When it comes to marketing international conferences, it seems most organisers nominate two key tools for success – the internet and koalas.

Speaking at Platfom09, a special seminar focussing on bidding for and staging international events, past organiser Dr Jeremy Chapman said an electronic strategy is imperative for any conference.

Dr Chapman, who chaired the organising committee for the 4,300-delegate XXII International Congress of the Transplantation Society 2008, said good emails provide a simple and effective way to spread the word about an event.

He also described clip-on koalas as “the best marketing tool” for associations trying to profile an Australian meeting overseas, with the small toys making a popular gift and conversation starter – a view shared by other speakers.

Meanwhile Dr Chapman’s comments on the internet were reinforced by the professional conference organiser for the Transplantation Congress, arinex Managing Director Roslyn McLeod, who described conference websites as a key communication path for events.

Ms McLeod said websites could be easily updated with program details, information on social programs and accommodation, and could also be used for submitting abstracts.

Emails are also a very effective way to target potential attendees, while arinex increasingly uses social media, such as blogs, Flickr and Facebook, to market congresses.

The chair of the organising committee for the 5th Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry World Congress 2008, Dr Graeme Batley, said his event had embraced the internet, using electronic registration brochures and emails as a way to reduce its environmental footprint.

Held annually, Platform is hosted by the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre and Business Events Sydney, and is designed to provide useful advice to associations planning to bid for or host a conference in Sydney.

The tips at this year’s event were many – from the need to cull non-performers from organising committees, to the recommendation to establish an early sponsorship strategy.

Professor Michael Boyer, who led Sydney’s successful bid for the 15th World Conference on Lung Cancer, to be held in 2013, also emphasised the value of a site visit by the bid selection committee.

“This is a city and a convention centre that sell themselves – if you get the opportunity for a site visit with the selection committee then you’ve just about got it in the bag,” Professor Boyer said.

If you would like to register your interest in attending next year’s forum Platform10 or find out more about the event, please contact us or visit www.scec.com.au/platform