The world’s leading congress on intestinal failure, rehabilitation and transplantation management is set to take place in Auckland next week.
The 17th Congress of the Intestinal Rehabilitation & Transplant Association is being held at Auckland’s Cordis Hotel from June 30 – July 2, bringing together international experts and researchers to discuss the challenges in managing intestinal failure.
Auckland Convention Bureau — a division of Auckland Unlimited — worked with Dr Helen Evans, head of paediatric gastroenterology and hepatology at Starship Children’s Hospital in Auckland to secure the rights to host the congress here. Tourism New Zealand also provided support for the bid.
An expert in the field of intestinal failure and transplant in Australasia, Dr Evans championed the creation of the National Intestinal Failure and Rehabilitation Service in New Zealand, which opened in 2015.
The service is the first of its kind in the world treating newborns, children and adults with intestinal failure and rehabilitation throughout the country.
“We are very excited to be bringing this congress to Auckland and putting New Zealand on the world stage," says Dr Evans.
“We have a fantastic programme this year incorporating a strong Allied Health component. Intestinal failure is complex and challenging to treat and the congress will bring together experts to share knowledge that will leave lasting legacies for patient care."
Close to 400 attendees have registered for the three-day programme which will take place as a hybrid event. This is the first time CIRTA is being held in New Zealand.
Auckland Unlimited’s head of major and business events Richard Clarke says there are many benefits of hosting CIRTA in Auckland.
“Attracting and hosting medical congresses of this calibre shows Auckland is an innovative city. It provides us with another opportunity to showcase Auckland and what it has to offer visitors.
“At the same time, bringing together world-leading experts who will share the latest research to help improve the lives of New Zealanders, and others, living with this condition.”
“International conferences like this one have the potential to leave positive, long-lasting impacts on the communities and city hosting them," says Tourism New Zealand’s global manager of business events, Bjoern Spritzer.
“This is a real boost for Auckland and through the hybrid/virtual environment we can showcase New Zealand’s medical expertise on the world stage.”
