Boardroom caught up with Susan de Bievre, WCA Advisor and member of the Boardroom Advisory Board to discuss the congress, what made it successful and how Singapore helped WFSA achieve their goals.
Global Gathering
“WCA2024 brought together more than 5000 delegates from 142 countries, while an additional 563 participants from 79 nations attending virtually. The programming reflected the diverse experiences and perspectives of experts from across the globe,” de Bievre began.
“Addressing cutting-edge science and research, as well as approaches to anaesthesiology in low and low-middle resource settings, the congress facilitated the sharing of best practices and innovations in the field. WCA2024 had a sharp focus on providing delegates with an education on leading methods in high-income areas – and how these can be adapted and deployed in less well-resourced hospitals and institutions.”
WCA2024 also sought to create greater access to the congress for delegates from low-income and low-middle income countries, funding full travel scholarships and heavily subsidising the registration fees for attendees from these regions.
Singapore’s strategic geographical location played a crucial role in facilitating knowledge exchange on practices specific to Asia and Southeast Asia.
De Bievre remarked, “Singapore’s position as a gateway to the Asia-Pacific region allowed us to emphasise and explore regional conditions and practices in anaesthesiology that can be underrepresented on the global stage. This unique focus enriched the congress, offering delegates valuable insights into the challenges and innovations within these contexts.”
“For me”, de Bievre went on to say, “the most memorable moments of the event were witnessing the joy on the faces of delegates meeting again after an eight-year hiatus, and seeing the pride in the leaders of the SSA in welcoming colleagues and peers from all corners of the world to their country”.
Singapore: An Ideal Destination for WCA2024
Member societies of the World Federation of Societies of Anaesthesiologists (WFSA) must apply to co-host the congress and, for the 2024 event, according to de Bievre, “the SSA were able to put together a strong application – showcasing the importance of Singapore in the medical world and their advanced healthcare system – ultimately securing the event”.
When asked what else made the city-state an appealing destination for WCA2024, de Bievre responded: “The city, often regarded amongst the world’s safest, provided an ideal setting for the congress due to the welcoming nature of the local people and its position at a crossroads in Asia. It’s easily accessible from destinations across the globe.”
Attendees got a real experience of Singapore – beyond Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre – with dinners at the Marina Bay Sands (MBS) and the heritage venue CHIJMES.
“At MBS, the combination of the impressive modern architecture and the stunning backdrop provided an elegant dining experience, while the historic charm of CHIJMES delivered a more intimate and atmospheric setting. Both locations captured different essences of Singapore’s rich culture and left an impression on attendees.”
De Bievre also commented on the ease of working with STB, and how this relationship helped them craft a successful congress. “They worked with us to ensure that elements of their city and its culture played a role in bringing the event to life. For the Welcome Ceremony, we were thrilled to welcome Singapore’s Minister of Health to the Ceremony as the guest of honour.”
During the event planning process, STB supported the WFSA closely. “Not only did they assist with logistics – including sharing travel visa requirement to suggesting venues for receptions – they were also instrumental in providing exposure of WCA2024 through their media channels”.
Driving Positive Impact
Guided by the Singapore Green Plan 2030, a whole-of-nation movement, that demonstrate Singapore’s commitment to the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda and Paris Agreement, with the goal of achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, Singapore is committed to sustainability and providing event organisers with the resources and support needed to design and deliver greener business events. In 2023, the city was ranked second in Asia Pacific – and 17th globally – in the Global Destination Sustainability Index. Singapore offers organisers ease of access to greener venues, services, suppliers and experiences – empowering them to achieve their sustainability goals.
For WCA204, WFSA connected with MiniWiz, developers of zero waste exhibition booths. When compared to traditional booths, MiniWiz designs have a 45% lower carbon footprint, and are made entirely from upcycled materials including recycled textile waste and aluminium.
“As part of the sustainability efforts at the event, MiniWiz provided the WFSA with their stand, and other exhibitors were encouraged to follow suit – both at WCA2024 and other events in the region”, noted de Bievre.
De Bievre went on to comment on other sustainability focused facets of the event. “WCA2024 recognised that the healthcare industry has a disproportionately large environmental footprint and, in most hospitals, the operating room is both the largest consumer of resources and producer of waste. In acknowledgment of this, one of the 18 scientific tracks at the event was dedicated to sharing knowledge on the best practices, policies and strategies to improve the sustainability of medical practices.”
The event also celebrated innovative approaches to sustainability within the field, and the Fresenius Kabi Innovation Awards were presented to three winners, recognising those that helped reduce the environmental impact of anaesthesia.
de Bievre commented, “Special recognition was given to research and projects that reduced the environmental impact of anaesthesia. Singapore is a leader in sustainability in the region and we are delighted to have had the opportunity to showcase our focus on sustainability, innovation and creating positive impact for the global community.”
“As is becoming increasingly commonplace, positive steps were taken to minimise the environmental impacts of the event itself”, de Bievre went on to say, “There were, for example, no printed programs and delegates were encouraged to walk whenever possible.”
The event was hosted at Suntec Singapore Convention and Exhibition Centre and, thanks to its central location in the city’s bustling CBD, most hotels, eateries and other recreational facilities were within walking distance.
Forward-looking Formats
A concern for the longevity of the planet was not the only future-focused consideration for those attending WCA2024. When asked about innovative programming at the event, de Bievre highlighted an approach never before seen at a medical congress.
“Senior representatives from four leading medical tech companies were invited, regardless of their contribution to the congress and WFSA, to share their vision for the future. The session was designed to embrace the contributions of industry to the advancements in anaesthesia and perioperative medicine, and was a highlight of the congress. Over 1,600 attendees filled the session room, and overflow, while another 400 delegates joined us virtually.”
Singapore is a regional hub for Medical Technologies, and many of the industry’s leading companies have regional headquarters, or are invested in, the city. As a result, WCA2024 was able to facilitate this novel event format.
Another innovative activity, the World Anaesthesia Games, proved popular with event-goers. “Here, attendees were instructed on crisis management and technical skills through the medium of well-known childhood games. The energy and excitement swept through the congress, creating a wonderful learning experience and platform” said de Bievre, celebrating the positive response to the simulation.
Meeting the Event’s Goals
“The success of WCA2024 reinforced the relevance and position of the World Congress amongst anaesthesiologists worldwide – as well as for the MedTech and pharmaceutical industries”, concluded de Bievre.
“Singapore provided an ideal setting for the event. Not only did we leverage the city’s
expertise in the medical arena to enhance the content of the congress, we were able to meet our sustainability goals thanks to the support of the SSA and STB.”
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