Planners of an upcoming medical conference in Barcelona have overcome the childcare conundrum many delegates face by providing an on-site crèche at the event.
A new partnership between the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS) and
conference childcare provider, Nipperbout, will help working parents juggle childcare and work commitments without having to compromise on either.
This initiative, part of the ‘Building
Our Sustainable Society’ (BOSS) track, forms part of ESCRS’s commitment to
create an 'inclusive and supportive environment for all attendees of the annual conference ESCRS,
particularly those juggling professional and family responsibilities.'
Nipperbout provides childcare for
children up to 18-years-old as well as for children with additional needs. It also specialises in childcare for conferences linked to disability causes, such as the Spinal Muscular Atrophy UK convention where they offered respite care for parents wanting to connect and learn without being too far from their children. One delegate was the father of a boy with Down’s syndrome who hadn’t considered that his son could be cared for at a conference until he happened to pass an inclusive Nipperbout setting.
"I have seen things change a lot – the conference world is catching on to the fact that it enfranchises delegates," said Janthea Brigden, founder and CEO of Nipperbout. "They want delegates to come and concentrate fully on the messages and participate. It is very much about being inclusive.”
"We are thrilled to introduce
the crèche as a key component of our commitment to inclusivity at ESCRS,"
said Filomena Ribeiro, ESCRS president. "Our goal is to create a
supportive environment where all professionals can participate fully in our
conference, regardless of their family circumstances. This initiative is a
reflection of our broader mission to create diversity and inclusion within our
community."
The ESCRS 2024 conference is one of
the most significant events in the field of cataract and refractive surgery,
featuring a scientific programme with workshops, live surgeries,
and a wet lab. The introduction of the crèche, managed by Nipperbout, is a
direct response to feedback from delegates and insights gained from an
inclusivity survey conducted by the association.
"Nipperbout is honoured to
partner with ESCRS in this initiative," said Brigden. "We know that providing onsite childcare is crucial for
creating truly inclusive events. Offering a crèche supports both parents and
children by allowing them to remain close, which creates secure attachments and
minimises anxiety for both parties. This sense of security not only enhances
the event experience but also has unexpected benefits: children often form
positive associations with the hosting organisation, leading to continued
engagement with their products or services as they grow older. By addressing
the needs of families ESCRS has created a more welcoming conference environment
and will build lasting connections with their audience."
Scheduled to take place from 6 to
10 September 2024, at the FIRA Convention Centre in Barcelona, the conference
is set to attract 15,000 delegates from over 120 countries.
