Expert conference photographer at a multi day event in Manchester

Published on Wed Jun 19, 2024 by David J Colbran

I specialise in Corporate, Commercial, PR, Press, Event and Conference Photography, providing services across the North West and UK. With a wealth of experience photographing a wide range of medical conferences, I have been booked year after year for some health organisations.

This week it was back with the British Cardiovascular Society (BCS) at the Manchester Central Convention Complex aka the GMEX as it was known for many years.

It is an exhibition and conference centre converted from the former Manchester Central railway station. And for fact fans, it has the second-largest railway station roof span in the United Kingdom, which was granted Grade II listed building status, way back in 1963 ! So from a photography point of view, the main exhibition hall has lots of natural light and is a great place for business events. And next door is an 804-seat auditorium, where the lectures and speeches happen.

The BCS supports and represents all those working in cardiovascular care and research - ie hearts ! Founded in 1922 it includes consultant cardiologists, specialist registrars, GPs, Nurses and many other medical professionals in the field. The conference has guest speakers from around the world, so the marketing department required images of people presenting at the lectern. The brief included a requirement for image rushes on site of keynote speakers, so it was a quick dash to the edit room to Dropbox web ready files to the team. Other images were sent later to speakers themselves as a thank you and also to promote the conference for next year.

The conference had an exhibition area, this included large trade stands from organisations, as well as complementary businesses promoting their goods and services to the attending medical delegates. Including the likes of the British Heart Foundation, Novartis, Camzyos and Meril Life Sciences. In addition, there was a large teaching and training element to the event - lots of new equipment and technology on show. And there were opportunities for visitors to test them out, both in teams and in bookable sessions in cubicles which added to individuals continuing professional development records. These are always great as a photographer, as they are often visual and make for great images - and of course it allows me to ask some daft lay person questions, as to what is going on ! And of course, I double checked with all the volunteer 'patients' if they were happy to appear in the photos.

An important part of all professional gatherings is the opportunity to network and meet new colleagues in person - particularly after the many Zoom and Teams meetings post 2020. The BSC Conference is no different and as well as the regular coffee breakout sessions, there was the President's gala dinner. This year it was at the amazing Manchester Museum, in the University district of the city. The society needed images of the arrival drinks reception, as well as the main dining area, which was in the wonderful fossils and dinosaur's gallery. The museum recently reopened after a £15 million restoration, including a new wing, but retaining the Victorian feel of the space shown in the photos, with a three-story atrium and traditional wooden display cabinets. The evening compromised of a meal and some lifetime achievement awards from the President, which I was on hand to capture.

So, another three very busy days over in Manchester, which was great. And some fab words post conference from Linda the communications manager - "Hi David and thanks so much again, it was indeed lovely working with you again - and it's not just me, all the BCS team think you're great as well!" - which is nice. If you arrived here and are planning something in Manchester and need quality photography hit me up and lets check dates and availability, thanks for reading this far.

Author: David J Colbran