The Vancouver 2004 annual meeting of the COS was, by far, one of the largest and most successful to date. In an attractive Vancouver setting, the meeting attracted 1012 attendees, including a strong international contingent. Close to 120 original papers were presented, giving participants details of exciting new research from Canada and around the world.

The meeting had several highlights including the first ever CJO Lecture, which was presented by CJO Editor-in-Chief Miguel Burnier, Jr on the topic of ocular melanoma.
There were 16 guest speakers overall, including Donald Fletcher from Alabama who gave the EA Baker Lecture, Gerrit Melles from The Netherlands who was the Royal College Lecturer, and David Addison from Ottawa who gave the Lorenzetti Lecture. Subspecialty guest lecturers included Michele Beaconsfield from the UK, Sonia Yoo from Florida, Terrence P. O’Brien from Maryland, and many more. Conference attendees also had ample opportunity to network and socialize at lunches in an impressive exhibit hall, as well as attend a dinner with live entertainment featuring The Susie Arioli Trio.

The COS is already working hard to put together an equally exciting program for next year’s meeting in Edmonton, which will be held from June 22-25, 2005. More detailed information will be available in December 2004.