In September 2024, The British and Irish Hypertension Society (BIHS) will hold their Annual Scientific Meeting in Manchester at The Bridgewater Hall. It will be their third event in a row to take place at an ASM Global Europe (ASM) venue, with last year’s in Aberdeen at P&J Live and 2022 at York Barbican.
The BIHS conferences serve as a cornerstone for advancing knowledge and practices in hypertension research and treatment. These three-day events attract approximately 200-250 delegates, including healthcare professionals, researchers, and early career practitioners. Each conference features a main session, workshops, an exhibition, a poster area, early career sessions, and social events including a drinks reception on the first night and an offsite social event on the second day.
The BIHS, alongside their PCO In Conference, committed to a three-year partnership with ASM in 2021, utilising three of their premier venues across the UK. The decision to commit to three venues from the outset was driven by the trust The BIHS and In Conference have in ASM to deliver high-quality, seamless event experiences. In particular, a significant advantage for both client and PCO in partnering with ASM is the ability to work with a single point of contact across multiple venues the length and breadth of the UK. This streamlined communication simplifies the planning process, allowing the organisers to focus on content and delegate experience rather than logistical challenges.
The BIHS President Professor Ian Wilkinson, highlighted the benefits of the partnership: “Our decision to partner with ASM was influenced by their ability to offer diverse and high-quality venues that perfectly suit our needs. This collaboration allowed us to develop a long-term relationship that simplifies the event planning process and ensures a consistent and exceptional experience for our delegates. ASM’s commitment to excellence has been evident in every aspect of our events, from planning to execution.”
By securing a multi-year deal with ASM, BIHS and In Conference were able to benefit from a competitive and strategic commercial offering, ensuring cost-effectiveness without compromising on quality. This allows BIHS to allocate resources more efficiently, enhancing the overall impact of their events.
Venues and Locations
York Barbican (2022): Known for its flexibility in accommodating various event sizes, York Barbican provided an ideal setting for BIHS to host the first of its conferences with ASM Global.
P&J Live, Aberdeen (2023): The 2023 event made the most of one of the newest venues in the ASM portfolio. The modern, versatile venue offered ample space for the education, whilst the vibrant, accessible city was perfect for the event’s social programme.
Bridgewater Hall, Manchester (2024): The final conference in a three-year arrangement is set for the Bridgewater Hall in Manchester later this year. Renowned for its state-of-the-art facilities, the venue and city will be the first visit for BIHS to Manchester, where the organisers will also be trailing a new programme, injecting the event with the sense of energy and innovation that Manchester is famous for.
Steve Daun, ASM Global Europe’s, head of sales – Associations said: “The partnership between BIHS, In Conference and ASM over these three years is a testament to the confidence and trust both the association and PCO have in ASM’s capabilities. By leveraging our diverse portfolio and streamlining coordination, BIHS has successfully provided a series of unique and enriching experiences for their delegates. This collaboration not only highlights ASM’s flexibility in accommodating events of varying scales but also sets a benchmark for future multi-venue partnerships in the industry.”
