Back to Presence: Large Medical Congress at the CCL
A video about the ‘Viszeralmedizin‘ conference shares lively and emotional scenes from the first large meeting in presence after pandemic-related break
Viszeralmedizin, held September 16 to 18, was the first large conference that took place again at Congress Center Leipzig (CCL). After the pandemic-related break, this meeting which attracted more than 4,000 visitors and about 100 exhibitors created an example how complex in-person meetings can be held successfully under new conditions.
Saxony’s State Minister for Social Affairs and Social Cohesion, Petra Köpping, visited the conference too and showed herself impressed by the event and how the COVID-19 Health and Safety Regulations are put into practice: ’I am extraordinarily happy because it is really important that people can communicate directly again. We owe this experience also to the entire population and their willingness to cooperate. They respect the regulations, they get their vaccines. These have been the prerequisites that we can do things like this again. Very warm thanks to all for this!’
’It’s a wonderful feeling. For us, and just as much for the medical societies who have had the courage to try and organise this’, says Bruno Lichtinger, Managing Owner of Interplan AG, the meeting’s PCO. ’What makes me particularly happy is that, after this long enforced break, all trades and works mesh smoothly and seamlessly. Together with our partners of Leipziger Messe, a large meeting like this comes true without any start-up troubles.’
Diana Kühne, Managing Director of the DGVS German Society for Gastroenterology, Digestive and Metabolic Diseases, adds: ’The pandemic isn’t over yet, as we all know. Yet, the more important it is to find a way back to normal life. This only works with a thorough safety concept. We’ve had this experience during our large congress in Leipzig. With the meeting planner Interplan and the CCL we have found partners with whom we have worked together for a very long time. And this pays off, especially in times of crisis.’ The joy is also shared by Prof. Dr. med. Natascha Nüssler, President of the German Society for General and Visceral Surgery: ’Viszeralmedizin 2021. Finally, we get started again! We can hold such events again with many thousands of participants and on this large scale. We are all incredibly happy that this is becoming possible. And in perfect safety, too.’
These and further statements, and meeting business restart impressions from Leipzig, are shown in a recently published video which can be found here: bit.ly/congressleipzig
The congress ’Viszeralmedizin’ combines the annual meetings of the German Society for Gastroenterology, Digestive and Metabolic Diseases with the Section for Gastroenterological Endoscopy (DGVS) and of the German Society for General and Visceral Surgery (DGAV). This year, for the first time, the event combined virtual and face-to-face formats and lasted a total of six days. After three online days, the in-person meeting was held September 16 to 18 September at the CCL.
Being a venue of the Leipziger Messe Group, the CCL uses the health and safety concept ’Safe Expo’. It is based on the currently valid Corona Protection Ordinance of the Free State of Saxony, and it covers regulations with regard to contact tracing, admission and social distancing, and thorough measures to guarantee hygiene on site.
About the CCL and the KONGRESSHALLE am Zoo Leipzig
Congress Center Leipzig (CCL) is part of the Leipziger Messe Group and is located within its exhibition site. It is one of Europe’s most modern meeting venues. Special features of the CCL include individual event support and a whole range of services that covers the entire event journey. Every year, around 100 congresses and programs are held at the CCL. The flexible room concept with 23 halls and rooms, direct access to exhibition halls and the Glass Hall as an event location, allows events of almost any size and character.
With the KONGRESSHALLE am Zoo Leipzig, the CCL also operates a modern conference location in historic guise. The Wilhelminian-style building in Leipzig’s city centre offers 15 halls and rooms, several foyers and lounges as well as an exhibition area. The CCL and the KONGRESSHALLE am Zoo Leipzig are part of the do-it-at-leipzig.de initiative, an alliance of Leipzig congress partners who work together to promote high standards throughout Leipzig as a meeting destination.