A successful, sunny, South American symposium.

June 2, 2011

As the official event planner for GlaxoSmithKline’s (GSK) physician marketing team, The Charles Group has traveled the world with their client, helping to educate healthcare professionals on the obesity epidemic and the company’s over-the-counter obesity drug, alli. This year’s International Congress on Abdominal Obesity (ICAO), of which GSK was a major sponsor, was held in February in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Attending were over 400 physicians, nurses, healthcare professionals and GSK management, marketing and sales personnel from across the globe. Once again, GSK tasked The Charles Group with creating an unforgettable series of events—that were highly informative and worthy of the GSK name.

The three-day congress, held at the Buenos Aires Hilton, featured a GSK symposium, exhibits, training and compelling presentations by key opinion leaders (called “KOLs” in the industry). The Charles Group managed all travel and logistical needs for GSK, including a GSK-sponsored welcome reception in the exhibit hall; organized training workshops for South American GSK sales personnel; helped accommodate all KOLs; secured translation services; and arranged entertainment and special dinner receptions for key attendees.
Bringing unique experiences to life.

Every event has the potential to bring something wondrous to attendees—something they normally wouldn’t get to experience. One such highlight was a dinner reception at Patagonia Sur—arguably the hottest restaurant in Buenos Aires. With stunning architecture reminiscent of historic Argentinean homes, the restaurant is owned and operated by renowned South American chef Francis Mallmann, a popular TV personality and author. [Link to his book] The Charles Group managed to secure exclusivity at Patagonia Sur for the entire evening, and attendees enjoyed a sumptuous eight-course meal of Chef Mallmann’s signature recipes.

In addition to relishing Patagonia Sur and other popular Buenos Aires eateries, attendees enjoyed a wide array of extra-curricular activities—from Argentinean wine and beef tasting, to tours of quaint marketplaces and shops, to dancing the night away at a tantalizing Tango club.