On Saturday 26th July, the Millbrook Medical Conferences team, along with some willing family members, took on the Inflatable 5K at the University of Warwick in support of Changing Faces, our chosen charity for this summer’s charity initiative.
The team arrived bright and early on a warm, dry morning. Some were decked out in Lioness shirts ahead of the Euros final, complete with bucket hats and body paint, while others opted for their trusty sportswear. We were eager and ready for anything.
We all set off together as we faced our first obstacle – The Mountain. We clambered up the large inflatable pyramid as a team and slid down the other side on our bums. From the very start, we were laughing at ourselves as we bounced our way through the course.
From there, everyone continued at their own pace. No one completed it alone, and everyone took on the challenge in their own way—whether running, walking, sometimes crawling, or a mix of all three.
The course featured 30 inflatable obstacles, including The Growler, Swing Shot, Duck n Dive, and the final challenge, The Boss. It tested our stamina, balance, and pelvic floors in equal measure!
About halfway round, the rain came, first as a drizzle, and then it poured. It didn’t phase us though! We embraced the extra challenge, despite being soaking wet. The rain turned many of the inflatables into water slides and made every bounce that bit more unpredictable, which allowed for a few more laughs too.
Every step we took helped raise funds and awareness for Changing Faces, a UK charity that supports people with visible differences. This charity was nominated by our colleague Charlotte, who chose the charity for her amazing daughter. Grace, who lives with a rare facial difference, recently completed her own 5K and raised over £1,000—a feat we were proud to follow in her footsteps.
A huge thank you goes out to everyone who supported us, whether you donated, cheered us on from afar, or joined us on the day. Your generosity means so much, and we’re proud to share that we raised £650 for Changing Faces! We know these funds will go directly toward empowering individuals like Grace to live confidently and proudly.
This event marks the beginning of Millbrook’s ongoing commitment to giving back. We’ll be continuing our charity efforts throughout the year, supporting more causes close to our team’s hearts and having plenty more fun along the way!
Stay tuned for future updates and ways you can get involved.
On Friday 25th July, team Millbrook hopped on the train and swapped the office in Lutterworth for Birmingham City Centre for our 2025 Summer Staff Day. The day was planned as a thank you to the team for their hard work in the first half of the year – and what better way to celebrate than with some friendly competition, sunshine, and great food?
In the lead-up to the day, all the team knew was to pack a water bottle, power bank and sun cream as we prepared for a scorcher in the city. The team met at St Martin’s Church in St Martin’s Square and awaited instructions.
Once assembled, the team was split into four groups – each named after one of Millbrook’s core values: Innovation, Excellence, Integrity, and Dedication. Each group was led by a member of the senior team:
The main event was a city-wide scavenger hunt run by CityDays, with everything coordinated via WhatsApp. Team leaders messaged “Start” to CityDays, kicking off the clock and receiving the first clue via text. Although all teams began from the same spot, teams completed their clues at different times and interpreted the clues differently, so we quickly dispersed, each racing to be the first to solve the riddles and complete the challenge.
The route covered roughly 3km through central Birmingham, and each participant racked up more than 10,000 steps all before lunchtime! The CityDays WhatsApp chat provided walking directions, clues, and riddles, plus handy hints for those who got stuck or lost their way. However, there was a twist: incorrect answers meant time penalties, which added an extra layer of pressure.
Team Dedication (Lizzie) appeared to take the early lead, followed closely by Innovation (Sarah), Excellence (Dom), and Integrity (Fiona). Despite team Dedication finishing the physical route first, all was not as it seemed. Over lunch at Gas Street Social, the results were revealed, and after time penalties were applied, it was Team Innovation who claimed the overall victory!
The day was a huge success. There was teamwork, a lot of laughs, some healthy rivalry, and plenty of sunshine. It was a great chance to connect with colleagues we don’t always work closely with, stretch our legs, and unwind together.
thank you to the entire Millbrook team for a brilliant first half of the year. We hope this day left you energised and ready for an exciting second half!
Goals Achieved and a Big Win
We’re thrilled to share that we’ve already achieved two of the major goals we set for the year, including successfully securing the organisation of an exciting new event in a completely new disease area. While we’re not able to share full details just yet, this win marks a significant step forward in Millbrook’s continued growth and diversification. We’re looking forward to diving headfirst and absorbing everything we need to know about this new area.
33 Events Down, 37 To Go
In just six months, we’ve already delivered 33 conferences and webinars, covering a wide range of topics and formats. With 37 more events planned between now and the end of the year, we’re on track to organise more conferences than any other year in our 30-year history.
Team Growth and Familiar Faces
Sarah Legate returned to Millbrook in January following a year of maternity leave, resuming her role as Marketing and Business Development Manager. She has re-joined forces with Sarah Davies, and together they are leading the delivery of marketing across all events, while also pushing forward a number of exciting business development projects bubbling away behind the scenes.
And in more good news, we’ve recently welcomed a new member to our PCO department. We’ll be sharing more about them soon, but we’re excited to see the team continue to grow as our events portfolio expands.
Team Spirit and Giving Back
This month, we’ll be taking on the Millbrook Charity Challenge — a 5KM inflatable assault course, all in aid of Changing Faces, a charity doing vital work to support people with visible differences. You can find out more and donate here.
And later this July, we’ll be holding our Millbrook Summer Staff Day on Thursday 25th July. This is a welcomed opportunity for the whole team to step away from their desks, enjoy some food and fun, and take part in a team-building activity as a thank you for their hard work.
Please note: the Millbrook office will be closed on this day!
We also want to give a huge shoutout to Managing Director Dominic Legate, who ran the London Marathon earlier this year, raising £3,475 for the British Heart Foundation. Despite being up all night with a toddler and facing an unexpected heatwave, Dominic breezed through most of the race with impressive timings. However, at mile 25, he collapsed unexpectedly and was helped by kind bystanders and the incredible St John Ambulance team. After being given the all-clear, he dug deep and found the strength to complete the race.
Team Millbrook couldn’t be prouder, thank you to everyone who donated and supported the cause.
Looking Ahead
Behind the scenes, we’re hard at work on a number of exciting new projects designed to take the Millbrook experience to the next level, both for our clients and delegates. Whether through new technologies or enhanced experiences, we’re committed to staying ahead and continuing to deliver high-quality education.
A Word from Our Managing Director
“I’m incredibly proud of everything the team has accomplished in the first half of the year. June has been a standout month with multiple events running in parallel, and the team has banded together to deliver excellent results.
“We’ve received some outstanding client feedback recently, which is a real testament to the quality of work being delivered and the strength of our team. We’ve already hit several of our key goals for the year, even surpassing a few — but true to Millbrook style, we’re not standing still.
“Behind the scenes, we’re working on some exciting new projects and I’m looking forward to seeing new visions become reality. The second half of the year is shaping up to be even more ambitious than the first.”
— Dominic Legate, Managing Director
Here’s to a strong second half of 2025! Thank you to all our team members, clients, and partners for making the journey so far such a success.
Millbrook Medical Conferences is proud to announce a new initiative for 2025 aimed at giving back to the community and supporting causes close to our team’s hearts. This year, each member of our team nominated a charity and one was selected at random to be the focus of our first fundraising event.
We’re excited to share that the chosen charity is Changing Faces, nominated by our colleague Charlotte. To raise funds and awareness, our team will be taking on a 5KM Inflatable Obstacle Course on Saturday 26th July. It’s the perfect way to kick off our charitable efforts—bringing the team together, having fun, and supporting a meaningful cause all at once.
Changing Faces is a UK-based charity that supports people with visible differences—such as facial disfigurements—helping them to live confident, resilient lives. The charity provides vital emotional and practical support, promotes face equality, and challenges prejudice and discrimination in society.
Charlotte explains why she chose Changing Faces: “I have chosen Changing Faces because this charity holds a deeply personal place in my heart. I strongly believe that everyone with a visible facial difference deserves access to support and understanding, and that raising awareness is key to creating a more inclusive world. Knowledge and education are powerful tools for change.
This cause is especially meaningful to me because of my daughter, Grace. She was born with a visible facial difference— Blepharophimosis Ptosis Epicanthus Inversus Syndrome —causing a narrow eye opening with an additional fold of skin and dropping of the eye lid. At just two years old, she underwent surgery to have silicone eyelid muscles implanted. While some might view this as a limitation, Grace refuses to be defined by it. She recently completed a muddy 5K race and proudly raised over £1,000 for her chosen charity.
Charities like Changing Faces play a vital role in providing people like Grace with the tools and support they need to face everyday challenges with strength and confidence”
This marks the beginning of our ongoing commitment to giving back and making a difference through causes that truly matter to our employees. Looking ahead, we hope to regularly host charity days, fundraising events, and volunteer activities in support of the remaining charities chosen by our team. We’ll be sharing more updates soon, including how you can get involved or support us.
Every great event starts with a concept. Whether it’s a hands-on training day, a specialist update, or a national symposium — if you’ve identified a gap in medical education, we’re here to help you fill it.
Reach out to us with your initial idea. From there, we’ll begin to shape it into a fully-fledged event.
Before seeking sponsorship, we work to create a clear, realistic budget for your event. This includes:
Our goal is to ensure transparency, cost-efficiency, and that the event remains financially viable — whether it’s industry-sponsored or ticket-funded.
With a budget in place, we’ll approach and engage relevant sponsors to secure the funding necessary to deliver your event. Our team has strong industry relationships and deep experience in matching events with the right partners.
Once funding is secured, Millbrook takes care of all the event logistics, allowing you to focus on shaping the scientific content. Our support includes:
Accreditation, Compliance & Risk Management
We also handle the essential compliance work that ensures your event meets the highest professional standards:
From practical logistics to regulatory compliance, we ensure your event is not only seamless but fully secure and professionally accredited
As Course Director, your role is to design an engaging and educational programme. You’ll select the key themes and topics, and collaborate with leading experts to create compelling sessions that reflect current best practice and innovation.
We’re happy to support you in coordinating your faculty and ensuring they have what they need to contribute effectively.
Millbrook handles all speaker communications, including:
You can rely on us to ensure your faculty is well-prepared and supported throughout the event.
We’ll create a professionally artworked programme and promote the meeting via our targeted email campaigns, social media, and our extensive delegate database.
Millbrook manages all delegate communications, including:
We tailor our marketing to reach the right audience and maximise attendance.
On the day of the event, our experienced team is there to ensure everything runs seamlessly. Our support includes:
Our goal is to create a professional, welcoming experience for both delegates and faculty, so you can focus on delivering the content without worrying about logistics.
Depending on your needs, we can also assist with:
What Our Clients Say
We’re proud to work alongside leading clinicians and course directors who are passionate about advancing medical education. Here’s what some of them have said about working with Millbrook:
“I can’t criticise the service provided — it’s outstanding. Not just in the delivery of the conference, but also in the opportunity to discuss new ideas with the team. I find their candid responses to my suggestions very useful.”
“It was a very successful event, ran smoothly, and it was a pleasure to work with the Millbrook team.”
“Glad to have a solid partnership with Millbrook.”
“Another fantastic event – thank you!”
Let’s Bring Your Meeting to Life
From idea to execution, Millbrook Medical Conferences provides full-service support for educational events of all sizes. Whether it’s your first meeting or your tenth, we’ll help make it your best yet.
Have an idea? Get in touch and let’s start the conversation.
Exceptional Satisfaction and Recommendations
Our clients rated us an average of 9/10 for the question: “How satisfied were you with the overall level of service you received?” Furthermore, an impressive 100% of clients surveyed said they would recommend Millbrook Medical Conferences to others.
One Word to Describe Millbrook?
When asked to describe Millbrook Medical Conferences in a single word, clients provided overwhelmingly positive responses. Here are just a few of the words they used:
We are particularly proud of the consistency with which words like “Organised,” “Professional,” and “Excellent” appeared, reflecting our unwavering commitment to delivering high-quality services.
A Proactive and Professional Approach
Every client surveyed agreed that Millbrook Medical Conferences is both proactive and professional. This recognition highlights our dedication to anticipating client needs and delivering solutions that surpass expectations.
Valued Feedback and Candid Insights
When asked how we could improve, one client said:
“I can’t criticise the service provided. It is outstanding. Not just in the delivery of the conference, I also value the opportunity to discuss new ideas with the team. I find candid responses to my suggestions very useful.”
At Millbrook, we value every opportunity to improve. We deeply appreciate the constructive feedback provided by our clients and are committed to implementing suggestions to refine our services even further. Continuous improvement is integral to ensuring we remain a trusted and reliable partner for our clients.
Memorable Events and Meaningful Partnerships
Clients also shared additional comments about their experiences working with us:
Other clients praised our efforts in enhancing the diversity of programme content and introducing innovative elements to their courses.
Looking Ahead
As we celebrate these exceptional reviews, we remain committed to maintaining and exceeding the high standards that our clients have come to expect. Millbrook Medical Conferences is proud to be your trusted partner in delivering outstanding medical events, and we look forward to continuing to innovate and elevate the conference experience.
Thank you to all our clients for your feedback and support. Together, we make excellence happen.
We are incredibly proud to share that our Managing Director, Dominic, is taking on the challenge of the TCS London Marathon to raise vital funds for the British Heart Foundation. His motivation is deeply personal, and his efforts will contribute to lifesaving research into heart and circulatory diseases, which claim the lives of 1 in 4 people in the UK.
Dominic’s journey to the marathon is driven by a heartfelt cause. In May 2022, while returning from running Abbott’s annual CORE meeting, he experienced firsthand the devastating impact of heart disease when his wife Sarah’s grandad, Glyn, suddenly passed away at home following a heart attack at the age of 74.
“I’m running for Glyn,” says Dominic. “I work in the Events industry on paper, but in reality, I work in Healthcare—delivering Medical Education events to thousands of healthcare professionals, predominantly cardiologists, as well as pharmaceutical and device companies each year. I see daily the incredible impact these people have, but I’m also aware of the constant challenges they face.”
BHF is the largest funder of research into heart and circulatory diseases in Europe, helping researchers discover new treatments and cures to give people more time with their loved ones. Every donation, big or small, will contribute to this life-changing work.
Dominic adds, “I know times are tough, and I’m not in the business of guilt-tripping anyone into donating. But if you can, please give what you can—whatever amount you choose will make a difference. For me, I felt like I had been the one donating for too long, and now it’s my turn to step up and raise funds.”
Let’s rally behind Dominic as he takes on this incredible challenge! If you’d like to support him and the British Heart Foundation, you can donate here or via the link below.
Thank you for your generosity and encouragement—let’s help make a difference together!
The Future of Medical Conferences: How Technology is Shaping the Way We Learn and Connect
The world of medical conferences is undergoing a remarkable transformation, driven by rapid advancements in technology. With tools like artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality (VR), and hybrid event models becoming increasingly accessible, the future of medical events promises enhanced learning experiences, greater inclusivity, and improved networking opportunities for healthcare professionals.
AI: Revolutionising Content Delivery and Personalisation
Artificial intelligence is revolutionising the way conference content is curated and delivered. AI-powered platforms can analyse attendees’ interests and professional backgrounds to offer personalised session recommendations, ensuring participants derive maximum value from their time at the event.
During conferences, AI chatbots are increasingly used to assist attendees with queries, schedule updates, and navigation, creating a seamless user experience. Post-event, AI tools help organisers gather and analyse feedback, offering actionable insights to improve future events.
Beyond logistics, AI is also making waves in medical education. Tools like predictive analytics and machine learning are being integrated into conference sessions to provide real-time case studies, diagnose conditions, and simulate treatment outcomes.
Virtual Reality: Immersive Learning Like Never Before
Virtual reality is redefining hands-on learning in medical conferences. Attendees can now step into fully immersive VR environments to practice surgical procedures, explore complex anatomy, or simulate emergency response scenarios—all without stepping into a lab or operating room.
This level of interactivity makes learning more engaging and helps bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. For instance, medical professionals can use VR headsets to explore a patient’s anatomy in 3D or experience a live surgical demonstration from the surgeon’s perspective.
Hybrid Models: Breaking Barriers to Accessibility
Hybrid conference models, which combine in-person and virtual elements, are setting a new standard for inclusivity. These events allow participants from around the globe to join remotely, significantly reducing barriers such as travel costs, time constraints, and geographical limitations.
For those attending in person, hybrid models enhance the experience with interactive apps that provide access to live streams, Q&A sessions, and networking tools. Meanwhile, virtual attendees can enjoy high-quality video streams, on-demand content, and the ability to connect with speakers and peers through digital platforms.
This dual format ensures that knowledge sharing is no longer confined to a specific location or audience, democratising access to cutting-edge research and professional development opportunities.
The Road Ahead
As technology continues to evolve, the possibilities for medical conferences are virtually limitless. Augmented reality (AR) could soon be used to overlay real-time data during live demonstrations, while blockchain technology might streamline credential verification for CME accreditation.
However, the human element remains irreplaceable. The tactile experience of networking, face-to-face discussions, and the energy of live sessions will always be a cornerstone of medical events. Technology, when thoughtfully integrated, serves to enhance—not replace—these essential components.
Conclusion
The future of medical conferences lies in a harmonious blend of innovation and tradition. By embracing AI, VR, and hybrid models, the medical community can create dynamic, engaging, and inclusive events that meet the needs of a diverse and ever-evolving audience.
At Millbrook Medical Conferences, we are committed to staying at the forefront of these advancements, ensuring that every event we organise leverages the latest technology to deliver exceptional experiences. Whether in-person, virtual, or hybrid, the future of medical events is here—and it’s more exciting than ever.
In a landmark year that saw both a general election and the Summer Olympic Games, Millbrook Medical Conferences successfully organised 56 meetings, bringing together over 30,000 attendees from across the globe. These meetings spanned a variety of specialisms and included in-person, hybrid, and webinar formats.
From bustling metropolises to historic towns, the Millbrook team has clocked up miles, hosting events in iconic locations such as Glasgow, London, Oxford, Birmingham, and Caerleon. In December, we wrapped up the year with four outstanding conferences: BISMICS, BRAIN Conference, the Advanced Cardiac Imaging Course, and the BCIS Structural Day.
As 2025 approaches, we are reflecting on the highlights of the past year.
Millbrook continued its role as the Secretariat for the British Cardiovascular Intervention Society (BCIS), a community of 2,112 active members. In 2024, we organised 18 BCIS conferences, delivering over 70 hours of educational content. These included forums tailored for allied health professionals (AHPs), consultants, and trainees, alongside the flagship Advanced Cardiovascular Intervention (ACI) conference.
This year’s ACI broke records, educating over 1,400 delegates and offering each participant a highly interactive experience through a dedicated app and Education Zone.
Millbrook also deepened its collaboration with Valve for Life UK and the West Midlands Physicians Association (WMPA).
For Valve for Life UK, we managed their website, social media, and a range of internal and external activities. Valve for Life UK aims to increase access to transcatheter heart therapies through various initiatives, including the Your Heart Matters truck tour and webinars. The truck stopped at major cities such as Lancaster and Glasgow. Here’s a breakdown of how many stethoscope checks were performed as part of the truck tour:
For WMPA, we facilitated numerous meetings and worked to expand its membership, fostering greater connections among physicians in the region.
In 2024, we expanded our team, welcoming three talented individuals:
Maisie Splevings joined as an Administration Assistant, working diligently behind the scenes to support conference organisers with tasks such as processing delegate registrations, managing feedback surveys, issuing certificates, and uploading on-demand content to the Millbrook Hub. A proud cat mum, office fashionista, and known for her ever-changing hairstyles, Maisie ensures our delegates have a seamless experience.
Sophie Broomfield, our self-appointed social secretary, became an Executive Conference Manager. With a background in Events Management from the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, Sophie has honed her skills through roles at The Little Nell in Colorado, Winstanley House, and Coventry University.
Natalie Cornwell-Stevens, another addition to our Executive Conference Manager team, brings over 10 years of experience in pharmaceutical and medical meetings. Known for her love of stationery and her design prowess on Canva, Natalie has managed prestigious events and even mingled with celebrities!
This year, we revived the much-loved Great Millbrook Bake Off, delighting the team with sweet and savoury creations. Highlights included a cheese and onion bread plait, Portuguese custard tarts, and even a giant Mr Kipling French Fancy! Keep up with our culinary adventures on X @MillbrookMed.
In an important announcement, Fiona McDonald shared her decision to step down as Managing Director after more than 30 years of dedicated service. Fiona has been instrumental in shaping Millbrook’s growth, navigating industry shifts, and driving service innovation.
Moving forward, Fiona will continue to lead the administration of BCIS, ensuring continuity and expert guidance for the charity. As of Tuesday 1 October, Dominic Legate took on the role of Managing Director, bringing fresh ideas and a forward-thinking approach to Millbrook’s future.
On 10 December, the Millbrook team participated in a festive initiative to support families in need this Christmas. 11 team members volunteered at the Feed the Hungry UK depot at The Halo Centre in Coventry, where we helped assemble food parcels for local food banks, bringing holiday cheer to those less fortunate.
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to everyone who supported and attended our conferences this year. Your participation and encouragement have been vital to our success.
From all of us at Millbrook Medical Conferences, we wish you a joyful and safe Christmas. Our offices will close on Friday 20 December 2024 at 3 PM and will reopen on Friday 3 January 2025 at 09:00 AM. We look forward to welcoming you in the New Year!
Millbrook Medical Conferences is proud to share its recent involvement with Feed the Hungry UK, not only to highlight the vital work this charity does in supporting families facing food poverty but also to raise awareness of how others can get involved and make a difference. Encouraged by Feed the Hungry to share our experience, we hope to inspire further support for their mission and the communities they serve.
On 10 December, Millbrook Medical Conferences donated hundreds of essential items and joined the effort to sort and pack food parcels for families in need across Coventry this Christmas.
A team of 11 employees from Millbrook Medical Conferences volunteered at the Halo Centre, a distribution hub operated by Feed the Hungry UK. The centre plays a vital role in delivering food parcels—each containing three days’ worth of nutritionally balanced, non-perishable food—to a network of food banks in the city.
The day began with an engaging 40-minute presentation from Ian Siddall, Global Relationship Manager, of Feed the Hungry UK. He provided insight into the organisation’s mission to tackle hunger, not only in the UK but globally, and shared how they aim to help people transition from survival to stability, sustainability, and eventually, significance.
As well as donating hundreds of pantry essentials, the Millbrook team worked together to sort donations and pack hundreds of food parcels. Each parcel was carefully prepared to meet the needs of households ranging from individuals to families of four.
Volunteer: Offer your time to pack food, sort donations, or provide professional skills.
Donate Financially: Regular monthly donations enable long-term support.
Host a Community Food Pack Event: Organise a NOUR:SH food pack event with your business or community.
Donate Goods: Contributions of food, clothes, and blankets help families in need in the UK and abroad.
Every action counts in making a real difference. Visit Feed the Hungry UK to learn more about how you can get involved.
