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BDTA Annual Conference looks to the future
The BDTA Annual Conference was this year held at the exquisite Killashee House Hotel, near Dublin in partnership with the Association of the Irish Dental Industry Ltd (AIDI).
Famous for Guinness and the lucky Shamrock, the Emerald Isle provided a magnificant venue for the Conference which took place 19-22 June 2008. 80 delegates attended, representing almost 50 companies from the two associations.
Business agenda
The busy agenda began on Thursday afternoon with Kevin Lewis of Dental Protection and Peter Ward, Chief Executive of the BDA opening the Conference with industry and profession updates. The challenges and opportunities which have faced the industry since the introduction of the New Contract were highlighted and predictions were made for the exciting times ahead.
The business sessions on Friday began with a European perspective of the industry from Norbert Orth, President of ADDE. This was followed by an inspirational and highly entertaining presentation from Steve McDermott, European Motivational Speaker of the Year in 2007. Steve explained, in a simple and amusing manner, the importance of staying true to your core values, staying positive and being future oriented.
Simon Gambold, BDTA President, opened the afternoon’s proceedings with a report on the BDTA’s activities followed by individual updates from representatives from each of the committees. Chris Potts, President, and Nigel Carter, Chief Executive, from the British Dental Health Foundation provided an update on the achievements and future plans of the Foundation as it pursues a global strategy and the afternoon was rounded off with a whirlwind tour of the Data Protection and Freedom of Information Acts given by Paul Simpkins of Act Now Training.
Simon Gambold, BDTA President commented, ‘We were delighted to present delegates with a varied range of speakers, covering both dental and business topics. I was also pleased to be able to update members on the progress the BDTA has made since the Midwinter Meeting and provide our Committees with an opportunity to tell members about the extensive work which goes on behind the scenes at the BDTA.”
Social programme
Delegates were also given plenty of opportunity to network with a vibrant social programme complementing the ambitious business agenda. Following a professional and very moving presentation from Ian Wilson and Mark Topley, an auction took place on Friday evening with the proceeds, totalling to £1500, going to Bridge2Aid to further support their efforts to ‘restore smiles’ in Mwanza, Tanzania. One of Ireland’s best known television and radio entertainers, Aonghus McAnally, hosted the auction and then entertained guests at the formal dinner with witty Irish humour.
The Conference Golf Tournament took place at the PGA National Ireland, a course of international stature within the grounds of Palmerstown House. Julian English was the proud winner of the BDTA Golf Trophy, scoring the highest number of Stableford points. Whilst the golf tournament was taking place other delegates enjoyed trips to Dublin, the Irish National Stud and Powerscourt House and Gardens.
Tony Reed, Executive Director at the BDTA, said ‘The BDTA Conference provides an excellent opportunity for members to network, learn from industry leaders, get up to date with developments and enjoy a lively social programme. It was particularly pleasing that this year’s Annual Conference took place in partnership with the AIDI as it enabled experiences in separate markets to be shared.’
The BDTA Annual Conference 2009 will return to England. Dates and location will be announced shortly.
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