Dr Michal Kluger couldn’t be accused of hometown bias in his appreciation of Auckland as a conference destination. The Scotland-born Anaesthesiologist & Pain Physician aims to put his adopted city on the map when the ANZCA (Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists) Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) returns to Auckland, 30 April-4 May.

“Aucklanders don’t understand what a great venue it is, coming from overseas. It is fantastic,” Kluger says. “Conventions are a big deal. We have to push it. This is an opportunity to promote Auckland in an international forum as well as the content that is delivered. People coming from overseas are not just coming for the weekend, they will stay on. We really want to attract them to come out to New Zealand.”

The event, which rotates between Australia and New Zealand, was last held in Auckland in 2005. As convenor of the ASM, Kluger hopes for around 1,500 attendees in total, incorporating anaesthetists, pain specialists, trainees and researchers. A healthcare industry presence is also expected, thanks to a large trade element. “Registrations are going up - New Zealand meetings tend to be popular, the Australians like going to the offshore events,” he says.

“We’re very proud of New Zealand. You could say it is the little brother/big brother relationship with Australia - it’s not a competition, but we do want it to be the best event. We see an event like this as an opportunity to promote Brand New Zealand: New Zealand anaesthesia, New Zealand research, New Zealand food and wine, New Zealand’s landscape and hospitality.”

The trans-Tasman competition extends to the event’s social programme, too. A busy itinerary of Auckland highlights includes a food and wine tour of Waiheke Island, driving at Hampton Downs, golf at the Royal Auckland, an Auckland walking tour and even a scheduled harbourside run for those delegates wishing to keep their fitness up. The pick of the events so far, however, has been a New Zealand vs Australia race on the Waitemata Harbour on America’s Cup boats. “The race has almost sold out! We might have to do another race,” Kluger says. “But we have activities to cover all interests.”

At the cutting edge of research

National pride aside, an attractive destination draw has wider implications for the education element of the event. “We want as many delegates, as many people engaged, as possible,” Kluger continues. “An increasingly important part of these events is meeting these high-profile international and local speakers in person and talking around the subjects. You get a lot from the scientific discussions, but often the real value of a meeting comes from the networking, the opportunities and discussions that arise when you’re having a coffee or a beer with the other delegates.”

The 2016 ASM will showcase scientific presentations from leaders in the field from North America, Europe and Asia. Kluger notes: “ANZCA is recognised internationally as having one of the most robust multi-centre research structures for anaesthesia in the world. The conference will see the release of one of our major national studies in anaesthesia and pain management and this will be promoted widely. That is a big benefit for our scientific community.

“We are also really pushing the social media exposure at the event, with some of the presentations becoming available on the internet immediately. It will ensure New Zealand, and the meeting, are regarded as trend-setters in anaesthesia and pain-related research.”

Backed by local support

Kluger says excellent local support has been integral to the smooth organisation of the event. “The College, like many other enterprises, is doing more events than it used to, things an external PCO used to do, so we have that knowledge in-house. But we’re really doing it from Australia. The College and our PCO is based in Melbourne and I am the lead convenor based here. We have relied heavily on Tourism New Zealand and the Auckland Convention Bureau, part of Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED), and we haven't come across any insurmountable barriers or logistical issues.

“Tourism New Zealand and the Auckland Convention Bureau couldn’t have been more helpful. They were proactive too - they suggested things we hadn’t thought of,” he adds. “They were instrumental in coordinating our presentation at last year's ASM in Adelaide, providing financial support, graphics, LCD TVs with images of Auckland and a promotional video recorded up the SkyTower that was a major drawcard. They also funded a Maori welcome at the Adelaide ASM which was helpful in promoting the event. As well as financial support there’s been intellectual support - who to approach for advice and funding. We’re really grateful to them.

“The venues - the Aotea Centre, the ANZ Viaduct Events Centre - have been incredibly responsive, too. Major restaurants are opening that wouldn’t ordinarily. The French Cafe is pretty much booked out throughout the conference. The local support is great.”

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