Diversity is the Key: People, Ideas, Information

October 25-28, 2007, Winnipeg Convention Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba

For 39 years, CANNT members have been gathering from across Canada for a time of learning, networking and socializing. CANNT 2007 continued the tradition of excellence in conference programming for CANNT!

Almost 600 people gathered from across Canada and internationally to share in the scientific program and exhibit hall created for CANNT 2007. CANNT was pleased to host delegate representatives from ANNA and EDTNA. Using the theme "Diversity is the Key: People, Ideas, Information," delegates were able to choose from almost 50 concurrent sessions and workshops, and participate in inspiring keynote addresses by world-renowned professionals.

CANNT 2007 was highly successful in large part due to the generous support of the corporate partners that sponsored various components of the conference.

PLATINUM ($10,000 +):

Amgen Canada Inc.

Baxter Corporation

BHC Medical

Fresenius Medical Care

Gambro Inc.

Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd.

Ortho Biotech

Shire Biochem

GOLD ($7,500-$9,999):

Leo Pharma

BRONZE ($2,500-$4,999):

Siemens Water Technologies

AV-CANADA

Thursday, October 25

Delegates, just over 300 in number, attended four pre-conference workshops on Thursday, provided by Ortho Biotech and Baxter-Bullies in the workplace; Holistic approach within the health care system; Basics of peritoneal dialysis; and The science and math behind dialysate. Immediately following these workshops, Hoffmann-La Roche, Amgen and Leo Pharma hosted 320 delegates to three dinner satellite symposia!

"Folklorama-"Winnipeg Style" was the theme for the Opening Wine and Cheese Reception held in the Exhibit Hall. The Exhibit Hall showcased 33 different vendors, as well as 52 scientific poster displays. Sponsorship for the poster display boards was provided by Hoffmann-La Roche. The reception brought the conference theme to life-with flag decor from around the world-and entertainment provided by Brazilian (Viva Capoeria), Spanish (Bolero Dance Theatre) and East Indian (India Dance) troupes. BHC Medical was the generous sponsor for this funfilled night!

Thanks are extended to Baxter for providing the delegate bags this year-they were in a diverse array of colours and environmentally friendly! Thanks are also extended to Amgen for providing sponsorship for simultaneous translation services for the duration of the conference.

Friday, October 26

After breakfast in the Exhibit Hall, delegates were awed and inspired by the Aboriginal team of "Walking Wolf and Hoop Dancer" featured in the Opening Ceremonies. Merelle Rodrigo, sponsored by Ortho Biotech, certainly set the stage for the conference with her vibrant keynote address on "Celebrating Diversity". CANNT's Annual General Meeting and Award Celebration followed. Friday afternoon brought three sets of concurrent sessions that highlighted research, technical, pediatric, administration, pharmaceutical and nursing topics-session sponsors included: Fresenius. Friday evening was an open evening for most delegates, while the CANNT board of directors, unit liaisons, corporate sponsor representatives and others joined together for the CANNT President's Reception. Technologists and technicians were able to participate in their own networking meeting as well.

Saturday, October 21

The beginning to this day was spectacular-led by the DRUM CAFE, a professional drumming and dance troupe of seven, sponsored in part by Hoffmann-La Roche!

With a full schedule again on Saturday, delegates were definitely able to find topics of interest. Four sets of concurrent sessions again offered delegates choices suited to their professional interests and needs. Thanks are extended to Siemens Water Technologies and Fresenius Medical Care.

Further exploring the conference theme of "Diversity is the Key"-delegates participated in a panel presentation discussing the topic "Cultural Sensitivities and End-of-Life Discussions." The 90-plus-minute discussion was thought provoking for everyone involved!

Saturday evening brought the muchanticipated "Manitoba Social" with the famous "Foster Martin Band" and "Jukebox Heroes"! The two bands provided an evening of dancing and socializing, and a diverse array of door prizes were won by delegates! Overall, a great evening of socializing!

Sunday, October 28

Delegates began their morning with a tasty seated breakfast with a quiet time to socialize and reflect - thanks are extended to Gambro for their sponsorship of Sunday's breakfast and keynote speakers. Raquel Godin, a Winnipeg resident, presented a compelling and emotional presentation of survival and triumph over life-threatening disease and the role of the dialysis process in her recovery. What a triumphant and moving presentation. Following a brief and enticing presentation inviting all delegates to QUEBEC CITY for CANNT 2008, the final keynote address of the conference was enjoyed. Dr. John Embil presented on case histories in infectious diseases.

All in all, CANNT 2007 was a resounding success! CANNT appreciates the hard work of the CANNT 2007 planning committee including: Florence Elyn (Co-Chair), Marilyn Muir (Co-Chair), Irmy Friesen, Yvonne Rhoden, Robert Wiebe and Andy Bakker. Conference planning and management services were provided by Heather Reid of Innovative Conferences & Communications. Congratulations and thanks are extended to each of the Planning Committee members!

[Sidebar]

Dr. M. Oliver presenting "Supporting informed patient choices in the dialysis unit: Lessons from research applied to clinical practice."

Lauri-Ann Vester from Thunder Bay, Ontario, with her poster presentation: "Bringing hemodialysis charting into the 21st century".

[Sidebar]

Chantal Saumure receiving the Award of Excellence in Leadership from Tom Schneider, Director of Marketing, Fresenius Medical Care.

[Sidebar]

Award winners from CANNT 2007

* Award of Excellence in Clinical Practice was awarded to Janet Love, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC.

* Award of Excellence in Leadership was awarded to Chantal Saumure, Dr. G.L. Dumont Hospital, Moncton, NB.

* Frances Boutilier Bursary (Baccalaureate) was awarded to Colleen Wile, QEII Health Sciences Centre, Halifax, NS.

* Franca Tantalo Bursary (Masters) was awarded to Sherri Kensall, Fraser Health Authority, Surrey, BC.

* Research Grant (innovative research project, supporting the development of nephrology practice) was awarded to Lucia Costantini and Heather Beanlands, Ryerson University, Toronto, ON. The research project is entitled: "Measuring the self-care abilities and behaviours of people on dialysis."

* CANNT Journal 2007 Award was awarded to Jennifer Donnan and Seadna Ledger for their article "An update on the treatment and management of diabetic peripheral neuropathy" published in the October-December 2006 issue of the CANNT Journal.

* CANNT Manuscript Award was awarded to Diane Watson, University Health Network, Toronto, ON. The title of her manuscript is: "Post-dialysis 'pre-dialysis' care: The cart before the horse."

* The CANNT 2007 Poster Award winners were as follows:

First place: Karen Forsberg, Donna Garrod, Pam White, Heather Zadorozniak, Gloria Freeburn, Alex MacFarlane, Ian Roe and Jason Mason (Kelowna, British Columbia) for their poster: "Peritoneal dialysis procedure demonstration DVD."

Second place: Janet McComb, Debra Grant, Sharon Mulkerns, Sharon Csernak, Julie Foster and Wilma Cohrs (Kingston, Ontario) for their poster: "Keeping our peritoneal dialysis patients at home."

Third place: Colette Raymond, Andrew Armstrong, Lori Wazny and Lavern Vercaigne (Winnipeg, Manitoba) for their poster: "Topical antimicrobials applied to catheter exit site for prevention of hemodialysis catheter-related complications: A literature review."