A Success? It Seems So

280 delegates from forty countries arrived, representing 33 national federations similar to our Society. The European leadership was naturally present, headed by EHC President Brian O'Mahony and all members of the Steering Committee.

Organisationally, everything went flawlessly, but the main benefit was certainly the programme. Based on the proposal of the CSH Council, it was assembled by a programme committee established by the EHC, which then filled in the remaining slots, and the event could begin. Unlike many other similar congresses, we placed emphasis primarily on the practical aspects of the lecture content, and this was indeed upheld. No empty theorising, but facts that can help everyone involved with haemophilia, regardless of which side of the front line they are on.

From the Czech side, Peter Salaj, Petr Teyssler, Radovan Kubes, Ingrid Hrachovinova, and Jan Blatny took part in the lecture programme. The content of their presentations truly captivated the audience, and both halls always looked packed. It is a pity that the Friday opening lectures were not arranged so that everyone could hear everything. The EHC, which has the final say, scheduled some Czech specialists' presentations in two halls opposite each other, which many delegates sincerely regretted. We will return to the most interesting presentations in more detail over time.

The evening gala line-up also proved to be a happy choice, featuring a girls' choir and a jazz orchestra from Marianske Lazne. It is gratifying that its bandleader is none other than our Society member Bedrich Smrcka. The atmosphere was further enhanced by the setting of Prague's Municipal House, as congress delegates are accustomed to visiting modern hotels, of which every metropolis has plenty. Art Nouveau buildings celebrating their hundredth anniversary are not so easy to find across Europe.

The closing session was devoted to EHC administrative matters, such as approval of the activity report, the financial report, and so on. At each congress, the host for the same event two years later is decided, so the conference schedule is as follows: next year Bucharest, and in two years Belfast in Northern Ireland. Dublin also bid for the chance to host haemophilia Europe, but lost to Belfast with a result of 7 to 23.

During the heartfelt farewell with CSH Council members, the EHC leadership did not spare praise and thanks, and it did not seem like mere courtesy. Immediately upon returning home, many of them sent further thanks electronically.

Now we are waiting for another very important moment -- the final accounts. After tallying income and expenses and distributing the proceeds between the EHC and the CSH according to the pre-agreed formula, we will of course inform you, and the figures will also become part of the CSH financial report for 2012. This will be published at the annual Conference of the Society, which is expected to be convened during the winter months of 2013.

We will continue to return to the European congress frequently; the atmosphere of the proceedings is also illustrated by a special photo gallery dedicated exclusively to this topic.

Photo: Adam Hledik and Tereza Koblasova