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knowledge shared has a direct impact on patient care , even if it means forgoing some of the more dynamic and flashy elements seen in other industries ’ events .
• Confidentiality and data privacy Patient confidentiality and privacy regulations shape what data can be shared . This requires careful planning and compliance checks to ensure all shared material meets legal and ethical standards .
• Destination and entertainment restrictions Unlike other events , medical congresses cannot use the destination as a marketing tool or include entertainment that deviates from the educational purpose . Instead , activities like wellness programmes are designed to align with attendee wellbeing and the congress ’ s mission .
Lahav says the secret to success here is in turning challenges into opportunities .
Kenes Group has organised some of the world ’ s most impactful medical conferences , including working with : WPA – World Psychiatry Association , WSO – World Stroke Organisation , WFN – World Federation of Neurology , SIOP - The International Society of Paediatric Oncology , EAS - European Atherosclerosis Society and ESPGHAN - European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology . All are events attracting thousands of participants .
Supporting associations beyond events For a group like Kenes , event organising is only one part of the equation . Through a dedicated Association Management team , the group provides year-round consultancy and strategic guidance to medical and pharma-based clients .
Services include :
• Governance strategy : Helping associations optimise their structures and decision-making
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processes to align with their goals .
• Membership engagement : Developing initiatives to attract , retain , and engage members through personalised communication , value-added services and active community building .
• Diversifying income : Supporting associations in identifying and leveraging additional revenue streams beyond membership fees and congresses , such as educational programmes , certifications and sponsorships .
Medical associations are typically led by passionate and highly knowledgeable healthcare professionals whose expertise lies in medicine , although not necessarily in managing the complexities of running a global or regional organisation or orchestrating large-scale events . “ This is where a global professional conference organiser ( PCO ) like Kenes Group becomes indispensable ,” Lahav explains . “ Our role is to complement their medical knowledge with the operational , logistical and marketing skills required to ensure their success on a global stage .”
Medical associations heavily rely on their annual or recurrent meetings to finance their daily operations , and another major function is to provide certified , quality education to their members . Therefore , they turn to PCOs to help them take care of the operational aspect of their conferences and meetings , including addressing any risk factors .
Legacy In the age of the knowledge economy , destinations tend to measure conference success on legacy as much as numbers of bed nights . Major pharma / medical events are all about developing better treatments and health outcomes .
“ A PCO like Kenes Group plays a vital role in amplifying the legacy impact of medical conferences , ensuring their value extends far beyond the event itself ,” says Lahav .
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Above : Ori Lahav
“ We foster environments where pioneering research from diverse sources is shared , partnerships are formed and actionable knowledge is disseminated ”
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He continues : “ Through meticulous planning and execution , we foster environments where pioneering research from diverse sources , regions of the world and socioeconomic backgrounds is shared , partnerships are formed , and actionable knowledge is disseminated . Our focus on digital tools , data collection and post-event strategies ensures that the insights and advancements presented are accessible to a broader audience .”
Organising medical conferences involves managing a significant financial risk . Factors like fluctuating costs , unpredictable global conditions and the need for high-quality content all are part of the work to find the delicate balance between tight budgets and ambitious conference goals .
As well as rising prices for venues , services , there is increasing demand for innovative technologies and higher standards of sustainability , making it crucial to deliver value without compromising the meeting experience .
Looking ahead to 2025 and beyond , Lahav identifies several trends that he believes will shape the future of medical conferences and maybe , too , the broader meetings sector .
“ Our society is going through a major technology disruption with AI and machine learning . This will play a critical role in the way we manage our associations and events . I am excited about the positive impact it can have on our society .
“ AI and machine learning can already today drive personalised and data-driven experiences that will transform how we design and engage with participants . By leveraging AI and advanced analytics , we can create tailored experiences , ensuring that each attendee receives the most relevant content .” He also sees sustainability continuing to be a key priority as all sectors place increasing value on eco-friendly practices .
Kenes is also applying its knowledge gained in the medical field to foster new partnerships in emerging industries like technology and governance . n
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