The 16th ISMS congress and the 17th NAMC in Miami Beach, 2004

The Fontainebleau Hilton Resort in Miami Beach, Florida, USA was the venue for the 17th North American Mushroom Conference and Expo held from the 14th to 17th March and the 16th International Congress on the Science and Cultivation of Edible and Medicinal Fungi. A double success - and not just due to the massive attendance figures.

The two conferences were held in conjunction in Miami. Once every four years, the ISMS congress is organized by the International Society of Mushroom Science, and this time the Americans played host for the second time. The first occasion was in Philadelphia when the American Mushroom Institute (AMI) was still a new organisation on the scene. The NAMC includes the AMI and the Canadian Mushroom Growers Association (CMGA). This combined event allowed visitors to attend both the NAMC, with its practical, mushroom growing focus and the challenging scientific congress with the emphasis on basic and applied research with presenters from over 25 countries. The organisation was perfect - in all details; the information, catering and friendly staff all contributed to the event's triumph.

Globalisation

The president of the ISMS and NAMC, Dr. Mark Wach opened the conference by extending a warm welcome to the nearly 650 participants from 37 different countries. “The world has changed since our last conference in 2000. Just take increased mobility and the possibilities of international communication like Internet, mobile phones and e-mail; progress doesn't stand still. Plus, the ISMS has become a global happening.” He expressed his hopes for a productive conference. “The exciting program will help us navigate the tides of the global market place”, according to Dr. Wach.

AMI Chairman Jack Reitnauer also welcomed attendees on behalf of the AMI and spoke in line with the congress slogan about ‘catching the wave to global success’ with the 17th NAMC.

“The aim of the ISMS is a global exchange of scientific research into the medicinal, pharmaceutical and nutrient mediums in mushrooms. Miami is a great backdrop to discus issues of international importance and acquaint yourself with colleagues from all parts of the world”, in Reitnauer's words.

According to Dr. Wach it's vital to inject the research results into practical applications, without forgetting the importance of good support and guidance. “The importance of scientific research to successful growing operations is the heart of our organization. Excellent coordination of global research programs is an aim of the ISMS, making days like these a unique chance to exchange knowledge and ideas.”

Programme and exhibition

The ISMS programme contained no less than 76 sessions, spread over three lecture theatres - each with an individual theme; in auditorium A: Molecular Biology/Genetics and Biochemistry; in B: Cultivation Technology and in C: Quality. Read the accounts of the sessions on Pathogens & Pest II by Anton Sonnenberg and Compost Technology by Jacqueline Baar elsewhere in this edition.

Poster sessions were also organised in Miami, where companies and authors could present their products and research papers. It became evident during the presentation of the most recent results, that much research is privately funded, leading to researchers often being reticent about revealing all.

From the afternoon of Tuesday 16 March, the NAMC sessions were held in the large lecture theatres A and B.

During the sessions an international expo took place with 36 stands, featuring amongst the Americans and Canadians a noticeably large contingent of Dutch suppliers.

This expo was very popular and well attended - another success factor. The organisers were more than happy with the 650 visitors in Miami, as only some 400 participants had been expected. The many visitors from the West were joined by a conspicuously large group of guests from China, an indication of the rise of this country in the fungi world.

‘Meet me in Cape Town’

During the sponsored lunch on Wednesday 17th March,South Africa was unveiled as the next host for the ISMS congress in 2008. Mr. Ross Richardson of mushroom grower's association SANFA in South Africa invited all present to attend in four year's time and looks forward to a valuable and equally successful conference in 2008. At 16.00 hr the ISMS General Assembly was held to round off proceedings - all were thanked for their contribution and effort. Mr. Roddy Cairns of the South African mushroom grower's association SANFAshowed an exciting introductory film with Cape Town in the starring role, the location for the next congress due to be held on 21st and 22nd May 2008. He ended with the words “Don’t forget, we have a date in 2008.”

The ISMS/NAMC congress came to an end with a reception and dinner in the Down Town Miami harbour. The united international ‘mushroom family’ can reflect on a satisfactory and very valuable congress.