The BMLA 2023 Annual Conference took place 10th – 12th May 2023, at the Voco St David's Hotel, set in beautiful Cardiff Bay. A strong scientific, educational and varied laser-themed programme was compiled to meet the highest of expectations amongst the global laser community that gathered together for this annual event.
Keeping with tradition, six Educational Courses delivered on the first day featured experts from the world of lasers for medical and aesthetic use. This was followed by two full conference days, including special invited speaker talks and featuring numerous oral presentations.
The annual meeting attracted over 200 delegates, a record number for the BMLA conferences, including medics, surgeons, nurses, technicians, aestheticians, scientists, students, therapists and vets. It was also a record year for the number of abstracts received, which lead to a high quality of oral presentations by field specialists. Nine sponsors and exhibitors came on board to support the meeting, including two sponsored masterclasses. Live Q&A sessions throughout the programme were popular and a valuable way to engage with leading laser specialists. The Masterclasses were followed by a new concept for a plenary session masterminded by the organising committee, ‘BMLA Past, Present and Future’. This informative and interactive session briefly looked back at what the BMLA has achieved in its 43 year history and introduced new plans to improve the value of membership. Our other Plenary session titled ‘Controversies & The Great Debate’ saw an interactive & light-hearted sham Court-Case presenting some important issues about training and qualifications in the aesthetic sector.
The Gala Dinner was held in the heart of the city, in the Victorian Banqueting Hall of Cardiff Castle. Guests arrived for a welcome drink served in the beautiful library. A short historical talk preceded a Welsh-inspired 3-course meal set in the magnificent banqueting hall. The night ended with entertainment in the stone vaulted Undercroft part of the castle.
The OD&V provides secretariat and membership management services to the BMLA in addition to being the preferred conference organiser for the past 2 years, overseeing the full project management tasks including: registration, abstract submission, scholarship submission, budget & finance, supplier & venue liaison, regular committee meeting agendas & minutes, marketing via direct email and social media, sponsorship package development, programme development support, sales and comms, speaker & oral presenter comms, CPD application, journal liaison etc.
A team of 5 were on site across the 3 days to ensure the effective delivery of the operational, logistical and marketing elements and overseeing: venue briefings, AV liaison with chosen local supplier, stage production & speaker briefings, social functions & transfers, full registration & delegate information desk management, including on-site registrations, set-up and de-rigging, satellite meetings (Executive Meeting, AGM).
For more details on how the OD&V team can support your next conference or event, please get in touch.
