To address these challenges, ICO partnered with MCI to develop a strategy that would re-energise the World Ophthalmology Congress and ensure a seamless return to an in-person format. Over 1.5 years of meticulous planning, MCI delivered full congress management, focusing on the following key elements:
A fresh, inclusive event identity was developed to resonate with both seasoned professionals and new attendees. The congress tagline, "The place where the future of sight is shaped", was chosen to inspire a sense of innovation and forward-thinking, attracting younger ophthalmologists.
We tailored the congress’s structure to balance wide-ranging content with more focused, specialised sessions with up to 21 parallel sessions at any given time, covering all subspecialties of ophthalmology. Delegates had access to 300 scientific sessions, hands-on training, roundtables and debates, providing a holistic learning experience. We also ensured that the congress featured a diverse range of educational formats, including 800 poster presentations, 115 invited sessions, 70 society sessions, 36 poster pod sessions and 30 instructional courses. These formats were designed to encourage interaction, learning and knowledge exchange among participants from around the world.
The Vancouver Convention Centre was carefully selected for its highly flexible function space, its perfect location in the city and stunning view on the waterfront - making it a memorable venue to host this special congress edition. A visit to the Vancouver Aquarium offered a unique networking opportunity, further enhancing the delegate experience. These choices were made to not only provide a professional environment but also to offer memorable experiences that would foster connections and engagement.
