CLEFT TOKYO 2024: Promoting Diversity through the MICE@TOKYO Metaverse
The 16th World Congress of the International Cleft Lip and Palate Foundation was held at the University of Tokyo on July 17th to 19th 2024. The Congress, held in Tokyo for the first time, attracted 300 delegates from 34 countries and regions to present research and engage in discussions to advance treatment, prevention and patient care for cleft palate, a condition affecting approximately 1 in 500 people in Japan.
Innovative Technologies to Enhance Congresses
On the first day of the Congress, the International Metaverse Symposium, themed Hopes and Expectations of Patients and Families Worldwide, was held in a format combining in-person and virtual spaces. The Congress organizers, including Congress President Dr. Kazuto Hoshi, wanted to provide an environment where patients and families could freely share their experiences and concerns, wherever they may be and regardless of any of their physical limitations, which culminated in the delivery of this innovative event.
The Tokyo Convention and Visitors Bureau (TCVB) provided the event's Metaverse platform, MICE@TOKYO. This platform allows business event participants to communicate via virtual avatars, which they make themselves, in an online space, regardless of location, appearance or physical disabilities. It is a truly valuable tool for increasing DEI in business events.
Valuable Interactions in the Metaverse
Patients and families from Japan, Hawaii, India, and New Zealand took to the virtual stage to present their personal experiences with cleft lip and palate and a space was set up at the satellite hall on the Hongo Campus for in-person doctors, researchers, patients and family members. The metaverse facilitated a lively discussion between the in-person and online participants and gave researchers valuable insights into patients' lives. MICE@TOKYO even utilized automatic translation technology to display simplified Japanese subtitles to break down language barriers.
The Metaverse Symposium was highly acclaimed as an inclusive event embodying the congress theme of "Break the Limit, Bring the Innovation" and putting patient voices front and center of the discussion in a new and unique way.
TCVB also provided in-kind support such as Japanese cultural programs, half-day city tours and conference volunteers. TCVB will continue supporting business event organizers and publishing examples of innovative events.