EHAC initially expressed a wish to hold AirMed 2008 in the Czech Republic, specifically in Prague. Currently there isn‘t any building or building complex in Prague that would allow both adequate comfort for congress meetings and enough space for exhibiting such large showpieces as helicopters. There also isn’t any possibility of building an interim exhibition hall close to suitable congress centres. During the first phase we looked into the possibility of situating the congress meeting hall inside the building where the exhibition will take place. We came to the conclusion that the technically highly-complicated and expensive solutions, such as mobile air-conditioning or soundproofing, would not necessarily result in a pleasant environment in which to hold the Scientific Programme. It was not easy to make the decision of whether or not to separate the congress and the exhibition. That is why we consulted the main exhibitors at that time who freely expressed their understanding of this alternative solution and told us that they didn’t see any problem with it if we guaranteed conditions for ensuring good exhibition attendance. Based on all of these points, we decided to go ahead and separate the congress and the exhibition.
At the same time, together with our colleagues form the Scientific Committee, we took steps to augment the attractiveness of the exhibition. There will be a Get Together Party held at the Exhibition Grounds, as well as aircrew training demonstrations and the ‘Meet the Expert Forums’. We have extended the lunch breaks as all lunches will be served at the Exhibition Grounds. To ensure the exhibition’s easy accessibility, shuttle buses will run continuously between the congress hotel and the exhibition. The distance between these two places is less than 2 km.
We trust that you will understand the progression of our thinking, and any suggestions leading to a closer connection between the congress and the exhibition will be highly appreciated.