RQA2024 International QA Conference: A Look Back

The 2024 RQA International QA Conference was held between the 6th and 8th November 2024 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Brighton Metropole. A change to the programming structure (less GxP related, more subject based content) was a factor in an increase of over 50 delegates from 2023, with over 500 attendees enjoying a dry and mild (for this time of year!) week on the UK's south coast.

The setup of the conference for the office is always fraught with a level of stress, but we were ready on time to welcome delegates to register and get comfortable before the first session started.

The first session gave an introduction to the conference by the Conference Programme Committee - this included some informal networking. After the first break, Fabrizio Maniglio (Honeywell Life Sciences) presented an insightful session on a data driven future, and was followed by an update session from representatives from the FDA and MHRA.

Attendees were able to network with other delegates and two floors of exhibitors - the RQA stand was a hotbed of activity (due to the amount of seating, and a special ‘selfie’ area!), and the Sensory Calm quiet room was used throughout.

New for 2024, the RQA Innovation Theatres were also in the Exhibition Area. This gave us the opportunity to hold presentations and sessions in the breaks - and to increase the amount of concurrent sessions on Thursday to 6 - Martin Reed (MHRA) used the area for a 90 minute workshop on Record Generation and Control.

The Las Vegas themed dinner dance was a smash hit - attendees enjoyed a three course meal, live entertainment and a casino. Some attendees enjoyed themselves too much (you know who you are - you owe me a toucan!!)

Friday saw a presentation from Rebecca Stanbrook on ICH E6 R3 - as part of the working group, she had hot footed over from Montreal to update the attendees on the latest news. The close of the conference saw Cathy Molohan give an inspirational talk about how her journey with Parkinson's disease highlights the real-life impact of your research and innovation.

Prior to her presentation, Cathy received honorary life membership of the RQA.

Tim Stiles (RQA Chair) brought the conference to a close. As part of the close Tim announced the following awards:

Honorary Life Fellowship:

Louise Handy and Rosemarie Corrigan

RQA Award:

Paul Davidson and Samantha Wade

As always, we are indebted to our sponsors, exhibitors and all the faculty that helped the office in the organisation and running of the event. We look forward to welcoming as many of you as possible to Belfast between the 5th and 7th November next year to do it all again.

Carl Lummis and Danielle Andrews

RQA Conference Team