BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, presses ahead with HC2010

Plans for HC2010 at the International Conference Centre (ICC) in Birmingham, from 27 - 29 April are full steam ahead according to the team behind the UK’s most prominent health informatics event.

The ICC was chosen for HC2010 because its central location and facilities are able to support BCS's long-term ambitions and plans for the event, says Mike Sinclair, the new chair of the event’s organising committee.  
 
“Since taking over from Sheila Bullas as the HC Chair in June, it has been non-stop. Sheila and the committee left the event in good order and I hope to build on that. We will deliver an informative multi-streamed conference programme and are pleased that Citadel Events are again handling the commercial aspects of the event.”

The organising committee is also pleased to announce that David Nicholson, chief executive of the NHS, will give a keynote speech at HC2010.

Mike continues: “We want HC2010 in Birmingham to be an integral part of life for the many health informatics professionals in the UK - a must-attend event for those either setting the agenda or having to deliver against it”.

 HC2010 will build significantly on the success of previous years, ensuring it is still the most powerful and rewarding place for health informatics professionals to see demonstrations of best practice, review leading edge technology and keep up-to-date with current research. This year the main themes are quality, innovation and productivity , with the aim to focus in particular on how informatics can directly, and most effectively, support operational health and social care services.  An announcement on the pricing structure is due shortly.

Mike adds: “The NHS will be facing very tough and new challenges in 2010. The pressures to realise real benefits from the application and use of information systems will be greater than those we have faced in the past. Now, more than ever, it is vital for the health informatics community to debate future policy development, review the potential for the future, network with other colleagues and make connections with suppliers. We are aiming for HC2010 to provide a unique opportunity to learn, share, debate and network, all under one roof.
 
“I am particularly pleased that ASSIST has decided to hold their National Conference and AGM alongside HC; this is in addition to the usual participation from the BCS Health Groups, all of whom are key to the success of the event.”

Exhibiting at HC2010
Citadel Events reports that at the end of October over 50 exhibitors have so far reserved space at the ICC.

Says Dennis Wheatley, Citadel Events sales manager, says: “The level of interest in spaces at the new venue for HC2010 is extremely encouraging, especially given the present economic climate. Prospective and existing exhibitors clearly see HC2010 as the health informatics event of the year, and are prepared to invest to be there.”

He adds: “Initial feedback, from new and long-standing exhibitors alike has been extremely positive.  Many of our regular exhibitors tell us they are relishing the prospect of taking space at such a high-profile event and central venue.”

Laurence Campbell, Managing Director of ALERT Life Sciences Computing UK Ltd, which has exhibited at a number of past HC events, says: “We find that the people who visit our stand are often the key decision makers in the procurement of healthcare IT, and consequently generate good quality sales leads for follow-up”.

CSC Healthcare Solutions is a new exhibitor at the 2010 event. Rebecca Stanley, the company’s marketing manager was responsible for making the decision which she describes as “a great opportunity to showcase all of our healthcare solutions and engage with key stakeholders".

For more information
To reserve an exhibition space contact Citadel Events on: 01423 526971. Alternatively the floorplan can be viewed and downloaded at www.hcshowcase.org