A rough guide to organising a medical congress

Abstract

In retrospect, the idea of organising an international medical congress in Muscat, Oman, seemed reasonable. Who could resist our proposed title, “International Congress on Infectious and Tropical Diseases”? Moreover, the prospect of a meeting in such a romantic and adventurous location as Muscat, in the friendliest country in the Middle East, would surely prove irresistible to regulars on the international congress circuit. “But expense? Where is the money going to come from?” asked a pessimistic colleague. “No problem” we assured him, happily. Funds would flow like oil from a new gusher in the Gulf. The pharmaceutical companies would undoubtedly support our modest budget of £100 000, a hope that was subsequently confirmed: substantial sponsorship would be forthcoming. Meetings between the Ministry of Health and the university (the joint sponsors) went well, although some people warned us of possible disaster with few overseas delegates, empty lecture halls, and a colossal bill. We dismissed them with the contempt they deserved. We chose as our venue, the Al Bustan Palace Hotel, one of the finest hotels in the Middle East.