Record-Breaking Attendance at the 56th ESPGHAN Annual Meeting in Milan

The 56th Annual Meeting of the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN), held from 15th to 18th May 2024 in Milan, achieved record-breaking attendance, welcoming 5,572 participants from 104 countries.

Organised by Kenes Group, a global leader in professional congress organisation, this historic gathering reaffirmed the event’s prominence in advancing knowledge and improving patient care in the field of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (PGHAN).

This year’s meeting convened a diverse group of paediatric scientists, researchers, clinical practitioners, allied health professionals, young practitioners, nurses, and students from across the globe. In addition, ESPGHAN also welcomed parent and patient associations: “The associations are exhibiting in the non-profit zone of the meeting’s exhibition floor, and they also contribute to the scientific programme,” explained Kenes Group Director of Client Accounts and ESPGHAN Senior Account Manager, Ira Hajdamacha.

Participants represented regions such as Western Europe, East and Asia-Pacific, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, North America, Central and South America, Africa and the Atlantic, and Central Asia. Countries with significant representation included India, Italy, the UK, the Netherlands, France, Spain, Romania, Switzerland, the Philippines, Germany, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, the United States, Turkey, Israel, Colombia, Belgium, the United Arab Emirates, China, and Poland. This wide-reaching attendance underscores the event’s global influence and appeal.
 

A Hub of Global Collaboration and Innovation

The four-day event featured a comprehensive scientific programme, including specialised sessions such as Young ESPGHAN Day, the Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Course, and a successful Introductory Ultrasound Course, which will be repeated at ESPGHAN 2025 in Helsinki, Finland.

With 1,783 abstracts submitted and 209 world-renowned speakers, attendees were immersed in a wealth of cutting-edge research and advancements in the fields of paediatric gastroenterology, hepatology, and nutrition.

The Annual Meeting’s inclusive approach catered to a diverse audience, with participants exploring pioneering topics like neonatal care, new therapies for cystic fibrosis, coeliac disease nutrition management, and the latest guidelines on milk allergies. Through interactive courses and poster presentations – 701 paper posters and 548 e-posters – participants had numerous opportunities to enhance their skills and engage with the latest innovations in clinical practice.

Prof. Dr. Ulrich Baumann, President of ESPGHAN, praised the event’s impact, stating, “ESPGHAN truly is a multi-professional organisation that attracts healthcare professionals from around the world. It is the place to go for networking, gaining fresh insights, and learning from the latest advancements in our field.”
 

Commitment to Sustainability and Inclusion

The ESPGHAN 2024 Annual Meeting also reinforced its commitment to sustainability and inclusion. Attendees participated in the annual "Run with the Council" event, raising funds for Milan's “ForestaMi” initiative, aimed at increasing the city’s green spaces by planting trees.

Ira Hajdamacha added: “Run with the Council is an initiative implemented by Kenes Group and the ESPGHAN society, which has been widely welcomed by the community. We also continue to advance our sustainability efforts according to our Policy by offering delegates the opportunity to offset their carbon emissions, reducing printed materials, promoting the use of public transportation, and even introducing a step counter competition this year through the event app.”

Diversity, equity and inclusion – DE&I are core values for the ESPGHAN community and this year, the Local Chair Carlo Agostoni and the ESPGHAN Council personally invited the Italian Esagramma Symphony Orchestra to deliver a very special performance at the Opening Ceremony. The Inclusive Orchestral Education (EOI) programme and the Symphony Orchestra is “an ensemble that sees young people and adults with and without disabilities playing side by side”, as described on their website.

“They were truly remarkable and received a standing ovation, not only for their performance but for showing everyone how adversities and challenges can be overcome. It was very inspirational!”, said Kenes Group Senior Marketing Coordinator - ESPGHAN Ivet Popova.
 

Looking Ahead

Following this record-breaking meeting, ESPGHAN looks ahead to its 57th Annual Meeting, scheduled for 14th to 18th May 2025 in Helsinki, Finland. With high expectations, the event promises to build on its success and continue fostering collaboration and innovation in the pursuit of improving children's health worldwide.

For more information on the upcoming ESPGHAN 2025 Annual Meeting, please visit the website