The organising of the Society's first annual scientific meeting in Western Australia was both a challenge and an exciting prospect. Never having been involved with a project of this size before and being on the other side of a large continent with the tyranny of distance and time, the project was quite daunting. However with the aide of local colleagues and with advice and encouragement from the East we managed to have another successful annual meeting.
The 2003 meeting again followed the format established in Adelaide of having the meeting over the two full days with the Sunday as a social event to allow delegates to see some of the Swan Valley vineyards. This Years invited Speaker was Craig Vocelka from the USA. Craig contributed greatly to the meeting with three presentations as well as being involved in discussions on a wide range of topics. He showed great interest in the local setup of perfusion in Australia and New Zealand and attended the societies AGM as an interested onlooker.
This year there were presenters from Belgium, Netherlands, Austria, USA, New Zealand and Australia. Delegates were also wide spread with not only local Australian and New Zealand perfusionists attending but also delegates from Austria, Belgium, Netherlands, Singapore, Canada, England and the USA. It made for a diverse meeting and allowed for a mixing of ideas from many different units of the world.
The meeting started on the Friday morning with a light breakfast after registration and then the first two sessions were devoted to the theme of coated circuits and oxygenators. All the presentations in these sessions were related to topics where coated circuits and or oxygenators were used. After some presentations by regular users of these circuits, the session ended with an open discussion with input from many delegates. The final verdict on the benefits of coated circuits is still debatable with wide ranging opinions yet to be finalised. Friday afternoon was taken up with eight short paper presentations followed by the society's AGM. The day was completed with drinks in the trade area followed by a most enjoyable gourmet BBQ around the hotel pool. Of course Perth turned on the most perfect weather for this event with a full moon, balmy evening and great company.
Saturday's program commenced with a light breakfast in the trade area and then the scientific program was over four sessions. The presentations were both varied and interesting ranging from "the effect of extended working hours and occupational heath and safety" to the intricacies of "total endoscopic mitral valve repairs". The scientific session ended with a presentation from the retiring master of perfusion Keith Mason on "what we used in the good old days". This was both interesting and amusing presented with Keith's usual style and flair. That evening the meeting moved to the W.A. Maritime Museum for the formal dinner. Those attending had the opportunity to tour through the museum before drinks on the balcony over looking Fremantle harbour. Again the night was enjoyed by all with much dancing and consuming of wine and food.
Sunday was a day for the diehards who went on a trip to the Swan Valley vineyards and lunch. The weather turned very warm for the day and there was a great time had by all. We visited three wineries and a brewery and enjoyed an alfresco lunch at Lamonts winery and restaurant. The amount of alcohol that some of our colleagues can consume over three days is very impressive.
The support of the corporate sector was much appreciated at the meeting. The distance to Perth can sometimes make it prohibitive for companies to bring equipment to smaller meeting such as ours. Eight companies had stands in the trade area and the delegates supported them in showing great interest in what they had to offer. I thank the corporate sector for both their advice and financial support and assistance at the meeting.
The meeting was conducted in a relaxed atmosphere, which made it most enjoyable for all. On behalf of the organising committee I would like to thank all those who attended for their support and positive comments for the meeting. I look forward to seeing this same support for Canberra in 2004.