"100 journalists from Europe, Japan, the United States and Canada"

The European Congress of Radiology is expecting some 17,000 visitors this week. Has the international importance of the ECR changed over the years?

With a growing proportion of scientists from the Asia-Pacific region, from South, Central and North America as well as the Middle East, the ECR is becoming an event with a growing international appeal. As part of our ‘ESR meets’ programme this year, eminent radiologists from Germany, India and Israel will be presenting highlights and interesting aspects of radiology from their countries. Approximately 100 journalists from Europe, Japan, the United States and Canada have already registered for the congress.

What will be the highlights of ECR 2008?

At this year’s ECR, Women's Imaging will be a major focus, both at the congress itself and as part of a public awareness campaign. Just outside the Austria Center Vienna, Austrian radiologists will be presenting lectures on breast imaging, nutrition and heart and lung diseases and Siemens is sponsoring a mobile mammography unit for demonstration purposes. For the very first time at the ECR, radiologists will also be discussing topics of common interest with general practitioners. While radiologists are specialists in their field, general practitioners have a broad view of patients’ health and both should be working together to provide better patient care. Focusing on coronary heart disease and peripheral occlusive artery disease, the new ‘ESR meets Partner Disciplines’ session will allow attendees to learn about the importance of cooperation.

What feedback do you receive from journalists? How do they rate the contact opportunities with technology companies?

ECR and RSNA are the only two international radiology shows in the world which are held at the same location, year after year, and the ECR offers journalists and attendants the opportunity to benefit from a scientific congress, an international exhibition as well as a rich arts and cultural programme. At the exhibition itself, journalists can easily find the well-branded booths of various technology companies and, so far, we have had only positive feedback on the contact opportunities with exhibiting companies.

In your view, how can exhibiting technology companies take advantage of the large media presence?

Journalists are eager to find out as much as possible about the latest technological developments and exhibiting companies should provide them with comprehensive, detailed information. Ideally, journalists will receive all press information in digital format when they visit a booth. For special announcements and detailed information on breakthrough products and technological highlights, exhibiting companies can utilize the ECR facilities for holding a press conference. Prior to the congress, our staff assist in organizing a room and equipment. On site we announce company press conferences to the media. Journalists can visit a press area on the ESR website, listing all press conferences planned at the congress – beneficial for the media as well as exhibiting companies striving for greater publicity.

Contact Robert Gruenkranz at robert.gruenkranz@myesr.org