FDI Sydney 2003 launched

The Local Organising Committee for the FDI World Dental Federation Congress to be held in Sydney, 18-21 September 2003, has staged a cocktail reception at the Darling Harbour Convention Centre to launch the build-up to event.

FDI Sydney 2003 will deliver a comprehensive program of the latest advances in dentistry delivered through continuing education and a trade exhibition.

Organisation of much of the lecture program is being coordinated by the Local Organising Committee while the Australian Dental Industry Association is assisting dental companies exhibiting at the show.

Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Dr Reginald Hession, AM, speaking at the launch, related the tremendous response the upcoming Sydney event was generating. He spoke of how the Local Organising Committee had so far mounted displays at the recent FDI Vienna World Dental Congress and the American Dental Association's New Orleans Congress.

Dr Hession sported the uniform that all the participating dentists had worn at the displays, which consisted of RM Williams boots, moleskins, chambray shirt and the obligatory Akubra hat. This, he dubbed, the summer dress. The winter variant added a long oilskin coat. A stock whip had also been used to great effect as an attention grabber during the events.

"The response has been overwhelmingly positive," he said. "Many people have pledged that they will definitely be in Sydney for the event."

Also present were Sydney City councillors, Dixie Coulton and Fabian Marsden; Dr John Dale, AO, Chairman of the Dental Board of NSW; Dr Alan Patterson, Director, Dental Health, NSW Health Department; then ADA Federal President, Dr David Thomson; ADA Federal Councillors and ADA State Branch Presidents; Terri Slough, President, Dental Hygienists Association of Australia (NSW Branch); and many honoured guests. Dr David Alexander, Director, Dental Affairs-Global, GlaxoSmithKline; Dr Jackie Robinson, Professional Relations Manager, Colgate Oral Care; Richard Dodds, Managing Director, The Wrigley Company, New Zealand; and Michael Williams, GC Australia, were among the FDI sponsors present.

The dental industry was represented by Axel Buchner, President of the International Dental Manufacturers; Keith Mentiplay, President of the Australian Dental Industry Association; and other ADIA directors.

Darren Batty, Route Inventory Coordinator for Qantas, the official airline of FDI Sydney 2003, was also on hand.

FDI representatives included Paul Wilson, Congress Manager; Louisa Zerella, Exhibition Coordinator; and Jenny Diaz, Congress Assistant, who travelled from the organisation's head office in France for the launch.

FDI Sydney 2003 promises to attract several thousand visitors to Sydney to hear the latest developments in dentistry from leading Australian and international presenters. It is a unique opportunity to visit a truly world class dental event.