SCB Bidding Clinic a Decisive Factor in Bringing IUBMB to Seoul for 70th Anniversary Event
Seoul has won the bid to host the 2018 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (IUBMB) Congress, a major triennial gathering of the world’s scientific community. The Korean capital was declared the host venue for the high-profile event by the IUBMB board of directors on September 4th in Seville, Spain.
The successful bid follows many months of close cooperation between the Seoul Convention Bureau, who provided the services of its free bidding clinic, the Korean Union of Biology and Molecular Biology, and local professional convention organizers MECI International.
The congress will bring to Seoul over 6,000 visitors from over 45 countries, including academics, corporate research specialists, and businesses in the field of biochemistry and molecular biology. It is expected to be of further significance with 2018 also marking the KUBMB’s 70th anniversary since it first formed in 1948
For Seoul, the announcement is the welcome conclusion to six months of joint efforts to bring IUMBM Seoul into fruition. Beginning in February, the Bureau’s complimentary bidding clinic worked closely with the Korean Union of Biology and Molecular Biology (KUBMB), with support including construction of a compelling bid proposal – including financial subsidies to employ a professional agency in its creation – and advice on effective bid strategies. The SCB also advised on the actual delivery of the proposal, with rehearsals taking place in August.
In addition, the SCB provided the KUBMB with Seoul-related promotional materials and souvenirs for the judging committee, along with letters of support from both the mayor of Seoul, Mr. Park Won-soon, and CEO of the Seoul Tourism Organization (STO), Mr. Sung-Real Lee.
In response to the Union’s decision, KUBMB Secretary Lee Eun-jin complimented all involved in making the Seoul congress a reality, saying, “I would like to congratulate the members of the international committee who were actively involved in bidding process. I’d also like to thank both the Seoul Tourism Organization and MECI International for their dedication and effort.
“I look forward to seeing the International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology record a new chapter in its long history in 2018, its 70th anniversary.”
The IUBMB was founded in 1955 and is devoted to promoting research and education in biochemistry and molecular biology throughout the world and gives particular attention to areas where the subject is still in the early stages of development. IUBMB congresses are held every three years.
IUBMB 2018 is scheduled to take place at the Coex convention & exhibition center, which has previously hosted the Seoul G-20 Summit and Seoul National Security Summit in 2010 and 2012 respectively. An exact date for the congress is yet to be determined.
The Seoul Convention Bureau (SCB), a division of the Seoul Tourism Organization, is the official government-sponsored body representing and promoting the city overseas as a prime venue for meetings, conventions and exhibitions. The SCB is in charge of international marketing and public relations for Seoul as a convention city. The Seoul Tourism Organization (STO) is a joint venture launched by the city and private enterprises in February 2008 with a core mission to promote Seoul as a convention and tourism destination.
According to the most recent sets of UIA data, Seoul was ranked 5th in the world for number of international conferences hosted in 2010 and 2011
