That was the point of view expressed by Elena Bulatova, Senior Paediatrician at the Ministry of Healthcare of the Russian Federation in the Northwest Federal District, at an ExpoForum anniversary business lunch. The professor pointed out that the Union of Paediatricians of Russia holds five large conventions in St Petersburg every year involving up to 2,000 people, and attended by leading medical scientists and practitioners from Russia and abroad. “The upcoming launch of the world-class convention and exhibition centre, which will host both existing and new projects, is exactly what we need for further developing of international contacts in our industry”, Elena Bulatova said.

The St Petersburg Institute of Bioregulation and Gerontology also recognises the need for a specialised international congress and forum venue in St Petersburg: “In 2007, for the first time in the history of medical science, the European Congress of the International Association of Gerontology and Geriatrics was held in the city, and was attended by more than 1,700 professionals from 77 countries”, noted Vladimir Khavinson, Director of the Institute. “As the organisers, we found the lack of an appropriate venue to be a serious problem. I am confident that the opening of the new ExpoForum Convention Centre means that this will not happen again.”