The 62nd Annual Meeting of Japan Society of Clinical Oncology (JSCO2024) took place from Thursday, October 24, to Saturday, October 26, 2024, at the Fukuoka Convention Center (Fukuoka International Congress Center, Marine Messe Fukuoka Hall A, and Fukuoka Sunpalace). Congrès Inc., IAPCO’s Japan member, served as the PCO and managed the event’s planning and operations.
This academic conference, one of the largest gatherings in the oncology field, brought together over 2,200 presentations, providing opportunities for sharing research findings, engaging in lively discussions, and fostering connections among participants. Unique initiatives included collaborative projects showcasing the charm of the host city, Fukuoka, as well as the local appeal of the host institution’s region, Okayama. Additionally, participants could use “LUUP,” a widely available electric scooter service in Japan, to travel between lecture and exhibition venues. The conference attracted approximately 6,200 attendees and concluded successfully with great enthusiasm.
The 62nd Annual Meeting of Japan Society of Clinical Oncology
Chairman Toshiyoshi Fujiwara, M.D., Ph.D. (Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine)
Understanding Cancer, Facing It, and Living for the Future
The Japan Society of Clinical Oncology (JSCO) is a multidisciplinary academic society with over 16,000 members, transcending medical specialties and professional roles.
The theme of this academic conference was “Understanding Cancer, Facing Cancer, and Living for the Future.” This theme reflects the vision of Chairman Toshiyoshi Fujiwara, M.D., Ph.D. (Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine) “to provide a platform where everyone involved with cancer—from specialists to patients—can deepen their understanding, explore diverse strategies, and envision a brighter future together.” (quote translated from Japanese)
A total of 2,219 presentations were submitted to the conference, and many sessions were held, including 15 sessions on the theme, 35 organ-specific sessions, 32 interdisciplinary sessions, and joint symposia with international academic organizations such as ASCO, ESMO, and FACO. Insights from Japan were shared with the world, fostering active discussions.
The exhibition hall, a vital space for sharing and gathering information during the academic conference, was designed to be a "wonderland" that would surprise and inspire visitors. To achieve this, the venue was thoughtfully zoned into areas such as the "Medicine Square," "Robot Kingdom," and "Body Exploration Team." These zones provided an engaging environment where attendees could explore and share the latest information while enjoying their experience.
Exhibition Hall
Exhibits such as surgical assistance robots
Short Film Style Concept Movie
For the concept movie, the host university requested a short, drama-style film reminiscent of music videos or TV commercials. The resulting video depicted the daily work of staff at Okayama University Hospital, creatively interwoven with the verses of Kenji Miyazawa's iconic poem, "Be Not Defeated by the Rain."
Click the link below to watch the video.
https://youtu.be/x27OZUwK2DM
Showcasing Fukuoka and Okayama, the Host City and Hometown of the Host Institution (Okayama University)
Under Chairman Fujiwara's strong desire for participants to fully enjoy the unique attractions of both Fukuoka and Okayama, various initiatives were implemented to provide attendees with opportunities to experience the regions’ charm and special offerings.
Okayama & Kurashiki Experience Zone (Within the Exhibition Hall)
The Okayama & Kurashiki Experience Zone offered numerous opportunities for attendees to experience the culture of Okayama while staying in Fukuoka.
Highlights included the “Okayama Castle Experience Corner,” where participants could try on samurai armor; the “Seto Ohashi Bridge Experience Corner,” featuring breathtaking views through VR; and the “Masterpiece Viewing Corner,” showcasing three iconic works from the Ohara Museum of Art (Kurashiki, Okayama) displayed as large tapestries. Additionally, visitors enjoyed the “Drink Corner,” offering Okayama’s famous confections, and the “Okayama & Kurashiki PR Corner.” These attractions were immensely popular with both domestic and international participants.
The "Okayama Castle Experience Corner," where you could try on armor.
The "Masterpiece Viewing Corner," where you could admire three large tapestries of artworks from the Ohara Museum of Art.
At the "Drink Corner," a variety of famous Okayama sweets were distributed for free.
The "Okayama & Kurashiki PR Corner"
Fukuoka & Okayama Gourmet Road (Within the Exhibition Hall)
The Fukuoka & Okayama Gourmet Road provided a space where attendees could enjoy culinary delights from both regions. Featuring 12 booths, the area offered a variety of local favorites, including soul food, craft beer, ramen, sweets, and more. Careful consideration went into selecting the menu items, their quantities, and the floor layout. Throughout the conference, the area was bustling with visitors enjoying meals, taking breaks, or even using it as a workspace.
The "Fukuoka & Okayama Gourmet Road" set up in the exhibition hall.
Booths from 12 stores offering curry, crepes, ramen, and more.
Social Gathering: “Eat, Listen, and Feel the Joy Together!”
After several years of absence, the social gathering of this academic conference made a grand return under the theme “Fukuoka × Okayama Feast: Eat, Listen, and Feel the Joy Together!” The event provided a lively setting for participants to savor delicious cuisine from both Fukuoka and Okayama while fostering new connections and rekindling old friendships. Adding to the excitement, special guest Yoko Aramaki, a famous and talented impersonation singer from Okayama, took the stage and thrilled attendees with her spectacular performance.
Toast Speech
The venue featured food trucks offering Hakata tonkotsu ramen, Tachibana udon, and more.
Serving premium sake, such as honjozo sake, produced in Kurashiki, Okayama.
A spectacular performance by Yoko Aramaki, an impersonation singer from Okayama.
Original Congress Bags by a Long-Established Okayama Manufacturer
Kojima in Kurashiki, Okayama, is the birthplace of Japanese-made jeans and remains a mecca for denim enthusiasts worldwide. For this academic conference, the long-established manufacturer "Betty Smith," home to Japan's oldest jeans factory in Kojima, was commissioned to specially create the original congress bag.
A special congress bag made by "Betty Smith," Japan's oldest denim manufacturer.
First, receive your congress bag and then explore the venue.
"Pilot Test” Initiatives at Fukuoka Convention Center
Introduction of Electric Scooters "LUUP"
To make it easier for participants to move between the lecture venue (Fukuoka International Conference Center / Fukuoka SunPalace) and the exhibition hall (Marine Messe Fukuoka Hall A), a free transportation service using the electric kickboard service "LUUP" was provided, with the cooperation of Luup, Inc. This initiative, the first of its kind at the Fukuoka Convention Center, included a designated route within the Marine Messe Fukuoka Hall A grounds. It was implemented with strict safety measures in compliance with traffic laws and Fukuoka city regulations, and it was very well received.
The LUUP electric kickboard station set up on the grounds of Marine Messe Fukuoka Hall A.
Many participants made use of it for transportation between venues.
Photo Spots
Photo spots were set up at both the lecture and exhibition hall, where attendees could take commemorative photos with the main visual of the academic conference as the backdrop.
At the lecture hall, the glass windows of the Fukuoka International Congress Center, facing Hakata Port, were used to create a "picture-perfect" spot where the main visual and the scenic view of Hakata Port beautifully complemented each other. Many participants shared photos of this stunning scenery along with memorable moments from the conference on social media.
A photo spot at the Fukuoka International Conference Center, with the picturesque backdrop of Hakata Port.
A photo spot at the exhibition hall.
Message from Toshiyoshi Fujiwara, Chairman of “The 62nd Annual Meeting of Japan Society of Clinical Oncology (JSCO)”
The Japan Society of Clinical Oncology (JSCO) is one of the largest academic conferences in the cancer field, where members from various professions come together across medical specialties. At this conference, I saw participants enthusiastically engaging in the program, interacting, and having discussions, and I truly felt that the efforts made by our department and Congrès Inc. in preparing for the event together had borne fruit. Additionally, as the chairman, it was truly gratifying to see that participants fully enjoyed the culture and attractions of the host city, Fukuoka, and that the conference was very well received.
Moreover, at the social events and exhibition spaces, we were able to showcase the charm of Okayama while in Fukuoka, which felt like a way of giving back to the local community that has always supported us. This was also made possible thanks to the experienced team at Congrès Inc., who creatively designed the stage decorations and smoothly facilitated collaboration with the local tourism association. I also saw participants engaging in friendly exchanges, and I feel that we were able to contribute to their refreshment and immune system boost as they face the challenge of cancer.
Not only during the preparation phase but also throughout the conference, I was deeply impressed by how quickly they responded to even the most difficult requests, saying they would take care of them immediately and truly following through. When I stood in front of the wonderful JSCO2024 photo spot with the view of Hakata Port, I once again realized that this conference could not have been held without the cooperation of everyone at Congrès Inc. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all those who participated in this academic meeting and to everyone who helped with the venue and other aspects.
Chairman Toshiyoshi Fujiwara (center) with Congrès Inc. staff members (left and right) during the conference.
Message from the PCO, Congrès Inc.
In organizing this academic conference, Congrès Inc. worked alongside Chairman Fujiwara and the other organizers, to undertake various initiatives. Being able to contribute to promoting the region's appeal through the operations of conventions is a great reward for us as a PCO.
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the organizers and all those involved for their cooperation and support.