Out and About at the European Society of Cardiology Congress

I have just returned from the ESC Congress, feeling invigorated. The event took place 29 August to 2 September 2015 in London. The ESC Congress is the world’s largest cardiovascular event. This year there were more than 32,000 participants, including more than 26,000 delegates and 5000 exhibitors.

A lasting impression is just how vast this event was and bearing that in mind, how well organised. The array of interesting topics and learning opportunities was particularly enticing. Day 1 was a very hectic, long day for me as I could not resist trying to engage in as much as possible. With more than three days left I had to be selective about which parts I could actually attend. The Congress App proved to be an excellent planning tool. When I had to miss presentations due to clashes of timing, I could catch up afterwards with slides or videos available on-line.

Interspersed with Congress sessions I had some pre-arranged meetings with clinical research colleagues. I also bumped into some people I had met at previous professional meetings and it was good to catch up over a coffee. In informal chats with some of the ESC organisers I was even able to practice my French (although their English is clearly excellent).

There was a truly international feel to the Congress with delegates from Europe and also all around the world. This year notably there were a significant number of delegates from Japan and South America. There was a definite buzz throughout, which even extended to the Docklands train line packed with enthusiastic Congress attendees – a sense of common purpose, involvement and sharing of knowledge and experience.

The ESC congress was great opportunity to increase my awareness of the latest clinical trials and discoveries in basic science and clinical research. It was also a chance to participate in some education activities and to make new friends and contacts.

by Julie Charlesworth