Report: CIDESCO World Congress 2008
28 July 2008 – Section: News – Category: CIDESCO news, Spa events
Vicky Harper, a BISA board member and CIDESCO graduate, was fortunate enough to attend the 57th CIDESCO World Congress and Exhibition in Baden-Baden, Germany. This is her review of the event:
Set at the foot of the Black Forest, the picturesque town of Baden-Baden in Germany was the choice for CIDESCO Section Germany to hold the 57th CIDESCO World Congress and Exhibition this year, and what a choice it was! The amazing spas and fantastic historical spa ruins really gave everyone the opportunity to experience the history (and future) of our industry.
Once again, the CIDESCO Congress and Exhibition was enjoyed by all that attended. It was held from the 15th to the 20th of July, making sure of that almost perfect summer weather.
The Examiners meeting was held on the 16th of July, where all of the CIDESCO International Examiners gathered to discuss examining procedures, rules and regulations. Special guest lectures were arranged on electrotherapy and predictive behaviour, giving the Examiners the opportunity to learn more about our industry and its future.
The 17th of July gave way to the Schools meeting, where each of the CIDESCO Schools gathered to discuss important topics such as accreditation procedures and the importance of keeping the standards of CIDESCO Schools throughout the world, high.
One of the most exciting days, was the General Assembly, held on the 18th of July. The General Assembly is where all of the Sections from 33 countries around the world gather to make important decisions on the rules, regulations and standards of CIDESCO. Every four years the CIDECO International board members are elected. This board is made up of six people whose jobs are to help maintain the exceptionally high standards of CIDESCO.
The electing of the board members, although incredibly exciting, is also rather sad as we say goodbye and a huge thank you to the existing board members. We had the honour of having Ursula Van Deelan, honorary President of CIDESCO, chair the elections.
As we said a fond farewell to our fantastic President Helene Bramwell, who has served as President of CIDESCO for the past eight years, we welcomed Kyriacos Poupoutsis, from Cyprus as the new President of CIDESCO. The other board members that were elected to serve CIDESCO for the next four years were:
- Anna-Cari Gund, Sweden – Vice President.
- Josephine Wackett, Great Britain – Board Member for Education.
- Ronelle Iten, Switzerland – General Secretary.
- Ken Kume, Japan – Treasurer.
- Elise Wessels, Holland – Public Relations.
Each of these board members for CIDESCO International all have huge amounts of expertise in their relevant areas, and we as CIDESCO Section A GB welcome them and wish them all the best for the future. These are exciting times for CIDESCO, what with the new Post Graduate Courses and the new Spa Therapies qualification and we know that the Board of CIDESCO will do everything in their power to continue to keep CIDESCO moving with the times.
What would the CIDESCO World Congress be without the Exhibition and Gala evening? The opening ceremony for the Exhibition on the 19th of July entertained us with dancers and singers and gave us a wonderful beginning to an excellent exhibition where skin care companies, equipment and make-up were on show. The Gala evening held that night topped off the wonderful experience that we all had in Baden-Baden, with magicians, music and fine dining, followed closely by the exhibition and closing ceremony on the 20th of July.
The 58th CIDESCO World Congress will be held from the 9th-14th of September 2009 in Kyoto, Japan. We do hope that you will join us in the celebration of CIDESCO in Japan. It will certainly be a memorable experience for one and all.
Vicky Harper
BISA – CIDESCO Section A GB
Tel: (+44) 01580211055
www.spaassociation.org.uk