Southern Turkey to host 11th South Eastern European Meeting
When the South Eastern European Meeting comes the south coast of Turkey in November, delegates can expect a world-class congress experience. SEEM is designed as a regional extension of the Annual EAU Meeting, with the same diversity of topics, speakers, and courses.
EAU Regional Office Chairman, Prof. Bob Djavan spoke to European Urology Today about the ongoing preparations for SEEM15, its appeal, as well as the Office’s approach to regional meetings in general. SEEM15 will take place in sunny Antalya on 6-8 November, 2015.
The Scientific Programme
Delegates can look forward to a large variety of topics and sessions over the course of the three days, including but not limited to state-of-the-art lectures from international experts, hands-on training, and poster and video presentations.
Prof. Djavan: “The scientific programme of the SEEM and other regional offices is composed by the countries of the respective region, involving their national society’s president, and a key opinion leader. In that sense the scientific programme is shaped by the region, and reflects their needs and priorities. The EAU assesses the quality of the programme and more or less ‘confirms’ it.”
A popular and unique feature of SEEM and other regional meetings is the “Young Urologist Competition”, in which participating countries nominate one delegate to speak on a certain topic. Prof. Djavan: “This adds a fun, competitive element to the meeting. In a sense it levels the playing field, allowing smaller countries to ‘triumph’ over their larger neighbours. All in the spirit of friendly competition, of course.”
In addition to the country competition, the poster sessions act as a stage for young urologists from South Eastern Europe and neighbouring countries. “SEEM acts as an international, English-language platform for presenting regional research,” Djavan said. “The Annual EAU Congress might be daunting for novice presenters for whom English is a second or even third language. SEEM allows them to get used to presenting in English, while showcasing their research. We will be choosing six best speakers and in addition to a sponsored prize, we will be inviting them to present at EAU16 in Munich next year.”
“SEEM is an attractive alternative for urologists who are interested in what the EAU has to offer, but who cannot attend the Annual Congress for various reasons, including cost. By hosting regional meetings across Europe every year, we can offer urologists from the region and beyond the same scientific standard and international speakers as they might get at the Annual Congress. We routinely welcome urologists from the former Soviet Union, from Western and Central Asia and from North Africa.”
The Regional Office
With the reinstatement of the Baltic Meeting, the EAU Regional Office now organises three major scientific meetings every year. Prof Djavan is grateful to the EAU Executive’s increased support for the Office’s initiatives, which now also includes the establishment of cooperative research groups.
Djavan: “The EAU offers logistical support to these regional research groups, encouraging cross-border cooperation. That way they can jointly write and submit articles to journals and abstracts to meetings.” The envisioned regional cooperation also includes the exchange of residents and young urologists. “Not everyone should have to travel to London or Paris for training or work experience, in some cases they can find this closer to home.”
The Venue and Accommodation
For the first time, SEEM will take place in Antalya, Turkey, a region known for its hospitality, charm and vibrant cultural life. The Gloria Golf Resort is a high-quality, all-inclusive resort. For convenience, we strongly advise that you book your room at this resort. The EAU has arranged a number of rooms at a special rate for delegates. These are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so please book as soon as possible!
Early Registration Fees for SEEM15 apply until September 20th. For all the latest information on the scientific programme, registration, training courses and the venue, please visit the meeting website.