16 August 2019
NewcastleGateshead has been chosen to host the annual conference of a leading cardiac association in the UK from 19th to 20th November 2019.
Working alongside Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals (NUTH), the British Congenital Cardiac Association (BCCA) will hold its annual conference at Sage Gateshead, an iconic music venue designed by world renowned architect Norman Foster. The event expects to attract around 450 delegates with an interest in adult and paediatric congenital cardiology from across the UK, as well as an increasing number of international delegates.
Speakers at the conference will include experts from destinations around the world, such as; the Netherlands, USA, Germany, Canada and the UK.
As well as the main conference taking place at Sage Gateshead, the association has chosen the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, to host a prestigious dinner that will feature an immersive art exhibition. Created by artist Sofie Layton and bioengineer Giovanni Biglino, the exhibition entitled ‘The Heart of the Matter’ brings art and medicine together and invites attendees to discover the extraordinary nature and complexity of the heart through 3D printing, digital animation, printed textiles and sculpture.
Paul Szomoru, director of business events at NewcastleGateshead Convention Bureau, said: “It’s fantastic to have such a range of leading experts from around the world coming to NewcastleGateshead, accessing the excellent medical assets and institutions we have here.
“As a destination with such a broad offering in medicine as well as arts and culture, it’s great to see these strengths being brought together thanks to our diverse range of venues. We look forward to welcoming delegates to a conference with a difference this year and wish them an educational and enjoyable visit.”
Dr Antony Hermuzi, Consultant Paediatric and Adult congenital cardiologist at NUTH, said: “The BCCA annual meeting brings together professionals involved in all aspects of congenital heart disease (CHD) care from the UK and across the world. Following our successful bid for NUTH to host the conference this year, we have designed a programme to illustrate and educate concepts in CHD from development to destination keeping patients at the centre of the meeting. We hope to share with attendees some of the aspects of world leading care we offer in Newcastle for patients from throughout the UK as well as the phenomenal beauty and hospitality of the North East.”
Anna Eyres, head of conferences and events at Sage Gateshead said: Sage Gateshead is delighted to be working with our NHS regional colleagues and the British Congenital Cardiac Association to deliver this flagship conference. The conference comes during a record-breaking year of secured association business and we look forward to working with regional partners to ensure the delegation has a fantastic conference and enjoys all our region has to offer.”
BCCA aims to support and represent medical professionals with an interest in practice or research of congenital heart disease in adults or heart diseases in the fetus or children.