UK / European Buster Conference?

[MoxieGirl]

Hi Gang,

I've been thinking about this idea for awhile, asking myself if I have the time to spear head it, assuming there is enough interest. I've come to the conclusion that it's important enough to make the time for.

And the idea is this. Would there be enough interests in having a UK or European based Cluster Head Conference?  Or, even start with just a 'cluster head meet'.

I for one have never met another cluster head in person, and I know a lot of people in the States say that is one of the most amazing things about the conferences there. So just a chance to have a coffee, or a meal with a fellow sufferer would be great.

If that's a hit, then would there be interest in a full-blown conference? Even a 1-day event.

Would we want to limit it to just busting friendly people, or open it up to the whole community? There are a lot of forums, facebook sites, etc. to draw people from.

If we did a conference, what would we talk about? Could we get some experts in? Would some be willing to travel from the US to contribute? My neurologist is busting friendly, and from what I understand, one of the top headache specialists in the UK outside of London.  He might be willing to talk, or at least come and meet people.

Lots of questions I know. I'm sorry. It's a rough idea and I'd initially like to see if there is enough interest in just getting together.

I consider myself blessed to be able to help others on this site, and there is something deep inside me that would like to take that a step further.

MG

[gartozi]

I like the idea Moxie who Is going to help us other than each other I think we would need a tremendouse amount of help from all but it could be done. I myself would love to help count me in

[MoxieGirl]

Awesome! Thanks.

I think here are the decisions that need to be made, at least to start with.

1. What - Should we have a 'meet' or a 'conference'?

  - A meet would be maybe just a meal in a restaurant where we could talk and get to know each other.

  - A conference is of course a lot bigger.

2. Where?

  - I live in East Anglia. If we are wanting to pull in people from all over the UK, then London or Birmingham might be a better place - also more expensive than a rural setting. But Cambridge, Milton Keynes, etc. might offer a fairly easy place to get to without costing a ton of cash.

  - I'd also propose a hotel if we have a conference.

3. Who?

  - UK people only?

  - Europeans as well?

  - Busters only, or all cluster heads?

  - I know a neurologist I could invite to speak, possible a pain expert.

4. When

  - I would say this summer. Yes, England does have a summer.

MG

[Tony Only]

Just stumbled into this thread, anyone at any point setting anything up in Europe, you can contact me. I think some finnish patients would definitively participate and I can pass on the word about it. We have had meet and greets for patients only so far in Finland. Things will hopefully change big time in future years to more conference like gatherings including doctors and medical field as well.