Over 9,000 Otolaryngologist-Head And Neck Surgeons To Meet In Vancouver For The First Time

Vancouver, BC – Tourism Vancouver and the Vancouver Convention Centre are gearing up to welcome over 9,000 delegates from the world’s largest organization representing otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeons for the first time.

Contributing an estimated $22 million in direct spending to the city and province, the American Academy of Otolaryngology— Head and Neck Surgery Foundation (AAO-HNSF) will convene in Vancouver from Sunday, September 29 to Wednesday, October 2 for its 2013 Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO℠. This large program will span both the Convention Centre’s East and West buildings.

Winning this prestigious convention has been years in the making. The first conversation between Tourism Vancouver, the Vancouver Convention Centre and the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery dates back to 1996. Vancouver was confirmed as the 2013 convention destination 10 years later.

Jacqueline Benear, Tourism Vancouver’s director of US Meeting and Convention Sales was involved with the AAO-HNSF since the early days of the bid, and commented: “This is one of the largest conventions Vancouver will host this year with delegates filling rooms at over 21 hotels in the downtown core.”

“Were it not for the Convention Centre expansion we wouldn’t be able to accommodate meetings of this size,” said Claire Smith, vice president of Sales and Marketing, Vancouver Convention Centre. “We are truly honoured to welcome the world’s leading otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeons and look forward to delivering the exceptional experience our facility and city are known for.”

This Annual Meeting is an important platform to advance the understanding of common medical disorders that afflict so many people, young and old. This includes chronic ear infection, sinusitis, snoring and sleep apnea, hearing loss, allergies and hay fever, swallowing disorders, nosebleeds, hoarseness, dizziness, and head and neck cancer.

“Our meeting will build on Vancouver’s diversity and positive energy. I’m excited for attendees to experience the city together,” said Academy president James L. Netterville, MD.

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About the Vancouver Convention Centre
The only two-time winner of the International Association of Congress Centres’ APEX award for “World’s Best Convention Centre,” the Vancouver Convention Centre features two connected buildings with a combined total of 466,500 ft2 (43,340 m2) of flexible meeting, exhibition, ballroom and plenary space. Since inception, the facility has demonstrated a constant commitment to service, technical and culinary excellence, as well as environmental sustainability. In fact, the Centre’s West building has received LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Platinum certification, and is the first convention centre in the world awarded the highest LEED® rating.

About Tourism Vancouver
Tourism Vancouver’s focus is on building exceptional customer relationships with meeting planners, travel influencers, travel media and independent tourists. The organization’s brand essence is about “exceeding expectations.”

About the AAO-HNS and its Foundation
The American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery (www.entnet.org), one of the oldest medical associations in the United States, represents about 12,000 physicians and allied health professionals who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the ears, nose, throat, and related structures of the head and neck. The Academy serves its members by facilitating the advancement of the science and art of medicine related to otolaryngology and by representing the specialty in governmental and socioeconomic issues. The organization’s vision: “Empowering otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeons to deliver the best patient care.” The Foundation works to advance the art, science, and ethical practice of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery through education, research, and lifelong learning.