1. Starting CME for 3
hours in the morning until lunch time having 20 minutes talk and 10
minute discussion, might help for better attendance.
The observed trend is,
some delegates will disappear after coffee break, some more after
lunch and many after high tea. Unless strict specific learning hours
per year are needed to renew the registration like in U.S.A. where the
delegates have to sign the register for morning and after lunch
sessions it is not possible to enforce attendance.
The question is do we
need authority or democracy in learning? The one who wants to learn
always will be there. It is the organisers prerogative either to have
half a day or full day CME’s.
2. Limit the
inauguration for 10 minutes.
It is our custom and
tradition to light the lamp on the inaugural day and it is the most
important ceremony to highlight the activities of the organisation.
The lAP approves the same in the guidelines. We definitely agree that
the allotted time for inauguration should be adhered to and minimise
the dignitaries on the dais and instruct them about the time allotted
for each individual.
3. Feed back should be
given to the speakers. We agree with Dr. Lulu totally. This definitely
helps the speaker in future.
4. Providing working
lunch to reduce the expenses. We generally provide breakfast, lunch
and sometimes dinner even though registration fee is only for
attending the scientific programme and material provided. In most of
the international conference organisers won’t provide any of these
perks. You have to pay for it. However a good conference is assessed
with good food along with topics.
If we change the
attitude of our colleagues it is a wonderful idea.
5. Giving gift to
speakers: Better to give something useful for academic purpose or
domestic usage:
It is the choice of the
organisers. Most of the academicians already have their paraphernalia.
Domestic items do not last long. Many people feel something to
remember a momento with conference theme, date, place will add more to
showcase and is long lasting. It is the expression of gratitude by the
organisers.
6. Speakers should be
given money to cover the expenses (preferably 2nd Class AC fare).
I agree with Dr. Lulu
Mathews that invited speakers should be provided with travel expenses.
The organisers based on the financial resources should inform the
speakers before hand.
I like to reiterate the
guidelines of the IAP by which we accept that "All IAP faculty
speakers and chairpersons have to register for the conference and also
bear their own expenses. For Non IAP faculty the organising committee
should bear the expenses."
