Australian Pavilion planned for IDS

The Australian Dental Industry Association in conjunction with Australasian Dental Practice magazine are planning to host the first ever Australian Pavilion at the world's largest dental show, IDS 2005 in Cologne, Germany, April 12-16, 2005.

"I visit a number of dental shows worldwide and there are always groups of exhibitors who participate under a national banner," said Joseph Allbeury, publisher of Australasian Dental Practice. "Given the number of Australian companies that are now producing world class dental products and equipment, it made sense to investigate showcasing locally made products to a world audience.

"As the world's largest dental show, attracting over 60,000 visitors every two years, IDS 2005 seemed to be the perfect vehicle to try the concept. A number of Australian companies already participate individually, so exhibiting together means a larger impact at a reduced individual cost as well as some other economies of scale.

"It also made sense to make it a project of the Australian Dental Industry Association, the peak body representing the dental industry in Australia. Duncan Campbell, the new executive officer, has been instrumental in liaising with potential participants as well as organising meetings with State and Federal government agencies who can assist the project."

Mr Allbeury said that around ten Australian companies, typically manufacturers, have committed to participate in the Pavilion and space has already been reserved at IDS. Preliminary stand design was also underway.

"For our part, Australasian Dental Practice intends to produce a magazine under our popular Dentevents® banner that will showcase Australian dental education opportunities to a world audience. We regularly encourage Australians to travel overseas to dental meetings, so it seems to make sense that there is an opportunity to promote Australia as a dental education destination as well. We will seek involvement from all education suppliers – from private companies to universities – to participate in the publication which we will distribute from the Australian Pavilion at IDS."