The Institute of Clinical Research's (ICR) annual conference and exhibition has been hailed a success by the 1000+ visitors it attracted to the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Birmingham, UK
The closing presentation was given by international memory champion David Thomas, who delivered an inspiring, entertaining and powerful address on how to improve memory techniques in order to create better business relationships.
The ICR annual spring conference and exhibition is the largest of its kind in Europe and is attended by a wide variety of international delegates from across the pharmaceutical industry, academia, health services and the NHS.
This year over 140 exhibitors and more than 1000 attendees visited over two days.
More than 30 speakers addressed the delegates throughout the two day event, covering all aspects of clinical research from medical ethics and postcode prescribing to paediatric clinical research and clinical research in Africa.
In his inspirational closing presentation, Thomas described how, for some, the ability to remember peoples' names is vital but for others, simply being able to deliver a speech without a script would be a useful and impressive career skill.
He explained that on average, most people can only remember seven figure combinations - Thomas himself once famously recited Pi to 22,500 digits so the audience was keen to learn his techniques.
He commented: "Mastery of memory, like any skill is down to excellent technique and strategy.
"The same goes for the delegates here looking to improve their knowledge and enhance their careers in clinical research.
"I feel that many of the delegates were able to feel the power of the techniques we used today instantly, they actually improved their memories before they even left the building.
"The strength of our memories is that strong".
Newly appointed chair of the ICR, Susan Ollier, was delighted with the success of this year's event.
She said: "The quality of the speakers we attracted this year and the subsequent feedback I've already received from the delegates is astonishing.
"I hope that everyone found the conference as interesting, useful and informative as the delegates with whom I have already spoken.
"We really do have a great event that hundreds of European clinical research professionals make sure is in their diary every year and has something for everyone involved in the industry".
Next year's annual conference and exhibition will again be held at the ICC in Birmingham, on 8-9 April 2008.
Before that, the ICR will host its European conference in Brussels on 8-9 November 2007.
