| Pharma conferences are an essential tool for | | | | When choosing a venue, it is worth |
| spreading ideas and information in the | | | | considering that the ABPI states that the |
| Pharmaceutical world. If organised and | | | | content should be the most important aspect |
| implemented correctly, a Pharma conference | | | | in a Pharma Conference. Therefore, choosing a |
| can be a forum for the communication and | | | | venue that is entertainment orientated is |
| development of scientific ideas, research and | | | | inappropriate - that means no to casinos, |
| products. | | | | golf clubs and spa resorts. According to the |
| Organisers of Pharma conferences do, however, | | | | ABPI, sending delegates on a trip to an |
| run the risk of their event seeming more like | | | | expensive spa resort would not be justifiable |
| a sales pitch than a genuine conference. | | | | as a necessary expense of arranging a Pharma |
| Blatant attempts to gain popularity with | | | | conference. A sufficient venue should be |
| clients, through the use of hospitality or | | | | sought out that offers the necessary |
| other material means, could even violate the | | | | conference features, transport links, food |
| Association of British Pharmaceutical | | | | and hospitality if required. The level of |
| Industry (ABPI) Code of Practice. | | | | accommodation should not exceed a basic, |
| | | | comfortable standard - and should definitely |
| The ABPI's Code of Practice is, according to | | | | not be a luxury hotel. The level of |
| it's President, "regarded as a world gold | | | | accommodation could be adjusted for different |
| standard for self-regulation", and it's list | | | | speakers - for example, a high profile |
| of rules is central to ensuring that the | | | | international speaker would probably warrant |
| Pharmaceutical industry is ruled by | | | | more hospitality than a local speaker. |
| scientific developments and not marketing. | | | | |
| The Code of Conduct, and specifically clause | | | | Once a venue has been chosen, you may wish to |
| 19, seeks to reduce the amount of lavish | | | | consider some other factors to help decide |
| hospitality that is often associated with | | | | the level of hospitality to offer. The time |
| Pharma Conferences - and which it says could | | | | length of the conference is obviously an |
| influence the judgement of clients. | | | | important factor; should your meeting last |
| Compliance with the Code is obligatory for | | | | for a whole day, then meals should probably |
| members of the ABPI, and companies can be | | | | be provided. This would, however, be deemed |
| forced to issue a corrective statement and be | | | | unnecessary should the conference only last a |
| publically reprimanded. | | | | few hours. The costs of the Pharma conference |
| | | | should match the quality and importance of |
| So, what's the key to keeping your Pharma | | | | the speakers and the importance of the |
| conference within the ABPI guidelines? How | | | | content being discussed. The arrangements of |
| much is too much when it comes to hospitality | | | | any hospitality should also be carefully |
| at these events? The simple answer seems to | | | | thought out so that whatever may be offered |
| be that the hospitality should match the | | | | comes a clear second to the content of the |
| level of the event, and should come second to | | | | seminar. Advertising can also help a |
| the content of the conference - not exceeding | | | | conference organiser stick to the ABPI Code |
| what delegates would choose to pay for | | | | of Conduct. The invitations and marketing of |
| themselves. Obviously, hospitality forms a | | | | the event should be done on a strictly |
| large part of a modern Pharma conference and | | | | professional basis, with all emphasis on the |
| if delegates are attending a long meeting, | | | | content of the conference; only a small |
| then it would be only natural to offer some | | | | amount of the invitation should be devoted to |
| level of hospitality. In short, it seems that | | | | the hospitality side of the event, and this |
| the level of hospitality should be varied | | | | should briefly describe details. |
| depending on a variety of factors. | | | | |
| Unnecessary travelling should be kept to a | | | | In conclusion, it seems that to stick to the |
| minimum - for example, it is inappropriate | | | | ABPI Code of Conduct, specifically clause 19, |
| for a British Pharmaceutical company to | | | | common sense should prevail. Rather than |
| arrange a conference in the south of France | | | | offering lavish, unjustified hospitality to |
| for it's German delegates. When travel is | | | | delegates, a more low key venue should be |
| unavoidable, which it often is, economy air | | | | chosen and the emphasis should remain on the |
| travel should be offered to delegates and any | | | | content of the conference at all times. |
| First Class upgrades should be paid for out | | | | Although levels of hospitality can be varied |
| of the delegates' pocket. Once the travel | | | | with a number of factors, it seems that |
| solutions have been worked out, the next step | | | | anything offered that is more than adequate |
| is to choose a venue. This is also covered by | | | | is simply an unnecessary expense, and |
| clause 19 of the ABPI Code of Conduct - the | | | | presents the risk of repercussions from the |
| choice of lavish and inappropriate venues is | | | | ABPI. The main focus of any Pharma conference |
| not allowed. So what is classed as an | | | | should be scientific content. |
| acceptable venue for a Pharma conference? | | | | |