The first APDW was hosted in Sydney, September 23-27, 2001 bythe Gastroenterological Society of Australia (GESA). Many formal and informal accolades have signalled the success of the scientific program and the meeting as a whole. If ever there was doubt about the value and viability of such a meeting, this was dispelled in Sydney. Aspects such as keypad sessions, case-based discussions, lively debate, young investigator presentations and workshops were greatly appreciated by the 1800 or so registrants. Participants found the CME Postgraduate Course on Advances in Management of Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease was very informative, and the free papers and posters were exceptional. The program tackled a diverse range of issues; in addition to the expected emphasis on new developments from research and improved standards of clinical care, technological expertise (for example, a 'hands on' endoscopy workshop with leading regional and other international exponents), human and public health interests (the changing pattern of gastrointestinal and liver cancers in the region; indigenous health; safer and more cost-effective use of technology) featured prominently.
A large panel of speakers from within and outside the Asia-Pacific region seemed to all put their best foot forward. The biopharmaceutical industry was enormously supportive of APDW. The meeting was made possible largely by the four principle sponsors: Astra-Zeneca, Glaxo-Smith-Kline, Hofmann La-Roche and Novartis. In addition, many other companies and exhibitors strongly supported the lively trade display, and this was greatly appreciated. Another aspect of industry support which was a real plus was to embed the symposia initiated by principle sponsors within the timetable of APDW, rather than appending them as satellite meetings. This allowed the SPC to work with the companies, to make suggestions on content, style and speakers, and to facilitate the use of these speakers elsewhere in the program.
Another thing that may not have been appreciated by participants is that sponsorship of many speakers was minimal. Indeed, several colleagues from Japan paid their own way to participate in the liver workshop on HCC, and the organisers were able to offer other Asian speakers only economy class airfares and limited registration to contribute to the program of APDW; GESA members had no concession on registration or travel expenses. Thus, everyone contributed enormously to the bottom line (which hopefully will be a positive one for the region), and for that joint commitment to a new start for regional meetings in Gastroenterology/Hepatology, all should feel proud.
Finally, and not least of all, the spirit of this first APDW was amicable, friendly, conducive to open discussion and as warm as the sunny Sydney weather. The sun sparkled on Sydney Harbour, much shared between countries, new friendships made, old ones enjoyed again. APDW will strengthen communication and cooperation between us all in the future.
P.S. For those who missed the first APDW program, or those who participated and would like transcripts of some of the excellent lectures, as special issue of the Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology will be published in May 2002 with at least 22 reviews based on key note lectures and CME materials.