Congress program summary

The program for the Global Spine Congress was a rich mix of formats, ranging from Symposia featuring many well known and thought provoking speakers to social events to complement the sponsor exhibition and provide all attendees with networking opportunities.

 

Scientific sessions

Peer reviewed abstracts were presented in 5-minute presentations, followed by audience discussion. Participant feedback from the scientific sessions showed a high level of broad benefits. Sessions featuring new approaches in the treatment of spinal disorders, new and innovative techniques, and the latest biological research efforts for tissue repair proved to be very popular.

Symposia

Symposia consisted of didactic lectures presented by international faculty, followed by question and answer sessions. Similar to the scientific sessions, participant response to the learning benefits of the Symposia was very broad with the sharing of the faculties' experience in decision making and treatment strategies being the most appreciated learning benefit.

Instructional course lectures (ICLs)

The ICLs were lectures where industry sponsors had the opportunity to publicize their organizations’ products and services, which clearly attracted high interest from conference participants.

Guest lectures

Honorary guest speakers Dr Henry H Bohlman and Dr K Daniel Riew held a captive audience with their lectures on Cervical Pedicle Subtraction Osteotomies for Ankyslosing Spondylitis (Dr Riew) and Thirty Years of Spine Surgery: An Evolution (Dr Bohlman).

Social events

Following the pre-congress World Forum for Spine Research event, a welcome reception was hosted at the opening of the exhibition area. The atmosphere was exceptionally high for this event as congress sponsors, participants and the congress leadership mingled until the close. In addition to the welcome event, the cocktail evening was a very spirited networking opportunity.