The 18th World Congress on Disaster and Emergency Medicine

The World Association of Disaster and Emergency Medicine (WADEM) recently convened the 18^th international world congress (WCDEM) in the City of Manchester, UK. Like all ‘field of dreams’ conferences, the organisers believed, ‘if you build it, they will come.’ And indeed, the City of Manchester rose to the occasion and rolled out the red carpet for more than 500 disaster and emergency medicine professionals, first responders, and allied health care workers. Representatives from the University of Manchester, NHS Foundation Trust, the UK Government and World Health Organization (Europe) extended a warm welcome to all.

The WADEM organisers hosted a unique, dare I say raucous, congress dinner in the ‘Theatre of Dreams’ (Old Trafford football ground) where the Premiership Trophy, won by Manchester United for the 20^th time, was on show in all its grandeur. For a brief magical moment, delegates representing their respective emergency medicine disciplines and diverse nations, linked arms, raised a glass, and became honorary members of the Manchester United community. It was a night to remember!