Challenge and Strategy:
Established in 2017, the Upper Gastrointestinal Robotic International Association (UGIRA) aims to promote the global adoption of robotic technology in esophageal and gastric surgeries. The Taiwan Society of Thoracic Surgeons successfully secured the inaugural UGIRA International Conference to be held in Taiwan, undertaking the significant responsibility of laying the foundation for future UGIRA events.
This year being the inaugural UGIRA Congress, it faced a challenging mission: how to effectively enhance its international exposure? Additionally, as first-time organizers, there was a notable hurdle in formulating the academic agenda without precedence. Therefore, close communication and integration with UGIRA headquarters were paramount, leveraging the extensive network of the organizing committee to construct a robust academic program aligned with UGIRA's founding principles and characteristics.
Innovative Strategies:
Through collaborative efforts among UGIRA, the Taiwan Society of Thoracic Surgeons, and invited speakers, international exposure was successfully heightened. Concurrently, proactive engagement with other international societies fostered increased registrations and paper submissions through mutually beneficial means.
The main visual depicted the transition from endoscopic to robotic techniques, symbolizing the emerging trend in surgical practices. This visual was consistently integrated throughout the conference to reinforce brand recognition.
Moreover, a diverse panel of international experts was invited to delve into the challenges and advancements in robotic-assisted procedures for esophageal and gastric surgeries worldwide, enriching the academic discourse with varied perspectives.
Achievements and Outcomes:
The inaugural UGIRA International Conference attracted 357 participants from 23 countries, establishing a milestone and innovative medical conference that set a benchmark for future UGIRA events.