IRIA – AOCR 2025: A Grand Spectacle of Radiology and Revelry

The curtains came down on IRIA – AOCR 2025 this past Sunday evening, leaving behind memories of grandeur, noise-induced hearing loss, and the eternal mystery of ‘where to put my used plate.’ While I am not a radiologist myself, my connection with radiology dates back to 1985, and over the years, I’ve attended countless conferences, including multiple IRIA, AOCR, RSNA, JMCP, and exhibitions such as CMEF, MEDICA, and various sub-specialty gatherings like ISNR, SNMI, ISVIR, ISPR, and IFUMB. This year’s IRIA – AOCR in Chennai was, without a doubt, the biggest and most extravagant I’ve witnessed in India.

The Grandest IRIA Yet – From an Exhibitor’s Perspective

I spent my four days exclusively in the exhibition hall, leaving the academic sessions to the actual radiologists. By all accounts, the sessions were top-notch, with AI dominating the discussions—no surprises there!

The trade exhibition itself was colossal, featuring an influx of new international players. The Chinese giant, United Imaging, flexed its muscles with the largest booth, overshadowing even industry titans like Siemens, GE, Fujifilm, and Canon. Refurbished equipment players like Phantom also made a bold statement, drawing crowds with their cut-section display of a superconducting magnet, which turned into a mini-attraction for curious delegates.

But the real buzz on the exhibition floor? Sequoia Healthcare’s groundbreaking claim of installing the first-ever 100% Helium-Free MRI in India! Their images from Virar, Navi Mumbai, had the entire radiology community talking, making Sequoia the toast of the town.

The Feast and the Chaos That Followed

Now, let’s talk about the dining experience—because let’s be honest, no conference is complete without the food. The massive dining hall, capable of handling 2,000 delegates in one go, was nothing short of an extravagant buffet paradise. Prepared by celebrity chefs, the food was a feast fit for royalty, with an endless variety of delicacies. However, hygiene and plate disposal logistics were another story. Finding a place to dispose of used plates was harder than finding a parking spot in Mumbai! Delegates, who we assume are among the most sophisticated professionals in the country, resorted to abandoning their plates on tables. After a brief struggle to locate a designated disposal point, I too gave up and joined the ranks of the plate-leavers.

The Entertainment: A Rock Festival in Disguise

The conference also doubled as a music festival, with a stage that could rival major rock concerts and EDM fests. The first night was a mesmerizing choreographed showcase of India’s diverse dance traditions.

But by the second and third nights, things took a turn towards millennial and Gen Z preferences—a clear signal that Generation X is slowly being relegated to the backseat.

And then came the gala night—a spectacle of indulgence. Think alcohol flowing like a river, a fireworks and drone show, laser-lit dance floors, pulsating beats, and an over-the-top food spread. Delegates were even given fluorescent caps and bracelets that glowed under UV light, adding to the psychedelic atmosphere. No expense was spared—every stone was turned, flipped, and polished to ensure the party reached legendary status.

The Loudest IRIA Ever?

One major takeaway from this conference: Noise pollution was the unofficial theme.

The dining hall wasn’t just a place to eat—it was a sonic battlefield with a continuous 130-decibel assault on our eardrums. If that wasn’t enough, exhibitors joined in the cacophony, with GE, Siemens, and United Imaging leading the charge. Conversations? Forget about them. By the second day, most exhibitors had lost their voices. Himanshu from Avrex, who flew in from Australia, lamented that every meaningful business discussion had to take place outside the exhibition hall.

One can only hope that the Hyderabad organizers of the next IRIA take noise control seriously—after all, Gen Z is entering radiology, and perhaps they will be more sensitive to sound pollution.

Final Thoughts: A Conference to Remember

In summary, IRIA – AOCR 2025 had everything—academic brilliance, a trade exhibition of epic proportions, culinary indulgence, deafening noise, and unforgettable parties. As we revel in the afterglow (and recover our voices), one lingering question we will not ask Who foots the bill for this extravagant spectacle?

Perhaps next time, as we bite into the incredible buffet spread, we should spare a thought for those at the bottom of the food chain.

See You at Hydrabad Next Year ......