Improvisé ISPE's Visibility — The First Step
By Yola Moride, FISPE
Chair, ISPE Public Relations Committee

The fact: ISPE’s membership includes the largest number of experts in pharmacoepidemiology and post-marketing surveillance world-wide. At the Society’s annual scientific meeting, breakthrough results are presented and state-of-the-art methodologies are discussed.

The problem: Apart from a few aficionados, ISPE remains in the shadow. This trend may have been set by the fact that, in the past, journalists were barred from the annual meeting due to the sensitivity of some results that were presented. This concern for privacy may have backfired upon us, with ISPE perhaps perceived as an old boys club.

The opportunities: In addition to being the leaders in pharmacoepidemiology. ISPE also is committed to being recognized as the expert in risk management. Furthermore, an increasing number of regulatory agencies are requesting evidence-based data on drug effectiveness.

The ISPE Board acknowledged the dichotomy between media exposure and limited recognition needed to be resolved. It created a Public Relations Committee last year with the ultimate goals of increasing the strength of the image and visibility of ISPE. These goals will be pursued through two inter-related objectives : i) releasing selected information presented at the yearly meeting; ii) achieving recognition as a key player and resource on drug issues.

A communication plan which addresses these objectives is being developed and will ultimately lead to a policy and procedures. In the meantime, the Public Relations Committee believes the 2004 annual meeting in Bordeaux is an opportunity not to be missed for increasing ISPE’s position and visibility. To do so, a fast-track PR campaign has been established.

Why Bordeaux? Because of : i) the record number of abstracts that were submitted (more than 700 abstracts received suggesting 2004 might be the largest meeting yet), ii) the keynote speakers who have received extensive media coverage, and iii) the strategic geographical location. Bordeaux is easily accessible to many European journalists.

ISPE has contracted with a public relations firm from Montreal to conduct the media relations for the Bordeaux event (we believe the French/English bilinguism was a communications priority for this conference). A press release has been sent to news agencies and selected scientific journalists to announce the meeting and to provide them with background information on the Society as well as samples of presentation topics as teasers. The objective of this press release is to attract journalists to the meeting. To have a meeting in August is a double-edged sword since it is vacation season in Europe and many journalists may not attend, but on the other hand news is slow with less competition. Additional contacts and follow-up will be made between now and the meeting because the attendance of journalists at the meeting is central to the success of our PR operations. For the first time at an ISPE meeting, you will see a media room, press passes, press packs, and perhaps press conferences if requested. We are aware that some of the presenters may not be comfortable or may not be allowed to speak to the press, and we will take this into consideration. Our PR expert will arrange contacts between the press and selected presenters, and will ensure that all confidentiality aspects are met. Ultimately, it is the investigator's decision but think about ISPE visibility!

As you see the tasks are numerous and will only increase. PR is ongoing; this is but the first step. If you know of journalists we should invite personally, please E-mail me their contact details. ISPE members who are interested in joining the PR Committee are welcomed; please contact Yola Moride at yola.moride@umontreal.ca.

PR Committee members include Lucie Blais, Mark Epstein, Victoria Gimeno, Bill Kelly, Colleen Metge, Nicholas Moore, and Yola Moride.

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