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2009

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Date: 14th to 16th September 2009 Venue: York Racecourse, York, England
Professor June AndrewsDear Colleague,
Many thanks for being part of our 3rd international conference earlier this year. The theme of the conference was Facing the Future in response to the National Dementia Strategy and the emerging strategies across the world. This conference which is unique in being truly international and not for profit is our response to the needs of people with dementia.
The event brought together expertise and opinion from many parts of the world including the USA, Canada, Australia, Germany, France, Romania, Finland, the UK and the Republic of Ireland. The programme addressed a broad range of clinical and quality of life issues for people with dementia.
The conference was a busy event with 500 delegates visiting over 30 exhibition stands and enjoying 70 presentations. The Department of Health in England and the Northern Ireland DHSSPS and the Health Department in Scotland provided significant support for this conference. They were joined by Leeds Institute of Health Sciences, RCN Publishing, Alzheimer's Society, DWA Architects and Avery Healthcare. We are very grateful for all sponsor and delegate support in making this event possible.
Professor June Andrews, Director.
 
In addition to the main conference there were:
  • Conference Welcome Event including supper on the eve of the conference - and by popular request a performance of "The Woman from the North" by playwright Bernard MacLaverty who was introduced by Professor Sube Banerjee and signed newly published copies of this moving play about dementia.
     
    Conference Dinner and Dementia UK Awards Ceremony after the first full day of the conference there was a drinks reception, and delegates enjoyed the famous cuisine of the York Racecourse followed by presentation of the Awards for excellence in dementia care.

This was a joint event supported by the Leeds Institute of Health Sciences (University of Leeds); RCN Publishing; The Alzheimer's Society and DWA Architects

Here is some feedback from the delegates:

"I'm back home in sunny (and humid!!) Malta now and just want to tell you a big Well Done for hosting such a great conference"

"What you are doing for dementia is just so inspiring and after meeting you I always come back feeling energised and motivated. Morever, meeting all of the DSDC team is always such a pleasure and I look forward to more collaborations between our countries. And a particular well done to Jemma for taking care of us. Thank you once again. The benefits of this conference will stay with me for a very long time"

"Just a quick note to congratulate everyone on another excellent conference. I very much enjoyed the whole programme and the vene and facilities are fantastic. The conference gives me my annual boost to keep going when sometimes spirits can lag. When I hear about the fantastic endeavours that others are pursuing it always spurs me on"

"Just writing to say how much I thoroughly enjoyed the conference. Nice people, interesting presentations and great food! I also thought that your staff was exceptionally helpful"

"The highlight for me was to meet Steven Sabat and hear his presentation. However the main highlight was to hear Fiona Phillips speak. I am a carer myself and I could relate to everything she said. In addition I met some remarkable delegates and I hope to keep contact with them"

"Karen Ritchie was excellent and inspiring. Excellent conference, really enjoyed all aspects of it. Well organised with great speakers. Thanks so much to all involved"

"Steven Sabat was fantastic!"

"An excellent event, range of stands and posters very useful"

"The speakers were great and the exhibition varied. Overall the wealth of experience and knowledge under one roof was amazing"

"Keynotes were interesting, stimulating and well presented. Good start to the day and initiated further discussions and provided food for thought"

"Keep up the good work, together we shall overcome!"

"A very moving, empowering and thought provoking event. I feel motivated to go back to work and implement change"

"Wonderful opportunity to share best practice and gain a taste for subjects to explore further in the future"

"Alistair Burns' talks were excellent"

"One of the best conferences I have ever attended, looking forward to next year!"

"Loved Steven Sabat and Mary Marshall"

"All keynotes were internationally recognised which was fantastic"

 "I found the organisation of the conference to be extremely efficient; as chair of two of the sessions, I was impressed by the faultless detail. The staff were very friendly and helpful throughout. The topics covered were not only relevant but showed the multidisciplinary approach needed to care for people with dementia."