Embracing Unity Amidst Uncertainty
Rewind to 2019. Just as things seemed to be falling into place, the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the world, leaving us to reevaluate, adapt, and reinvent. Sophie recalls, "When the pandemic struck, we faced a crossroad: go virtual or postpone the Congress. But we were determined to bring people together in a live event that would breathe new life into the field of paediatric dentistry."
The teams and IAPD embraced the unique challenges ahead, allowing the partnership to grow stronger. Sophie humorously remarked, "We often joked that it felt like a marriage, but in reality, we were partners bound by trust and shared values. Our collaboration was a labor of love, and it was motivating to have our client right there with us every step of the way."
The Congress Unfolds
Fast-forward to 2023. The MECC Maastricht was filled with branded signage and transformed into a vibrant hub for 4 days of learning and connection. The opening ceremony set the tone, generating excitement and curiosity among attendees.
Throughout the week, attendees navigated through plenary sessions, symposiums, courses, and interactive workshops with the help of the Congress app. Lunch & Learns and coffee breaks gave them ample opportunities to unwind or browse through the expo.
After hours, one of the program's highlights included the Gala Dancing Dinner hosted at the historic Château Neercanne. The castle served as a captivating backdrop, where decorated tables and flower arrangements added an air of sophistication, followed by a night of music and dancing. The spirit of connection took on a new form at the Farewell Party held in a 17th-century national monument. Sophie shared her insights on this event, "We embraced a more informal approach. With tasty bites, refreshing drinks, and a DJ spinning everyone's favorite songs, the evening radiated pure joy."
Meanwhile, it was the personal touches that left a mark on the team. Sophie shared, "During the Congress, it was my birthday. The client surprised me with a birthday cake, which was an unexpected gesture that really captured the essence of our partnership: sincere, heartfelt, and genuine."
Results
The 29th edition of the International Association of Paediatric Dentistry (IAPD) Congress brought together 1400 attendees from 76 countries for 4 days at the MECC Maastricht. Sophie reflected, "Every aspect of the event was crafted with a purpose. Our client's trust and collaboration empowered us to craft a memorable experience that deeply resonated with everyone involved.”
