The 2021 ARCS Annual Conference held 7th-9th June brought together industry, regulator, academia and researchers to educate, network and unite in a time of change. Despite Melbourne going into lockdown, the conference delivered essential and timely information in each of the key educational areas – particularly as industry traverses the issues associated with the COVID-19 pandemic as well as other local and international issues. Speakers unable to join in person were brought via Zoom.
The theme for the conference “From pandemic to recovery – building Australia’s competitive advantage post COVID”, brought together a strong line up of international speakers giving a global perspective joined by high profile Australian experts. Delegates came from a cross section of the healthcare sector and industry and including senior executives, government officials through to recent graduates.
As the largest conference on regulation, reimbursement, clinical research and utilisation of new medical technologies and therapeutics in Australia/New Zealand, ARCS Australia CEO Shanny Dyer speaks about the mitigation and planning required to deliver an in-person conference during the pandemic. Shanny also talks the need to recognise the work delivered by exceptional individuals and organisations through industry awards, which were announced during a dinner event mid-way through the conference.