Sydney’s biggest business event of the year will get underway at Darling Harbour this weekend, with more than 4000 delegates attending the 4th International AIDS Society Conference on HIV Pathogenesis, Treatment and Prevention (IAS 2007).
The convention was secured by the Sydney Convention and Visitors Bureau four years ago and is worth an estimated $14.6 million in economic revenue to the city, with IAS 2007 a significant event on the world medical calendar, providing an opportunity for leading scientists, clinicians, public health experts and community leaders to examine the latest developments in HIV-related research.
SCVB Managing Director Jon Hutchison said the importance of the event was reflected in delegate numbers – which far exceed the original estimate of 3000 – as well as media interest, with more than 400 journalists from more than 130 countries registered to attend. In all, more than 6500 people are expected to participate in the event.
According to the event organisers – the International AIDS Society and the Australasian Society for HIV Medicine (ASHM) – the choice of Australia as host of IAS 2007 reflects the country’s longstanding commitment to HIV/AIDS and its leadership in this area.
The four-day convention will be held from July 22-25 and will occupy all meeting rooms at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre at Darling Harbour, as well as two of the Centre’s exhibition halls.
Mr Hutchison said a key feature of the Australian meeting would be the affiliated Bioscience Outreach Symposium, which will showcase Australia’s research capabilities and highlight joint venture opportunities to an international audience.
“The Symposium will provide Australia’s biotechnology industry with invaluable exposure and is a very tangible example of the benefits which hosting international meetings can deliver to our industry sectors,” Mr Hutchison said.
Report by The Mole
