Over 750 delegates from 38 different countries met at Manchester Central in September for the 15th International Congress of the Society for Melanoma Research (SMR), an event worth over £2m in economic value to the city.
A diverse organisation of scientific and medical professionals who are devoted to treating patients with melanoma, the SMR congress occurs annually, with the event leaving the USA once every three years.
The decision to host this year’s event in Manchester was down to the city’s strength in research and clinical presence in melanoma. The bid was secured via a partnership approach between Manchester Central, the Manchester Convention Bureau and the University of Manchester, led by Richard Marais - a Professor of Molecular Oncology and Director of the Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute.
Richard commented: “I was very proud to be able to host the congress in my adopted city. It was a fabulous showcase for all Manchester has to offer, both scientifically and socially”.
Based across Manchester Central’s Exchange Hall, which was transformed into a 900 seated plenary, and the venues purpose-built auditorium, the conference spanned over four days which was supplemented by a seven-day fringe meeting schedule.
Organiser Sarah Hughes from Site Solutions Worldwide, an international meeting planning company based in New York, said: “I’d highly recommend Manchester Central for any future conferences – it has a character that you don’t find in many convention centres. The flow of space is perfect, very accommodating and you’re made to feel like you’re the only event at the venue during that time. It really is a great venue with amazing staff”.
Shaun Hinds, CEO of Manchester Central, said: “The fact that high-profile events such as this choose Manchester ahead of other leading cities around the world, re-affirms the strength of the city’s international offer. A city of firsts, Manchester is world-renowned for its strong track record in scientific and academic studies and we’re delighted to be able to welcome international guests to the venue to strengthen that tradition”.