CANADIAN DIGESTIVE DISEASES WEEK (CDDW™)

For four years, we produced this annual medical conference for the Canadian Association of Gastroenterology that relocates each year between Fairmont hotels.

The goal of this important conference is to create the best possible learning and networking environment to highlight the clinical, research and scientific advancements in the field of digestive tract and liver health. Industry support, through sponsorship and participation in a hands-on trade show and display area, is a critical element of this event.

The Experience

This is the meeting place for the world’s top medical professionals. Over 1500 gastroenterology experts and 50 exhibiting companies come together annually to tackle the latest developments in digestive tract and liver health.

The conference was alive with activity. Delegates moved from one important medical lecture to the next, connecting with industry colleagues over poster presentations or in front of a backdrop of complex medical hardware in the trade show area.

A significant number of pre-scheduled, one-on-one meetings were a big part of the program, where doctors and industry professionals met to change the world of digestive and liver health.

An extensive network of signage and a customized mobile meeting app kept everyone on track through this jam packed seven-day program.

Keeping this group well fed with plenty of healthy options so they could tackle the business at hand was our top priority. Some notable food moments over the years were a Chinese take-away buffet, mini macaroni and cheese cups, and fully stocked custom Caesars bar.

Each year consists of several social events - a themed gala, an exhibitor reception and an awards ceremony. The gala themes have ranged from Centre Ice, to Medieval, to speakeasy with some unique and fun activities and photobooth experiences!
Whizbang Moment

Our trade show layout transformation!

Industry participation is an essential part of this important medical conference. We were challenged with designing a welcoming and functional display and exhibit area so that it became the “heart-beat” of the conference, where everybody wanted to be. This was crucial so healthcare professionals were able to have significant quality time exploring the latest services and technology in the area of gastroenterology, at the same to encourage networking and discussion.

Our remedy was simple. By designing a unique booth layout that encouraged the flow of traffic and gave every participant good visibility, delegates intuitively moved throughout the space reaching into the farthest corners of the room. We peppered plenty of tables for delegates to perch. Table styles were varied to include a longer communal style, which contributed to better networking opportunities. We were mindful about food placement and provided a number of highly mobile, interesting food options.

With these simple modifications, we created an engaging and comfortable space that increased trade show traffic significantly. This had a powerful impact on the overall conference experience for both delegates and industry.