As I write this Editorial, the sun is streaming brightly through my kitchen window, and I can see snowdrops and crocuses emerging from the soil. I am so relieved to be seeing the first evidence that spring is on its way. Along with the snowdrops and crocuses beginning to flower, the ASCN UK 2025 conference, taking place on 12-14 October at the International Conference Centre in Wales, is beginning to take shape. The abstract portal opened on 3 February and closes on 6 May. So please do start thinking about things that you believe colleagues will find interesting. What have you found inspiring, challenging or rewarding during the past 12 months? All such experiences are perfect for sharing with others – we all continue to learn new things every day and conference is a perfect opportunity to share, reflect and network.
‘What have you found inspiring, challenging or rewarding during the past 12 months? All such experiences are perfect for sharing with others’
Abstract, poster and speaking tips
We understand that, for some, submitting an abstract can be daunting or perhaps this is your first time, so we held a really informative webinar back on 9 December 2024, where we explored ‘How to Prepare a Successful Conference Abstract’ from the idea to submission. For those members who were unable to join us, please visit the website to see a recording (https://ascnuk.org/the-complete-conference-guide-webinars).
In Part II of the series, the Complete Conference Guide Webinars attendees will explore strategies for delivering a successful conference experience through effective poster design and dynamic presentations. This session covers key visual design principles to create posters that draw in viewers, communicate information clearly, and make a lasting impression.
Attendees will also learn techniques for developing a confident, engaging presentation style that keeps audiences attentive and ensures their message resonates. By the end of this session, attendees will be prepared to showcase their work in a way that leaves a memorable impact on their audience and enhances their professional visibility. This insightful and practical webinar is planned for 7 April. ASCN UK members can register for this event via the ASCN UK website (https://ascnuk.org/the-complete-conference-guide-webinars).
As many of you are aware, ASCN UK changed its organisational secretariat at the beginning of 2024 to Delegant. Delegant has a wealth of experience organising conferences, but 2025 will be the first conference they will have managed and organised for ASCN UK, so it may look a bit different to that of previous years and organisational processes may alter. Please do contact admin@ascnuk.org if you have any queries regarding conference planning.
Delegant has recently shared the ASCN UK 2025 Exhibition Brochure with our industry colleagues and has launched an exciting ASCN UK conference website where you can register for this year's conference and submit your abstract (https://conference.ascnuk.org).
Looking forward to conference
This year's conference has the theme of ‘Developing Trends: Enhancing the future of stoma care’ as we are seeing not only our stoma care specialty evolve, but also health care itself using advanced techniques to care and treat our patients in ways we could only have imagined a few years ago. I recently attended a talk on the use of artificial intelligence in gastrointestinal medicine. I found it fascinating and so inspiring that such techniques are available within the NHS and currently being used effectively and efficiently to further enhance the care our patients receive. Please do consider submitting an abstract to highlight how you and your colleagues are impacting the future of stoma care – by sharing knowledge and information we make our specialty stronger.
I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible in Wales in October.