Partner News: Winning formula for paediatric medicine conference in Christchurch

Published on Monday, 10 March 2025

International conference for the paediatric medicine community, Don’t Forget The Bubbles (DFTB) was held for the first time in New Zealand in 2024.

So-called for the use of bubbles as a distraction and play therapy technique in paediatric medicine, co-founder, Tessa Davis says: “DFTB is about connection, enjoyment, and putting the enthusiasm back into our professional lives.”

Papers were presented as ‘Bubble Wrap’ on the subjects of neonates, general paediatrics, paediatric emergency medicine, and adolescent medicine.

Local culture was integrated into the programme, including Indigenous health sessions looking at the power of family in healthcare, with the example of an Early Start home visitation project developed in Christchurch.

A special cultural activation saw delegates gifted with a pepeha (life story) stamped with their place of origin, explaining its symbolic importance in Māori culture.

Sustainability efforts included hosting the event at Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre, a Toitū net carbonzero venue. All leftover collateral was donated to Ronald McDonald House children’s charities.

Dr Davis says: “It was fabulous. We were really pleased half of our attendees were from New Zealand, which was a new audience for us, and half of our speakers were from New Zealand too. Christchurch was so beautiful. Everything was so close. Te Pae Convention Centre was wonderful, and the winter weather was amazing.”

CEO of Professional Conference Organiser ICMS Australasia, Emma Bowyer, said that one of the drivers for opening an office in Christchurch was to help convince its clients to host their meetings at Te Pae. “The opportunities for this client in New Zealand, as well as the attractiveness of the city of Christchurch, helped in their decision and they certainly achieved their goals. We’re already working with three long-term clients to create the same winning formula.”

For the full case study visit Paediatric Emergency Medicine Conference - ChristchurchNZ.com

For more information on bringing your conference to New Zealand, visit businessevents.newzealand.com/conferences/