Our first HGM

Human Genome Meeting (HGM) is a series of annual conferences organised by the Human Genome Organisation (HUGO). It started as a meeting dedicated for Human Genome Mapping. Over the years, with the completion of the Human Genome Project, HGM has evolved from a small targeted meeting into a mega scientific conference for all genetic and genomic researchers; an excellent platform for industry partners and bio-technology companies as well as pharmaceutical giants; and a fantastic reunion for fellow scientists and networking opportunity for established and young investigators.

HGM centres on a stimulating and interesting programme of plenary lectures, symposia, workshops, poster presentations, public lectures, satellite meetings and social events (gala dinner, visits and laboratory tours). Our scientific programme covers a wide range of topics, spanning from system biology and epigenomics to genomic technologies; from drug discovery to gene therapy, pharmogenomics and genomic medicine; from computation genomics and bioinformatics to genetic and genomic databases; aiming to share most up-to-date research trends, results, information and databases which often sparks off new collaboration opportunities. Apart from generic studies, HGM also provides an arena for presentation and discussion of more focused studies in human genetics and genomics. Working together with the HUGO sub-committees, there will also be meetings specially catered for discussion on ethics, related impact on society and intellectual property.

HUGO as a truly international organisation and an important broker of ideas and strategies in the field of human genetics and genomics, have of late taken enormous efforts to concentrate on playing a major role in the genetics and genomics research, and developments in the emerging countries. As such, HGM provides a great venue for synergy and knowledge transfer.

Like any other international meetings, HGM brings buzz to scientific communities and in recent years, such attention spreads to the hosting cities or countries as it is often perceived HGM as a recognition and promotion of the scientific achievements for the local host. It has been, no doubt, a great channel for HUGO to recruit members in the host countries at our HGMs.

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Since 2009, we have embarked on a branding journey for HUGO. HGM being our flagship event, we have created the HGM logo for all our future HGMs. As we move along to different host countries or cities, we will work with our local host to add more local flavours (mainly on the numbers / years) on the HGM logo to best represent that particular HGM.

Font type: Florencesans

Colour: Pantone Black

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HGM Format

HGM Schedule

Format and schedule of individual HGM might vary.

• Plenary Lectures: Keynote lectures delivered by luminary experts
• Symposia: Generic introduction and In-depth updating of hot topics by well-known authoritative speakers
• Poster Presentations: Presentation of scientific findings and research theory from rising young fellows and fellow scientists. Submitted abstracts are reviewed by chairs of respective session depending on the research stream of the abstracts. Oral presentation abstract might be invited to present a poster as well
• Lunch Seminars / Breakfast Talks: Company product information, product launches and user workshops
• Cocktail cum Poster Opening Presentation: Opening of poster presentation and warm up session after opening ceremony and first plenary lecture
• Gala Dinner: Social networking event for all participants; a great way to celebrate a great meeting and show appreciation to local hospitality
• Public Lectures: Open for general public or a targeted group to bring excitement to local communities and raise awareness on genomic research and the advancement of genomic technologies and possible applications
• Satellite Meetings: Local / International / Regional hosting committees will be responsible for the arrangements and fundings of satellite meetings. HUGO office will not have the personnel or funds to handle satellite meetings. The topic will need to be decided by both the hosting committees and the HUGO office for better synergy in topic selection and to be in line with the theme of HGM
• HUGO Council Meeting(s): 3-hour session for HUGO Council, ultimate governing body of HUGO, to meet physically. HGM bid presentation and deliberation might take place.
• HUGO Sub-Committee Meeting (s): 3-hours session for various HUGO sub-committees to meet physically
• Visit(s) / Laboratory Tour(s): Visits to research facilities and institutes to showcase the advancement and development in genomics and genetics research of the host cities or countries

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Step 1

Declaration of Interest: Submission of a short written document (in form of a letter or an email message to be addressed to the President of HUGO) from a scientist (or a group of scientists or an institute), the lead must be a HUGO member, who wishes to host HGM in their country or city to the HUGO International Office.

Step 2

The HUGO International Office will acknowledge receipt of the Declaration of Interest and will make first contact to discuss the following:

• Preparation of the HGM Bid Proposal

  The formal bid proposal should address the following areas.

  (1)	Declaration of Interest
  (2)	Executive Summary
  (3)	Letters of Support (Government, Scientific Institutes, Commercial Entities, Airlines etc.)
  (4)	HGM Chair / Co-Chair Biosketch / Curriculum Vitae of HGM chair and/or co-chair Listing of conference organising experience (local and international) Potential local organising committee
  (5)	Potential Scientific Committee List of committed committee members List of to-be-invited committee members Please note that there will only be one International Scientific Programme Committee for each HGM. Such members shall be drawn from HUGO Council, international experts and from local scientific luminaries. The invitation list shall be discussed in consultation with HUGO President and HUGO Council and HGM Chair / Co-chair.
  (6)	Potential Scientific Programme / Possible Theme of HGM International popular research topics in human genetics & genomics Local important research topics in human genetics & genomics
  (7)	Budget (Format is provided in Annex 1) Full budget with projected income and expenditure items In general, we would expect a turnout of 800 – 1200 participants (local and international) for each HGM HGM registration fee includes: access to all sessions in the scientific programme / schedule of day, 2 tea breaks each day, lunch each day, entry to one cocktail reception (opening of poster session), entry to gala dinner. A break-even budget is a minimum requirement
  (8)	Government Support & Tourism Bureau Assistance Tangible: Financial support such as grants, subsidies, seed funding etc. Intangible: Visa facilitation, local contractors liaison, marketing support, hosting of VIPs and speakers, government official attendance etc.
  (9)	Host City Accessibility (International, regional and local / air, railway, motorway and port) from major international cities Airport Information Scientific Research Facilities Communication Infrastructure Local Transportation (public network, private, mass transit network) Accommodation (2 – 5 Stars hotels / Budget Hotels / Hostels for Students) Entry Visa & Requirements Local temperatures / weather conditions at time of HGM Tourist Attractions Events Track Record
  (10)	Possible Venue(s) Information Infrastructure Food & Beverage Pre-conditions / Restrictions / Exclusivities Special Services Floor Plans Other Equipment e.g. Audio Visual equipment, poster boards, exhibition booths structure, furniture (exhibition booths / lunch area), internet access etc. Events Track Records Contact Information
  (11)	Others Possible satellites / public lectures Social events (HGM budget) e.g. cocktail, gala dinner, opening & closing ceremonies, research facility visits, laboratory tours, web-lab demonstrations, local tours, spouse programme etc. Competition e.g. travel grants, poster competition etc.

  
  
• Consultation

  The HUGO International Office is the main contact point for all HGM matters. We welcome open discussions with interested HGM hosts and host cities or countries. We share our experience and assist interested HGM hosts and host cities or countries in preparing their bid proposals, as well as providing to interested HGM hosts feedback from the HUGO Council and HUGO HGM Bidding Committee after their preliminary evaluation.

• Submission schedule (schedule might vary)
  

  Submission:	9 July – 15 November 2012 Softcopy (in PDF) to be submitted by due date to sohwl@gis.a-star.edu.sg and a hardcopy of the bid proposal should be mailed to the HUGO International office upon submisison.
  Presentation:	13 – 18 April 2013, HGM 2013 / 21st ICG, Singapore The bidding city (cities) may be required to present their bid to the HUGO Council in person at our HGM with a presentation (Format is provided in Annex 2) summarising the highlights of their bid proposal. 25 hardcopies of the bid proposal have to be sent to HGM at least one day before the presentation. Softcopies in PDF format should reach HUGO International office at least 10 days before presentation, together with summarised bid proposal presentation.
  Final Feedback:	August 2013
  Final Revised Submission:	September 2013 2 hardcopies to be mailed toHUGO International Office and softcopy in PDF format to be emailed to sohwl@gis.a-star.edu.sg
  Announcement:	October / November 2013

  There are times where decision would be made immediately after physical presentation at HGM.

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All bid cities or countries shall receive the notification in form of writing via email from the HUGO International Office.

Subsequently, the HUGO International Office shall work with the local host(s) from the selected cities or countries and their tourism bureau on an international press release.

• Download HGM Bidding 2012 document (PDF format, 739 KB)
• Download HGM Bidding 2012 Annex 1 Budget Template (PDF format, 28 KB)
• Download HGM Bidding 2012 Annex 2 Proposal Presentation (PDF format, 104 KB)

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