ICC Birmingham boosts system with ESID 2020 Immunodeficiencies Congress

Birmingham’s International Convention Centre (ICC) in the UK has secured the European Society for Immunodeficiencies (ESID) Congress in 2020. The venue and the city won the bid over competing cities Brussels and Geneva. The congress, which brings together the world’s brightest minds in immunodeficiency, will take place at the ICC 14-17 October 2020 and organisers expect to welcome 2,500 delegates. The congress also integrates international immunology nursing and patient groups (INGID and IPOPI) meetings. NEC Group business development director, Catherine Newhall-Caiger said it would be the first time in 30 years that this congress had taken place in the UK and it also marked the 50th anniversary of immunodeficiency in the UK National Health Service and ESID’s 19th biennial meeting. Ian Taylor, venue sales director – NEC Group Conventions and Exhibitions, added: “I have no doubt that we will be able to help make this conference a resounding success.” The ICC participated in a thorough bidding process from ESID, which culminated in members voting throughout a four-week period. Birmingham won 38% of the vote from 692 participants. Dr Aarn Huissoon, consultant immunologist based at Birmingham Heartlands Hospital, led the bid on behalf of the Local UK Organising Committee, and said: “The UK has a long history of immunology innovation and Birmingham has played a large part in this, so I am proud to bring ESID 2020 to our wonderful city. “I believe my colleagues from around the world will enjoy their time here, and even our UK colleagues will be pleasantly surprised.” Emma Gray, director of marketing and communications for Meet Birmingham, said: “Greater Birmingham is thriving as a centre of excellence for life sciences, with more medical technology companies than any other UK region and nearly 10,000 jobs supported, generating an annual turnover of £1.2bn.”