure were pivotal in delivering to the event's diverse needs, the venue's solution-oriented approach also significantly contributed to the event's success. The Centre's team demonstrated exceptional professionalism guiding the organisers through every step of the planning process. From logistical support to catering arrangements, the team was instrumental in ensuring smooth operations.
Having a deep understanding of the organiser's requirements for the event and their challenges, the Centre's team proactively offered alternative, cost-effective solutions that enabled the organisers to optimise their budget. This efficiency allowed for greater allocation of resources to critical areas, such as high-quality speakers.
The expected number of attendees increased closer to the event date and to accommodate this, the Centre's team, recommended reserving additional spaces for the welcome reception and lunches. This strategic advice ensured that the foyer areas were comfortable and conducive for delegates to mingle and network, enhancing the overall experience and fostering valuable professional connections.
"Planning a congress of this scale requires a delicate balancing act. Choosing the right venue was important and their experience with scientific conferences ensured a smooth operation, allowing the focus to remain on the exceptional veterinary content. And, of course, choosing the Centre was the easy part. It was especially heartwarming to see our delegates feel the pride of attending a conference at Malaysia's iconic venue. Not forgetting all the value-added services provided by the Centre's team, which lifted a significant weight off of us."
The success of the 12th FASAVA Congress has set a high standard for future conferences hosted by both associations. The congress served as a template for future editions, showcasing the potential for inclusivity within the profession and attracting a high number of delegates. The event also highlighted the importance of small animal care as pets are increasingly considered as family members and this awareness campaign will continue as part of all conferences organised by MSAVA. The event's success also reflected MSAVA's commitment to advancing veterinary medicine in Malaysia.
The 12th FASAVA Congress was a resounding success, thanks to the strategic partnership between MSAVA, the PCO and the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. The venue's comprehensive support, the PCO's expertise and the organiser's dedication ensured the event's smooth execution and left a lasting impact on the veterinary community. As the event moves forward, it promises to continue setting new benchmarks for excellence in the field of veterinary medicine.
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