More than 5,000 visitors were present at the 2012 British Dental Conference and Exhibition in Manchester, it has been confirmed.
The event, which took place at the Manchester Central Convention Complex between 26-28 April, saw 5,085 people pass through its doors; almost 500 more than attended the 2011 event at the same venue. More than 150 exhibitors were present to share their latest products and services with delegates and nearly 250 presenters addressed delegates. They included renowned scientist Professor Susan Greenfield, Department of Health Minister Earl Howe and a galaxy of clinical experts.
Alongside the programme of speakers and the comprehensive exhibition was a series of new developments including a Demonstration theatre and an Innovation zone. The delegate experience was also enhanced by a conference microsite that allowed visitors to book meetings with many of the exhibitors in advance.
The event witnessed the passing of the BDA Presidency to Dr Frank Holloway and saw Dr Susie Sanderson give her final address to the event as Chair of the BDA’s Executive Board. Dr Sanderson stressed the importance of professional unity and seeing the whole picture when assessing the challenges facing dentistry.
Social highlights included a performance by Killer Queen, a leading Queen tribute band, and a glittering Golden Age of Hollywood-themed ball for Foundation Dentists.
BDA Chief Executive Peter Ward said:
“We are delighted that such large numbers of the dental family were able to come together in Manchester. This is a challenging time for dentistry in the UK at which professional togetherness is more important than ever. The profession can be proud that it has turned out in such large numbers.
“I’d like to thank all those who contributed to making this year’s event the huge success it has been, including our sponsors. We’ve had very positive early feedback about the event, and this year’s new features, the Demonstration theatre and the Innovation zone, have proved particularly popular.
“The BDA will spend the next twelve months striving to put on an even bigger and better event for 2013.”
The 2013 British Dental Conference and Exhibition will take place at ExCel London between 25-27 April. Full details of the event will be published at www.bda.org/conference in due course. It will be the first time that the British Dental Conference and Exhibition has ever been hosted in London.
The event was sponsored by Oral-B (Diamond sponsor); Colgate, GlaxoSmithKline, Johnson & Johnson (Platinum sponsors); Integrated Dental Holdings, Philips Oral Healthcare (Gold sponsors).
