In 1980, UniChem purchased a small travel agency called Soler Touriste, which just happened to be in the building which housed the company’s Head Office. Initially the purchase was made to facilitate, and render more financially attractive, the rail and air trips which its executives were forced to make to meet their commitments. It was soon seen to have marketing potential.
The following year Soler was used to organise and run an International Pharmacists Convention, to take place on a cruise liner, The Nordic Prince, in the Caribbean. The gathering featured the presentation of a full programme of scientific trade papers, which meant that the expenses were deductible. Because of an unexpected change in American Tax Laws there was only a very limited take-up of this event by overseas pharmacists. However, the failed adventure gave birth to the idea that a similar convention, limited to UniChem members, might have some appeal.
Early in 1982, a mailing was sent out to all members advertising a pharmaceutical convention which was to be exclusively for UniChem members, wives and families to be held in Cyprus. This modest venue was selected because it was felt prudent to be rather cautious, after the previous year’s unsuccessful experience in the Caribbean.
Again a series of professional papers was drawn up to be presented by distinguished speakers, and a full social programme was also featured. The whole cost could be paid to Soler Touriste through the individual member’s UniChem account, and again was “tax-deductible” owing to the educational content of the programme.
The response from members was very good, and Kelvin Hide, Assistant Operations Director, was appointed to organise the event as Convention Director. Eventually about 200 pharmacists and their wives set off on the trip. Everything went like clockwork, thanks to the efforts of Henry Soler and his staff, and everyone enjoyed the occasion.
In succeeding years the organisation was to become ever slicker, and the chosen destinations ever more exotic and adventurous. The members really took to them with great interest, and the numbers of participants grew as large as 500. All were anticipating “next year’s trip”.
The first nine venues were Cyprus 1982, Corfu 1983, Portugal 1984, Crete 1985, Rio de Janeiro 1986, Rhodes 1987, Bangkok 1988, Bahamas 1989, San Diego 1990, and in 1991 a Caribbean Cruise. Of these, the first three were all led by Kelvin Hide, the second three were led by David Walker, and the third three by Bill Hart.
As 1988 was UniChem’s Golden Jubilee, the event in Bangkok, Thailand was perhaps the most memorable. However, they have all been extremely well supported, and even following the company’s conversion to a PLC in 1990, the UniChem Annual Convention has remained as popular as ever, and was still going strongly in 2006.
These Conventions provided an excellent platform to introduce new ideas, and the professional papers presented were always of a very high standard. All of the members who attended relished the chance to meet senior staff and directors of UniChem in these relaxed surroundings, and gained a great deal of management expertise and marketing knowledge from the professional papers.
Perhaps the ultimate compliment was paid to them in later years when UniChem’s competitors all copied the idea.