June 8, 2015 (Vancouver): The Vancouver Convention Centre, Tourism Vancouver and several downtown hotels are pleased to welcome more than 10,000 leading dermatology professionals from around the globe.
The 23rd World Congress of Dermatology – one of the world’s oldest and continuous international dermatology meetings, held every four years – takes place at the award-winning Vancouver Convention Centre until June 13.
The World Congress of Dermatology is one of the largest medical conferences ever to take place in Vancouver. Based on the standard industry calculation for economic impact, the event will contribute approximately $35 million in direct spending to the Vancouver economy. Although conference organizers predict actual spending will be much higher.
“We’ve been working on this project for the last seven years. It’s so exciting for us to welcome our professional colleagues from 126 countries to Vancouver. The history of the Congress dates back to 1889 when it was first held in Paris. Our Congress will be the largest dermatologist gathering ever in Canada,” said Dr. Harvey Lui, Congress secretary-general and professor of the UBC Department of Dermatology and Skin Science. “Cities have to compete every four years for the privilege of hosting the congress. We are really grateful to everyone in the local tourism sector for all their practical advice and guidance.”
“We are extremely pleased to welcome the World Congress of Dermatology to Vancouver, which commences a series of leading international medical conventions taking place at the Vancouver Convention Centre this year,” said Ken Cretney, president and CEO, BC Pavilion Corporation. “Attracting global medical conventions of this caliber truly speaks to the extraordinary draw of Vancouver as an international meeting destination, the appeal of our exceptional Convention Centre, and the excellent reputation of the local medical community.
“The business of attracting and securing city-wide meetings and conventions for Vancouver is highly competitive,” said Dave Gazley, vice president of meeting and convention sales at Tourism Vancouver. “Tourism Vancouver’s Be A Host program identifies locals, such as Dr. Lui, who have the ability to bring a major event to our city, and supports them through the conference bidding process. The Be A Host program has become a key part of our convention sales strategy.”
The World Congress of Dermatology will also leave a lasting legacy on Vancouver apart from the medical discoveries and ideas that will be shared. A commemorative tree will be planted at the entrance to Stanley Park on behalf of the Congress as a gift to the City of Vancouver and as a reminder of the importance of providing outdoor shade structures for sun protection.
About the Vancouver Convention Centre
The Vancouver Convention Centre is the world’s first LEED® Platinum certified convention centre offerings one of the most beautiful settings in the world, located in Vancouver’s downtown waterfront with a dramatic mountain backdrop. The award-winning Vancouver Convention Centre features two connected buildings with a combined total of 466,500 ft2 (43,340 m2) of flexible meeting, exhibition, ballroom and plenary space. The facility is committed to environmental sustainability as well as unparalleled service, technology offerings and culinary excellence.
About Tourism Vancouver
Tourism Vancouver’s focus is on building exceptional customer relationships with meeting planners, travel influencers, travel media and independent tourists. The organization’s brand essence is about “exceeding expectations”.
About the World Congress of Dermatology
The World Congress of Dermatology (WCD) is the world’s oldest and continuous international dermatology meeting, and is presented under the auspices of the International League of Dermatological Societies (ilds.org). The 23rd WCD is the first to be held in Canada.
