The International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis Congress brings 7,800 doctors and scientists to a different city around the world every other year—the last two incarnations took place in Geneva and Sydney—so when local members secured Boston as the site of this year's event July 11 to 16, the goal was to showcase all the city has to offer.
Switzerland-based MCI group planned the meeting, which was held at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center. MCI, working with the co-presidents of this year's congress, Boston doctors Barbara and Bruce Furie, brought on local event firm Conventures Inc. to produce the parties surrounding the conference.
"The audience for this event is very international," said Conventures' Emmy Whitney, who oversaw all of the events' production. "So the presidents' main goal was to do something that showcased Boston, made sure everyone enjoyed the city, and hopefully, wanted to come back."
The week kicked off with a Boston-themed opening ceremony and welcome reception in the convention center's grand ballroom and north lobby, attended by 4,000 congress participants. Live performances from local artists displayed a wide range of Boston music, including an Aerosmith tribute band, a fife and drum duo, and a local children’s choir. Another local firm, Art of the Event, designed props that recreated Boston's "Freedom Trail" inside the convention center, with large-scale replicas of landmarks like Paul Revere’s house and a Boston tea party ship.
Although attendees were heavily booked throughout the week, Whitney planned a second event that allowed them to fit in some actual Boston sightseeing en route. For the Tuesday evening presidents' dinner, 450 guests were brought to the John F. Kennedy Library & Museum by boat so they could experience a mini tour of Boston Harbor on the way over.
"Logistically, the idea presented a challenge because we had to plan the timing very carefully with the tides, and find a boat that would transport everyone out there," said Whitney, who secured a vessel from Bay State Cruise Company.
The congress ended with a Thursday night closing party for 1,800 guests at the Bank of America Pavilion. Sticking with the discover Boston theme, Whitney designed stations throughout the venue that each recreated a Boston landmark, including Fenway Park, the North End, and the Cheers bar, with entertainment in each area and themed finger foods—think hot dogs at Fenway. The evening wrapped with the week's grand finale—a 75-minute performance from the Boston Pops.
