The Society For All
Nuclear Medicine Professionals
VIRTUAL 50th Annual Scientific Meeting
(Published 28 May 2020)
As previously announced the Virtual Scientific meeting launched today. There are Eight sessions or themes. There is a cost of registration (discounted for members including AANMS members). To see the program as current and to Register please go here.
1. On Demand sessions will require a login that will be provided by the secretariat and associated with your member login. Those who are not members will also be provided logins. Should you have any problems email us. The forgot password feature should be attempted in the first instance.
2.For live session as shown in the program, details will be sent as to the details mostly via a Zoom invite prior to the session (12-24hours) by the Secretariat.
3. If you have not registered, you can still register.
ANNOUNCING A VIRTUAL ANNUAL MEETING: PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
(Published 9 May 2020)
The ANZSNM Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) is an event that we really look forward to and is the highlight for the Society each year. It is a chance to meet with colleagues, exchange ideas, gain knowledge and to be inspired by new technology and new ideas whilst also socialising, renewing friendships and appreciating our similarities and differences. I return from ANZSNM ASM every year with renewed enthusiasm for Nuclear Medicine and a sense of our contribution to patient care now and into the future.
Unfortunately, this year, global events have resulted in the cancellation of our face to face annual scientific meeting. This was to be our 50th ANZSNM ASM, and our Co-Convenors (Geoff Currie, Matt Ayers, Socrates Angelides and Hosen Kiat) worked tirelessly for 2 years to create an in-depth scientific program, a “legendary” social program and an exhibition hall with a full trade display for us. We had expected a high number of international attendees, both as speakers and delegates, and we had a large number of submitted abstracts, along with our awards and prizes. It is so disappointing not to have been able to experience this in April 2020, as we would all have expected to do.
The cancellation of the face to face ANZSNM ASM in Sydney is, of course, a significant disappointment, however, as a Nuclear Medicine community we have shown resilience for the challenges we have faced, and this represents another challenge for which we need to find a solution. We have had great support for the conversion of the ANZSNM ASM to an ‘on-demand’ program, and we have been working and learning about the logistics of making this happen. We have a program which combines both a live-stream component and a recorded on-demand component. The aim is to continue to provide education, knowledge and learning and also to enhance connectiveness, by using technology. We will be conducting the prizes and the awards. We will have CPD points for content, and there will be opportunities for mediated discussion (technology allowing). Many of our invited speakers have agreed to supply talks, and we are grateful for their time and efforts.
By converting to an ‘on-demand’ program we may be able to reach out to those who could not have attended in person in Sydney for the ASM. We aim to celebrate our 50th ASM by demonstrating our adaptability and our determination by continuing on with the annual scientific meeting, in this alternate format. Please join us in ensuring it is a memorable 50th ASM!
Further details of the on-demand ANZSNM 2020 ASM will follow over the next few weeks. We would like to extend our thanks to AANMS who have provided additional support for this program, and to the sponsors who continue to support our NM community and educational programs. Thank you to the delegates who have already converted their meeting registration to the on-demand program. We appreciate your support.
The on-demand program will be officially launched on May 28th by the original Co-Convenors, following the ANZSNM AGM. Please join us ‘live’ on May 28th for both the AGM and the launch of this exciting initiative.
Please stay safe and well.
UPDATE: Annual Scientific Meeting 2020 - Delegate Update and Reminder
27 October 2020 Update:
The 51st ASM will be held on 21 - 23 May 2021. More details will be out soon.
(Published 17 April 2020)
UPDATE: Annual Scientific Meeting 2020 - Delegate Options
(Published 7 April 2020)
UPDATE: Annual Scientific Meeting 2020
(Published 7 April 2020)
The ANZSNM Annual Scientific Meeting 2020 as you know will no longer continue in its usual format as a face-to-face meeting. As outlined in the FAQs page here we continue to deal with the situation and the financial and logistical implications. We thank members for your patience, and more details will be out shortly.
Plevins, our conference organiser is working with the Secretariat on a process. We hope you appreciate that they too weren't expecting to reconfigure systems for reversing transactions, etc.
Further, as announced here, the Society is looking to offer eight online sessions so as to ensure the effort and indeed the educational opportunity is maximised despite the unplanned circumstances.
A Message From the President
(Published Tuesday 24 March 2020)
Dear Colleagues,
I want to give you an update on how the Society is responding to the current circumstances. These are trying times which will test all of us and have a profound impact for years to come.
The Society is run by your colleagues in a voluntary capacity, and the contribution of those on Federal Council is very much appreciated at this time. We all have busy day jobs as well. We have a small professional Secretariat that implements the decisions and instructions of the Society’s office bearers. But it is those members whom you have elected to have official duties who carry the responsibility for the Society’s function and continuing existence. As such, and in these extremely demanding times, I have very much appreciated your patience as we deal with the issues at hand. I also recognise the importance of keeping you informed as we all work together over the challenging months ahead...
Read the whole message here (including more about the On Demand Conference – Plenary Sessions & Workshops)
(Published Tuesday 24 March 2020)
Dear Registrant,
The ANZSNM Annual Scientific Meeting 2020 in its usual format as a face to face meeting has been cancelled due to the current unprecedented world events*. Thank you for your early registration indicating your support for the meeting.
We recognise the role of CPD for our members and want to continue to run the original programme as close as possible to that planned with the theme “Local Innovation, Global Inspiration”. We will offer a series of ‘On Demand’ pre-recorded sessions followed by a moderated discussion**. We have planned approx. 18 hours of ‘face-to-face’ content (assuming speakers fulfil promised commitments) in eight sessions. The technicalities of providing this are being worked on now. The expected cost of this to any new registrants to gain access will be $350+GST as a package.
The following options are being offered to you and for you to determine by April 30th:
1. Provide a refund less $250 (+GST) for discounted access to the On Demand sessions
2. Provide a credit to the next ASM less $250 + GST for discounted access to the On Demand sessions
3. Keeping your entire registration fee in credit towards the next ASM
4. A full refund
5. You will not require a refund
It is envisaged that the Conference Managers Plevin and Associates Pty Ltd will be in contact directly with instructions on how to process your choice above. Please also note, all student registrations will be automatically refunded in full and you will be granted complimentary access to the planned On Demand sessions. We are also seeking to have all the awards presentations, posters and SIGs available online as a separate initiative.
On behalf of the Society, I would like to thank you for your patience and ongoing support and would encourage you to continue to engage with your colleagues and the Society in these testing times. If you are not a member please consider joining in our 50th year of continuous operation.
Prof. Dale Bailey
Chair, Scientific Advisory Panel
March 22/2020
* The FAQs for this can be found below.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
(Published Friday 20 March 2020)
1. What’s happening with the 50th Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM)?
On 15 March 2020, the NSW government made an order banning public events (such as the ASM) from 16 March 2020 to 14 June 2020. On 18 March 2020 the Australian Government announced bans on non-essential indoor gatherings of 100 people or more. This means the ASM cannot proceed as planned in Sydney on 24-26 April 2020. In addition, many invited speakers and registrants cannot attend due to travel restrictions. The ANZSNM is currently sorting out all the issues and planning how to proceed with the event as on-demand event.
2. How will I get the CPD I need this year?
The ANZSNM is working on a plan to convert the content from this year’s ASM into on-demand sessions, and most of the international speakers have already agreed to contribute their talks. This should allow you to earn CPD points throughout the year. We recognise online CPD opportunities may be particularly important this year, as COVID-19 will also likely impact on local branch meetings.
3. What is happening with the Awards and posters?
Where possible the posters and presentations for prizes will be incorporated into the on-demand conference and after judging the prizes will be awarded as usual. However, it is dependant on a number of technical factors.
4. What about the ANSTO/ANZSNM Travel Grant?
We had been supported by ANSTO with Travel grants for 2020. We received nearly 40 applicants. Unfortunately, as the ASM is not going ahead as planned we will not be proceeding with these grants. No decision has been made yet on how to repurpose these funds.
5. If the conference is not going ahead as planned, can I get a refund of my registration?
We are currently working through the options for those who have paid their registration, and will be providing further updates on this shortly as previously advised.
6. What about the travel and accommodation I have already booked?
Many airlines and accommodation providers are currently offering free date changes and/or credits. At this stage we are not anticipating that a conference will be held in Sydney in 2020. The next meeting of the Society is likely to be the next scheduled conference with the venue to be decided. We are working hard to finalise a future venue for the ASM so you may be able to make use of these policies. You should also investigate your travel insurance, as we recommended during registration, including that of your credit card provider, as these may cover you for travel to special events that are no longer going ahead.
7. What should I do now?
We ask for you to be please be patient. The ANZSNM and its Executive, like the rest of the population, are working hard dealing with rapidly changing advice and implications on the Society and its members. The ANZSNM is a not-for-profit, volunteer run organisation and we are doing our best to provide up to date information. The Executive and Federal Council are meeting regularly to both minimise financial impact on its members and ensure the financial viability of the Society with this significant event.
Please be assured the society runs on the membership and support of the Nuclear Medicine healthcare network and is aiming for the best outcome for all, it may take some time to finalise all the details. Please check this website regularly as we will update it as soon as details become available.
UPDATE II to members regarding ANZSNM 50th Annual Scientific Meeting, 24-26 April 2020
(Published Monday 17 March 2020)
Many members who have registered for the 50th ASM have been contacting the Convenors &/or the PCO (Plevins) for a refund of your registration. Can I ask for some patience as we work through the logistics of the cancellation? As you can imagine, there is a lot to be done in unravelling this event at a time when the demands on us in the hospitals are also very high.
The annual scientific meeting is an important activity for ANZSNM, and we appreciate your support and understanding at this time. We apologise for the inconvenience of the cancellation of the conference, and we appreciate the impact on delegates, speakers and sponsors.
There will be further communication in the next week with regard to the logistics of the cancellation process, including information on registration fees.
Ros Francis
President
UPDATE to members regarding ANZSNM 50th Annual Scientific Meeting, 24-26 April 2020
(Published Monday 16 March 2020)
The Federal Government updated its advisory yesterday that non-essential gatherings of more than 500 persons should not proceed. The NSW Govt implemented this as a total ban effective from today and in place until June 14 2020:
Under the circumstances, this means that ANZSNM Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) in Sydney in late April is unable to take place as originally planned. The decision to cancel at this stage has, in effect, been made for us.
I know you will share my disappointment in what was to be our 50th Conference. There has been an enormous amount of effort on the part of the Local Organising Committee and other members of the Society in the planning of this, but events have now rendered holding a physical meeting in April 2020 impossible.
We will continue to work on alternative possibilities to maintain our educational, scientific and clinical programmes for you in the light of this change. We are considering a number of possibilities, including ‘virtual’ options. In this regard, perhaps even more Society members will be able to partake in the various talks and subjects discussed. We will update you as soon as practicable including alternatives for the Annual General Meeting which is typically scheduled during the ASM In April.
Please bear with us as we consider the implications of the ban on the conference. We will provide further information to delegates, presenters and sponsors shortly.
Please stay safe and we will be in touch.
Ros Francis
President
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