Naturally, it is not possible for us to visit each and every one of the 50 National Societies every year. Decisions on which countries to visit, are taken in line with the ESC Board and business strategies, and an effort is made to ensure a balanced representation. Since we all met in Vienna at the ESC Congress 2007, the Membership and Communication department has been to a total of 12 national congresses, with the focus being placed on countries we had not yet visited, e.g. Israel and Norway.
Sharing a stand – communicating a joint message!
Over the past year, the presence adopted in most countries has been a “joint stand” with the National Society organising the congress.
This was the case in Poland (September 2007), Spain and Greece (October 2007), Italy – SIC (December 2007), Germany (March 2008), Sweden (April 2008), Czech Rep. and Norway (May 2008) and Slovenia (June 2008)
The advantage of a “joint stand” is real mutual added value, as well as reinforced links between the ESC and the National Society. It makes the difference in delegates’ mind; conveying clearly the message: “As a member of your National Society, you are automatically a member of the ESC and have access to all ESC membership benefits.” The ESC brings some complimentary documentation, free or discounted educational products and give-aways for National members to the stand.
In other countries we chose a separate ESC stand, due either to the size of the congress or because the National Society did not have a stand at the congress themselves. Thus the ESC was present in Turkey (October 2007), France (January 2008) and Israel (April 2008) with their own branded stand.
Please click on the countries highlighted in the text above in order to read articles on their congresses.