CIM: Which is your most important event?
Weber: That’s hard to say, as Roche works in a variety of therapeutic fields. The annual conventions of the International AIDS Society, American Society of Clinical Oncologists, American Society of Hematology, European Cancer Congress, European League Against Rheumatism, World Congress of Nephrology, European Renal Association, are big and important events for us (list incomplete). In addition, there are conventions that are organised by Roche alone.

CIM: Which five criteria must the venue definitely meet?
Weber:
1. A modern and spacious convention centre
2. Sufficient rooms in 4 and 5-star hotels near the convention centre
3. Simple flight connections
4. Simple immigration conditions
5. The venue should not be too tourist-focused.

CIM: What support do you expect from the convention bureau and convention centre?
Weber: I expect a convention bureau to provide sound information on the city (hotels, airport, convention centres,). The convention centre must offer support with the selection of (external) suppliers and act in the customer’s interests.

CIM: Do you evaluate the success of your convention and satisfaction of your attendees? And if yes, how?
Weber: Yes. We conduct internal and external surveys on logistical and scientific aspects of the programmes.

CIM: What new technologies do you use for organising events?
Weber: Online registration, hotel room booking system.

CIM: How, in your opinion, will your annual conference in 2015 differ from that of 2005?
Weber: I think we will work more with webcast and interactive media, and everything will be supported even more by cutting-edge technology. We will probably have to explore new avenues to create interesting programmes that respect all codes and guidelines.

CIM: Thank you very much!