It was both a challenge and a great opportunity to host this years annual scientific meeting, especially since it was the first full two day meeting for the society. The new format proved to be highly successful, with 26 presenters participating in the scientific program. Al Stammers and Bob Longenecker (both from the USA) made a great contribution to the scope of the program, with topics ranging from perfusion trends and techniques to the development of legislation. Our local invited speakers included Marie Andrew, Hayden Dando, Darryl McMillan, James McMillan, David Roxby, and Tim Willcox. The broad based expertise of the faculty provided an outstanding balance of topics for the scientific program.
The new meeting format proved to be popular amongst the participants, as reflected in the both their number and enthusiasm. This included 74 members ,students, and non members, as well as 40 corporate representatives. International delegates included perfusionists from the Netherlands, USA and Canada. The trade display area included 13 stands, and the standard of presentation and content of the displays was appreciated by the delegates. Thanks to those companies that participated in the meeting: Cobe Cardiovascular, Terumo Corporation, Medtronic Australasia, Rocket Medical, Edwards Lifesciences, Cardio Research, Medtel Datascope Domedica, Zoll Medical Australia, Helena Laboratories Australia, Abacus Diagnostics, Pall Australia, and Anaesthetic Supplies of Australia. Their support was greatly appreciated.
The meeting commenced 09:00 on Friday, with the first 2 sessions dedicated to a mini symposium. This new session gave us the opportunity to focus in depth on a particular area of current interest – blood therapy. A wide range of topics were presented, from blood conservation to applications of autotransfusion and platelet gel production. This program was well received, with plenty of audience participation during question time. All presentations during these sessions were by invitation, so we would like to thank the presenters for the successful outcome of this symposium. The final session consisted of a case studies and techniques workshop, in which 8 topics were presented. Pre dinner drinks were well attended, especially since there were so many speakers relieved that their presentations were so highly regarded. By the time that we arrived at the Holdfast Shores Marina for the cocktail dinner, party mode was in full swing and in conjunction with the fantastic weather, we were ensured a great night.
A light breakfast on Saturday gave us a good start for 3 sessions of interesting presentations. This included a key note address from Al Stammers, and a broad range of perfusion topics that were very much appreciated by the audience. The final session of the day consisted of a debate on patient monitoring, leading into an interactive session that gave the audience the opportunity to discuss the issues raised in the debate. This proved to be an extremely worthwhile exercise, as it gave us the opportunity to discuss together as a group factors which may influence our profession in the future. Following the closure of the meeting, it was not long before the pre dinner drinks and black tie dinner were well underway. The local food & wine theme gave all our visitors to SA the chance to indulge in some of our culinary and viticultural produce. The band ‘Hothouse’ lived up to its name, as it was a warm night and the dance floor was packed.
The weather was again just as we had hoped for the Sunday winery tour and lunch at McLaren Vale. Following a tasting with winemaker Ben Riggs at Penny’s Hill winery, we arrived at Woodstock winery for another tasting and lunch. Assuming all the participants were allowed to board their plane, we were extremely happy with the outcome of the meeting. On behalf of the organizing committee, I would like to thank all the participants for their support and positive comments following the event. We look forward to the next opportunity to host the annual scientific meeting in Adelaide.