Earlier this year, Paul Abrahams, the current president of the BACD suggested that staging an event with a distinct ‘wow factor’ should be created to thank the organisation’s members for their unstinting support. Shameek Popat, BACD director, knew that with the recent unprecedented times, it was important to come up with an event setting that would not only be covid safe, but could also be morphed into a more intimate configuration should covid restrictions change. He had recently been to drive-in cinemas and felt this scenario could be drawn on for a memorable BACD event.
Chenies Manor House in Buckinghamshire is a landmark property with beautiful grounds which have been used as a spectacular backdrop for many film productions. The venue is also well known for having hosted the launch of a spectacular line up of Porsche cars, including Porsche 912 and the new all-electric Taycan. It is also linked with Queen Elizabeth I famously losing a necklace under its 1,000-year-old oak tree.
Shameek could not think of a better place to kick off the BACD’s educational calendar, with a drive-in event scheduled for the evening of Friday September 3.
Previously, Shameek had organised a lecture with Christian Coachman on a yacht in Majorca, and the world-renowned speaker was delighted to be invited to speak again – this time from his Madrid studio, whilst delegates view him on a big screen, whilst sitting in a deckchair or in their cars and indulging in Indian street food, a pop-up bar, live music and complimentary ice creams/candy floss delivered by servers on tricycles.
Aston Martin and DK Engineering will also be bringing exciting cars, including classical Porsches and Ferraris for guests to ‘play with’. For delegates who prefer to stay in their cars, they will be provided with bluetooth speakers to hear the lecture whilst food and drinks will be delivered to their cars. Shameek will also be bringing his Tuk Tuk to offer rides around the ground to add to the fun of the evening.
Commenting about the event, Shameek said, “All the event sponsors have been very generous and we have the best gift bags you can imagine for the delegates. Philips, for example, produces some of the world’s most effective oral healthcare products. At the BACD we are all about health, as well as cosmetics, and are really looking forward to seeing what Philips has in store for the oral healthcare market this year!
Given the BACD has a strong focus on ethical cosmetic dentistry, the BACD and Align Technology have naturally connected through this common goal and we continue to nurture this partnership, as can be seen from Align’s support of this unique and special event.
Judging by the popularity of this event, I am delighted to see that everyone is keen on meeting and networking with their fellow colleagues. I am in particular looking forward to our annual conference in Edinburgh this November, which is also filling up quickly. We still have a few places, so potential delegates shouldn’t leave it too long to book.”
Mel Pomphrett, Philips’ professional relations manager, added, “Philips is so excited about the drive-in event and working closely with the BACD again, as well as at its Conference in November.”
For more information about both BACD events please visit https://bacd.com