An overview of the key challenges for medical societies in Asia that is lessening the natural developments of growth, and a view on that steps can be taken to advance the process

1. (Scientific) Societies and their Congresses in Asia
Trends and challenges
Presented by
2 October 2013
Marcel Ewals, Director, Business Developmet

2. 2
ABOUT KENES
• Established in 1965
• Exclusively serving medical & scientific organisations
• 122 Long Term Clients; 24 receive AMC services
• 3,000 congresses in 104 cities; 115,000 attendees
annually
• 18 offices worldwide with over 400 staff including Kenes
Asia (35 staff): Bangkok, Singapore, New Delhi
• Kenes Asia now cooperates with more than 30
societies

3. How do societies operate in Asia
• Volunteer organizations
• Country members from the
region (Federation)
• No permanent Secretariat
• Few lobbying/consulting
functions
• Key function is Education
• Secondary function is
networking and knowledge
exchange

4. 4
Key historical influencers in the region..
Philippines
Australia
Japan
These countries
have since post
WWII been driving
the region
Philippine drive
was by
infrastructure,
and less
research
leadership
(1950-1980’s)

5. 5
Today, most regions are developing..
The balance of
research and
convention
infrastructure
has balanced
out in the last
15 years, with
major research
coming from all
Asian countries

6. Asia’s scientific community growth is led by:
• More research
• Growing middle
class
• Access to medical
treatment
• Better education
• Sizeable
population
• Increasing youth

7. But challenges remain..
7

8. 8
Volatility in events halts growth in Asia
• Asia’s diversity provides
challenges
• Industry support varies
• Attendance levels go up and down
• Audience quality depends on location
• Scientific excellence based on local
expertise
• Assign to local Organizing
Committee
• Investment and professionalism differs
per host society
• Local interests lead over regional
interest
• Changing rules per event as there is no
central rule adaptation process, leading
to price changes, experience
influences etc.

9. 9
Key impacts that lead to such volatility
9

10. In comparison, European Societies:
• Centralized and
organised
• Location based on
best results
• Locals are
independent from
success
• Created steady
growth
• Transparency to all is
key
• Funding for research,
etc…

11. Meanwhile in Asia:
• Funding
– Money stays with LOC
– Not enough funds are left for
Society to evolve
– No membership value is
developed
• Importance
– As good as your last event
– New players can take over

12. So where is asia’s future
12

13. The Road Map requirements
• Move “self
interest” to
society, not
member
• Multi year
strategic plan,
rather than year-
on-year
• Have core values
as objective
13

14. Conclusion
• Stability
• Consistency
• Transparency
• Centralization
14

15. 15