HOW We Organized the WORLD Congress

Key words: nurses, enterostomal therapy, world congress, Slovenia, personal experience
The organisation of the first world nurses’ congress in Slovenia 2008 was a challenge for the professional public, individuals and the Slovenian Nurses’ Association too. The expectations of the participants, sponsors invited speakers and others were high. The paper presents the experiences about organising the 17^th biennial congress of enterostomal therapists in Ljubljana, which was attended by over 1,300 professionals and other participants from 52 countries. The congress' chairwoman, the president of the professional board and the president of the organising committee describe and analyze their experiences during the period of congress preparation from the application for and granting the candidacy, the intensive four-years work and the finalisation of the congress. The organisation of such event presents a serious challenge; it involves enthusiasm of many individuals and groups, professional and other skills, including management and leadership together with the support of professional organiser and liaison of the WCET. Three aspects regarding organisation are presented: professional, organisational and social part; they altogether form a unique event, which is perceived by each participant. During hard work, there is also possible to do amusing things, with a lot of humour, leisure and voluntary activities; each of them requires optimism, courage and stamina in order to fully realise the set goals. Motivation, encouragement and enthusiasm were the key factors to reach the goal.