IPCAA NEWSLETTER

The HCA (Healthcare Congress Alliance) group, of HCEA, IAPCO and IPCAA met together recently in Milan to update each other on individual association developments and review matters of common interest.

There was discussion of how industry support of live meetings may change in view of the relative strengths and weaknesses of live versus virtual events. The HCA group proposes to look into this subject in more detail in order to try to clarify important aspects for their associations and also industry in general.

Eric Allen of HCEA provided an interesting update on the HCEA 2010 Annual Meeting and ongoing regulatory issues in the United States, including how HCEA monitors these and keeps its members informed. He also described the latest “state of the industry” in medical conventions in the U.S.

HCA housing guidelines draft

IPCAA's proposed revision to the document on transparency in housing was discussed. After discussion, the draft text of the proposed guidelines was agreed upon, pending review by each group's legal counsels and/or Boards or Councils as needed. (Note: It is anticipated that these guidelines will be available shortly)

Finally, tribute was paid to the role played by Inge Hanser (of CPO Hanser, Germany) within IAPCO and HCA over a number of years. Inge had been one of the founding members of the group and has demonstrated a huge amount of effort and commitment throughout the time she has been involved. Inge now feels it appropriate to step back from this role and leave others to carry on her good work. A formal vote of thanks to Inge for her years of service to HCA and the medical congress industry was unanimously approved by those present.