Okjökull in 1986 and 2019, and the plaque (Photos: NASA, Rice University).
Occasionally The Iceberg reports news about actual ice.
Scientists have just placed a memorial plaque on the site of the melted Okjökull glacier. The former ice mass was declared dead in 2014, becoming the first Icelandic glacier to lose its status. The salutary “letter to the future” acknowledges “that we know what is happening and what needs to be done. Only you know if we did it.”.
It’s a stark warning after a scorching summer that what is happening to climate not only in places like the Ok mountain is indeed “Not OK” (I’m quoting the title of a documentary made about the glacier). Perhaps those contemplating purchasing entire Nordic islands should be able to show better environmental credentials.
In News this issue of Business Events World and on The Iceberg, legacy, sustainability and Iceland are making other headlines as well. Sigurjóna Sverrisdóttir has taken over from Thorsteinn Orn Gudmundsson as Managing Director of Meet in Reykjavík. Here in the UK, two agencies have partnered to launch a research initiative into industry food sustainability. Charity Meeting Needs has celebrated its 15th birthday vowing to get bigger and better. The government has launched a £250,000 competition to improve connectivity at conference centres hosting international events. A good first half of 2019 is set to continue, according to the HBAA Meetings Barometer. In the US and Europe, events activity continues to increase faster than budgets, according to a study from American Express Global Business Travel.
Also in News, protests between demonstrators and riot police in Hong Kong have caused the cancellation of meetings. The “She Means Business” event at IMEX America shortly in Las Vegas will address issues surrounding economic and gender equality. The Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre has just hosted the 62nd World Statistics Congress 2019. The World Small Animal Veterinary Association has held its 44th World Congress in Toronto. One legacy is a list of essential medicines that should be available in every surgery. Brussels is about to attract some 5,000 members of the public for two free days of conferences and activities around osteoarthritis. NewcastleGateshead will host the annual meeting of a leading UK cardiac association in November. A gala dinner exhibition will bring art and medicine together.
In Opinions this issue, plastic pollution is a blight on the world’s oceans. So after staging an almost plastic-free conference, one marine science association and its organiser have created a tip sheet for other planners. Findings around return on investment from some of the latest meetings and events research are explored. The event industry talks a lot about “immersive experience” in meeting design. What does that mean in practice for planners?
Also added to Opinions, the choice of the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre for 2018’s World Library and Information Congress proved to be a winner for both delegates and destination. New Zealand gave the Australasian Animal Studies Association Conference, “Decolonizing Animals”, an original spin when it hosted the event in Christchurch this July.
In Features read about two major medical meetings and the legacies built around their planning and destination choices. The European Cardiology Congress, being held together with the World Congress of Cardiology, is currently underway in Paris. Ambitious engagement is planned for the European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology Congress 2022 in Copenhagen.
In Research you’ll find added the aforementioned 2018 HBAA Meetings Barometer.
Finally, and as always, The Iceberg reiterates its call for you to join our Global Ambassador Program. You can see Ambassadors listed on The Iceberg homepage, Ambassadors page, and in Business Events World below. Visit Call for Ambassadors 2019 & 2020 to find out more.
Until the next time…
Robert Coren, Curator of The Iceberg
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An ambitious engagement project, a strong national hosting team and an attractive destination were all deciding factors for the European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology in choosing Copenhagen for its 2022 annual meeting. Bella Center Copenhagen will host the congress, with events all over the country in advance of it. From AMI Intellectual Capitals…
Paris is a meetings capital where things can get big, as they currently are for the European Cardiology Congress, being held now in conjunction with the World Congress of Cardiology. Over 30,000 delegates are attending 500 sessions during the five-day event. Public health legacies have been built into its planning. From Boardroom…
The Iceberg is now identifying and celebrating the greater mass of hard-to-see business events legacies that lie hidden beneath the surface in a new podcast “Below the Waterline”. In the second of a series featuring significant meetings industry players, Iceberg founder James Latham catches up with the IMEX Group’s formidable CEO, Carina Bauer. IMEX…
Victoria is one of Canada’s most picturesque destinations for conferences. The oldest city in the Pacific Northwest is also a leader in ocean science, so a great spot to host conferences in the field. On the doorstep of the Pacific Ocean, Victoria boasts over a hundred sector-related organisations. Photo: Brandon Godfrey. From Meetings International…
Lyon’s leadership in oncology will soon be reinforced by two major events heading to the French city later this year. The 14th European Congress of Neuro Oncology is in September and should attract around 1,000 attendees. The 51st Congress of the Société Internationale d’Oncologie Pédiatrique will be held in October with 2,000 delegates. From AMI Intellectual Capitals…
New Zealand offers meeting planners the chance to tap into market sectors like health sciences, agribusiness, tourism, advanced manufacturing and design, high value food and wine, ICT and earth sciences. Collaboration between learning and research centres and a strong focus on education and progress from government have placed Aotearoa centre stage globally. From Boardroom…
Aberdeen’s economy may once have been powered by oil and gas, but Scotland’s third city is now becoming an all-energy hub, with major investment in renewables, especially wind. It’s a life sciences hub as well, with coming new infrastructure in that sector, plus in transport, digital and the P&J Live venue (pictured). From AMI Intellectual Capitals…
A historic and musical icon, Liverpool has seen substantial regeneration in recent years, reinventing itself as a life sciences knowledge hub, with further expertise in creative digital technology, maritime and logistics. It also boasts a world-class event campus and other venues hosting major national and international meetings. From AMI Intellectual Capitals…
Edmonton Convention Centre (formerly the Shaw Conference Centre) in Alberta, Canada, is one of North America’s top performing convention centres. It hosts over half a million guests annually and generates more than $30 million in economic impact. The culinary offering is a big part of the venue’s appeal, and between Edmonton’s two convention centres (Edmonton Convention…
Recognising the role associations play in advancing both social and economic value through their meetings, the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, in partnership with the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau, is investing in building up the professional capacities of the local association community. It’s an acknowledgment of hosting partners’ contribution to successful events. From Boardroom…
Toulouse, Montreal, Singapore, along with Seattle, South East England and Bengalaru in India, are all destinations with clusters of innovation in aerospace. Where knowledge collects, so do associated meetings, so these hubs of expertise in this exciting sector are also attracting significant international events. From Association Meetings International…
Vienna has hosted ESOC, the 21st European Symposium for Organic Chemistry, in the process consolidating its strengths in the sector. Alongside the scientific programme, the meeting introduced its first-ever associated job fair for PhD and postdoctorate students, with companies participating in the technical exhibition conducting interviews on site. From AMI Intellectual Capitals…
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Brussels is expected to attract some 5,000 members of the public for two free days of conferences and activities about osteoarthritis. The second World Osteoarthritis Day Intergenerational Events will be held at SQUARE Brussels Convention Centre in September. Unlike most traditional conferences, WODIES is tailored for the general public. From AMI Intellectual Capitals…
Meetings and event activity continue to increase faster than budgets, finds a new study from American Express Global Business Travel. Based on fifteen in-depth interviews with event owners in Europe and the US, the report reveals that ad hoc events with quick turnaround often have no set budget. From Meetings & Incentive Travel…
The She Means Business educational event at IMEX America will address issues surrounding economic and gender equality within the meetings industry. A joint event by IMEX and tw magazine, supported by MPI, She Means Business will launch in Las Vegas at the Smart Monday event, a pre-show day of education. From Meetings & Incentive Travel…
A good first half of the year for UK meetings business is set to continue for the rest of 2019, according to the latest HBAA Meetings Barometer. Average spend per meeting and per delegate have both increased. Rising confidence is shown by reductions in lead and conversion times. Photo: James Petts. From Meetings & Incentive Travel…
NewcastleGateshead will host the annual meeting of a leading UK cardiac association in November. Working alongside Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals, the BCCA (British Congenital Cardiac Association) will hold its annual conference at Sage Gateshead, the concert music venue designed by Norman Foster. A gala dinner exhibition will bring art and medicine together. From Boardroom…
The UK government has launched a £250,000 competition to improve connectivity at conference centres that host international meetings. The funding will be awarded to venues across the UK to help them improve on-site broadband and attract more international business events. The competition is open for six weeks. From Association Meetings International…
Protests between demonstrators and riot police in Hong Kong, with flight disruptions at Hong Kong International Airport, have caused the cancellation of meetings and events. Asset manager BlackRock has postponed a forum scheduled for September. Games developer Capcom has also cancelled an event. Photo: Studio Incendo. From Meetings & Incentive Travel…
The Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre has just hosted the 62nd International Statistical Institute World Statistics Congress 2019. Supported by convention bureau MyCEB, the event was attended by around 2,500 delegates, including attendees from national statistical offices, statistical experts and other professionals, academics and policy makers. From Boardroom…
UK industry charity Meeting Needs has celebrated its 15th birthday with a vow to get bigger and better. The anniversary coincides with another milestone for the initiative: a total distribution of £1 million to more than 287 charities in the UK and 68 countries across the globe since its foundation. From Meetings & Incentive Travel…
Sigurjóna Sverrisdóttir has taken over as Managing Director of Meet in Reykjavík. She follows Thorsteinn Orn Gudmundsson, who piloted the Icelandic capital’s new convention bureau from its founding in 2012. Last year Iceland welcomed about 135,000 international meetings delegates, and some years of solid business growth. From Meetings International…
The World Small Animal Veterinary Association has held its 44th World Congress in Toronto, at the same time marking its 60th anniversary. Over 2,200 vets from 80 countries attended around 50 streams. One legacy is a list of essential medicines that should always be available in any veterinary pharmacy. From Association Meetings International…
Agencies Lime Venue Portfolio and BCD Meetings & Events have just partnered to launch an extensive research initiative into food and sustainability in the meeting and events industry. Their initiative “Beyond Food” aims to shed light onto the economic impact of food production and the role that event businesses can play. From Meetings & Incentive Travel…
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This project collected, analysed and synthesised the findings of all prior Joint Meetings Industry Council Case Studies to deliver a verdict on the broader contributions that conferences, congresses, trade shows, convention centres and bureaux deliver to destinations, communities, industries and economies. The cases were drawn from four continents: Europe, Asia, South America and Australia. The…
The China-LAC Summit is an annual meeting organised by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). It is a key entrepreneurial event for companies from China and the Latin American and Caribbean countries. The Punta del Este Convention and Exhibition Center in Uruguay hosted the 11th edition of the…
The EuroHeartCare conference is one of the most important platforms for driving research publications, exchanging ideas, and forming and deepening collaborations within the field of cardiovascular nursing in Europe. It aims to support healthcare professionals in delivering the best care possible to patients with cardiovascular disease. The 2017 edition was hosted by Jönköping University in…
The study explores the benefits and barriers for individual researchers and universities when hosting research conferences. The study has been commissioned by the Danish Council for Research and Innovation Policy – an advisory body to the Danish Minister of Higher Education and Science. Thereby the study situates the hosting of research conferences as a potential…
London Tech Week is a festival of live events taking place once a year across the United Kingdom capital. Having been held now for four years, it has become a key gathering for the ICT industry in London. It connects the entire tech ecosystem both within the city and beyond, shapes the future of the…
Many international convention centres use sophisticated methods to measure the economic impact of business events in their host cities. Others recognise the importance of food in customer experience and promote programs like paddock to plate or food miles. ICC Sydney marries these two concepts together and takes them to a new level by measuring the…
Growing its business events sector is part of Malaysia’s strategy to achieve status as a developed nation by 2020. This case study presents the contribution made by the 55th ICCA (International Congress and Convention Association) Congress towards developing the business events sector in the country. ICCA’s event engaged political leaders and the local community to raise awareness of the needs…
The Geneva Convention Bureau has adopted a policy of promoting Geneva not only as a destination but also as a center of economic, knowledge and innovation excellence. It does this by marketing meetings and events in relation to local key clusters of industry. As a result, a dynamic and virtuous feedback loop is established between Geneva’s economic or knowledge…
This research by Business Events Sydney (BESydney) demonstrates that business events offer delegates unrestricted exposure to innovative ideas and opportunities to develop new knowledge and skills. Part of the Beyond Tourism Benefits series, the new study by the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) – Conferences: Catalysts for Thriving Economies – provides further evidence showing that…
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“It’s been a good first half of the year for the UK meetings industry and bookings for the rest of the year indicate that this buoyancy will continue until at least the end of the year.” Angie Mason, Chair of the HBAA sees plenty of good news for the industry in the figures reported in…
The latest UFI / Business Strategies Group report on the trade fair industry in Asia has now been published complete with updated statistical information from 2018. Leaflet here… The Trade Fair Industry in Asia – 15th Edition (July 2019) – Leaflet Order form here… The Trade Fair Industry in Asia – 15th Edition (July 2019) –…
This study is based on a global survey, concluded in July 2019. It represents up to date information on the development and outlook of the global exhibition industry as well as on 20 specific countries and zones. Global Exhibition Barometer 23rd Edition (July 2019)
What’s trending around the globe in the events industry? With the help of its international partners, Maritz Global Events investigated the current state of the field and narrowed down the top five trends affecting the event industry right now. These global experts and local champions from the industry share their take, and provide a diverse…
The release of the 2018 ICCA Statistics Report: Country & City Rankings marks yet another successful year for the association meetings market. The International Congress and Convention Association captured a total of 12,937 rotating association meetings taking place in 2018, an increase of 379 compared to the number recorded at the same time in 2017. This…
Now in its third edition, this report brings together insights from meeting planners, IACC members and industry experts from around the globe. Initially published in 2016, the IACC Meeting Room of the Future™ report provided an overview and foundational benchmarks on meeting industry trends. The 2019 report builds on the findings from both the 2017…
On the occasion of 2019’s Global Exhibitions Day (GED), UFI, the industry’s global association, is launching a new report and online database. These will track initiatives and projects in the global exhibitions business shaped around the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations. This resource, a first of its kind, aims to showcase work done…
Unlike anything humanity has experienced before, the current scale, scope and complexity of change is shaking foundations society has accepted as the norm. Five converging megaforces present destinations with both tremendous opportunities and challenges: climate breakdown, ecocide, demographic shift, social change and digitalisation. The meetings and events industry supports 26 million jobs, $1.5 trillion in global…
At the Society for Incentive Travel Excellence’s Global Conference in Bangkok, Thailand, during January 2019, The Bangkok Manifesto was created following a series of workshops with SITE’s International Board of Directors, Trustees of the SITE Foundation and a cohort of global experts in the field of incentive travel. The final ten statements of the document…
Expo 2020 Dubai and its legacy are expected to contribute AED122.6 billion of gross value added to the UAE’s economy from 2013–31, according to the EY report, The Economic Impact of Expo 2020 Dubai. The report states that Expo 2020 is also expected to support up to 905,200 full-time equivalent job-years in the UAE from…
This is a unique study of over 200 healthcare professionals (HCPs), from both Europe and the US, across a range of therapy areas. It highlights HCP preferences and shares perceptive experiences of medical congresses – from their decision-making regarding attendance, how they value this type of activity, how they apportion their time on-site and engage…
Omnipress recently conducted an online survey of 150 association and event professionals. The results have been compiled and published in the fifth annual State of the Conference Industry Report, which tracks the evolution of educational content and the role it plays at the annual conference. Educational content provides significant value to association members in 2019….
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New Zealand gave the AASA (Australasian Animal Studies Association) Conference 2019, “Decolonizing Animals”, an original spin when it hosted the event this July in Christchurch. Both local and international specialists, including indigenous perspectives, were all given a voice. Annie Potts, Director of the New Zealand Centre for Human-Animal Studies, explains. From Boardroom…
The event industry talks a lot about “experience” in meeting design, and that “experience” should always be “immersive”. But what does it mean in practice for planners? How should they build experience into meetings they run, and then how should that experience made immersive? From Maritz Global Events…
The choice of Kuala Lumpur for last year’s World Library and Information Congress proved to be a winner for both the delegates and destination. Over 3,500 participants from more than 120 countries met in the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, with support from convention bureau MyCEB and also 300 congress volunteers. From Association Meetings International…
Plastic pollution is a blight on the world’s oceans. After an almost plastic-free staging of its annual conference, the Australian Marine Sciences Association, and event management organisation Encanta, have created a tip sheet for other planners. They share what they did, what they didn’t, what was learned, and what challenges remain. From PCMA…
Getting proactive with meaningful data is always a good idea. In 2018 the key metric for meetings and events was the number of leads. In 2019 67 percent of marketers are looking to calculate ROI. Here findings from some of the latest meetings and events research are explored. From Meetings & Incentive Travel…
PCMA, the Professional Convention Management Association, has just published its annual “Best in Show” list. The ten stories include using art therapy at a haematology event, a heart rhythm meeting dropping registration fees for self-paying attendees from lower income countries, and a biomedical event letting students earn credit towards attendance costs by staffing the meeting. From PCMA…
Recently getting soaked leaving an exhibition during a downpour, The Iceberg’s curator has already had cause to note events no longer issuing plastic bags at registration, but now handing out cotton totes. But are these actually any kinder to the environment? UK and Danish studies think not. From editor’s blog at Meetings & Incentive Travel…
The Iceberg prefers “familiarisation trips”. The rest of the sector uses the shorter “FAM trips”, usually with the capital letters. But why shout? For the second time, and now with accompanying video, one of our more particular partners pleads for industry excursions to remain lower case. From editor’s blog at Meetings & Incentive Travel…
Capita Travel & Events and NYS experts in behavioural science have explained how uses of the field’s techniques can foster collaboration and improve delegate experiences. First discussed in June during The Meetings Show, the methodology can be used to influence many factors, including choice of the most cost-effective meeting locations. From Meetings & Incentive Travel…
Three big industry associations, all Iceberg partners, are dovetailing resources available to members: the International Association of Convention Centres (AIPC), the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), together with the global association of the exhibition Industry (UFI). AIPC President (and UFI Board Member) Aloysius Arlando talks collaboration, standardisation and advocacy. From UFI…
Shaun Vorster is Vice President of Business Integration and Activations at Dubai’s Expo 2020. Here he talks about that role, shares information on what to expect at the October 2020 launch, and discusses the place legacy holds in shaping both the programming of Expo 2020 and the afterlife of its venues. From the Event…
The Africa Chapter of Iceberg partner the International Congress and Convention Association is small but active. ICCA’s annual statistics list how many association meetings are held in cities around the world. The Regional Director for Africa at ICCA, Esmaré Steinhöfel, explains what the latest rankings mean for the continent, and where growth opportunities lie. From the Event…
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If you also want to know how to avoid legal traps and ensure a successful, legally compliant event business as comprehensively as possible, you should attend this seminar. You will get to know the current legal requirements and discuss practical solutions comprehensively. Includes: Responsibilities and Duties of Executives and Business Leaders; Legal assignment of external companies…
If potential customers do not buy, it’s not always because of the price, or because your location’s infrastructure is inappropriate for the event. If you address your customers in a solution-oriented manner, you will create trust in your service and give them the feeling of being understood and well cared for. Communicate with customers convincingly;…
The FYP brings together 35 young industry professionals from a diverse array of backgrounds. Over 3 days, the selected applicants are given networking opportunities, educational sessions, social activities and guidance worth their weights in gold from some of the most influential meetings industry figures. Participants will complete the FYP with a wealth of knowledge, a…
Mark Your IBTM World Calender Now for the 2019 Edition of AIPC’s Facility Operations Summit. This is one of the only opportunities in the industry for those representing the critical area of centre operation to build beneficial networks, strategize on issues of common concern and explore how improving interactions amongst centre managers can increase centre…
AIPC will again be at the fore with a mix of high-level industry interactions, member engagement and participation in programming that facilitates member access and creates opportunities for interactions and consultation. Visit us at stand K85.
Teambuilding … how do you do that? – Why are employees so important to the company? The seminar content answers questions about motivation, communication and leadership. Based on practical examples of solutions, you tackle problems together with the speaker, for example – how do you achieve and promote teamwork and teambuilding? How can you increase the satisfaction…
Following the sell-out success of last year’s event, this year’s UFI-VMA Venue Management School (VMS) will once again be held in Shanghai. UFI joined forces with the Venue Management Association (VMA) in Australia to develop this innovative training programme, which is tailored to the specific requirements of venue managers in China. The Mandarin-language programme was created…
The AIPC Academy is the only comprehensive professional development program aimed specifically at international convention centre issues and opportunities. Updated annually to reflect the most current conditions, it is the best possible investment a centre can make in the development of fully professional staff ready to meet the facility management and marketing challenges of today…
Held in conjunction with the Conference of the Association of Latin American Convention Centres, this full day event brings together a range of sessions and participants to ensure the broadest possible perspective on industry conditions and facilitate strategic development in this rapidly developing region within a global context.
As you will now have heard, IMEX Frankfurt has now been cancelled and with that news the AIPC Sales and Marketing Summit will also no longer be held this year. AIPC is providing response information via Member Bulletins and we are looking at other ways of providing timely information to you. Driven by a powerful…
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Registration will open in March 2019! The ICCA Congress: A must for meeting industry professionals! A global, modern and vibrant city bursting with culture and personality, Houston has innovation and technology at its heart. With unique educational content and unrivalled networking and business opportunities with local stakeholders, the 2019 ICCA Congress is not to be missed.
Open to UFI members only, UFI’s annual Global Congress is known as the exhibition industry’s largest global meeting of the year and the “must attend” event for all industry professionals, combining international networking with unique content. It is an ideal opportunity for members to gain insight into topics of strategic interest, on the current industry…
IBTM World is the leading global event for the meetings and events industry and we have one goal; we want to inspire the events world to deliver exceptional experiences. For 31 years, IBTM World has been providing the global community with the inspiration, business connections and content you need to create world-class events for your customers. Make a year’s worth of connections…
Open to senior international association executives (or AMC on behalf of the associations), the Global Forum is the ideal opportunity for decision-makers considering hosting an event in a BestCities’ destination, to meet all the partner cities and meeting planners in one stunning location. Participating associations will return home with a tangible tool to use in the…
Get the inside edge on BONDay to help your business soar! Business Opportunity Networking Day (BONDay) is dedicated to helping exhibitors bond and learn through networking, education and shared thinking.
In recent years, the global meetings industry has begun to recognise Africa as a sought after destination. Meetings Africa showcases Africa’s diverse offering of services and products where African associations and African meetings industry professionals can partner to help transform our continent.
The event industry’s biggest and most prestigious recognition programme; the only independently audited events industry awards programme. Organised by Meetings & Incentive Travel magazine, the awards event brings together all sectors of the business to reward excellence of service and product and to enjoy fantastic cuisine, fine wines, excellent live entertainment and raise funds for charity.
Over the past 14 years, the UFI Asia-Pacific Conference has become one of the exhibition industry’s most important gatherings for learning and networking. Each year, the UFI Asia-Pacific Conference attracts around 300 leaders from organisers, venues, associations, service providers and government bodies. The next edition of the UFI Asia-Pacific Conference 2020 will take place in…
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, UFI announces that the Latin American Conference (#ufibuenosaires) has been postponed. The co-located events Expo Eventos by AOCA and the AFIDA Congress are also postponed, and all three associations (UFI, AOCA and AFIDA) are working closely with Buenos Aires Convention Centre (CEC) to identify new dates. We will keep…
* * * EVENT CANCELLED * * * It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the cancellation of this year’s IMEX in Frankfurt. We know that this will come as an enormous disappointment, not only to the exhibitors, buyers and industry professionals who were due to attend the show, but also…
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Jane loves life in the Nordics and the spirit of Scotland. Her expertise is based on 20 years of experience across the global meetings industry. Over this time she has been fortunate to have gained wonderful experience and friends from working for some great hotels, a convention centre, a destination marketing organisation, a PCO, and…
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