Review of anniversary edition ZORG.tech 2024

An inspiring day full of innovation and knowledge exchange

On Friday, June 7, 2024, the BMCC in Bruges transformed into the epicenter of innovation and progress in healthcare technology. The ZORG.tech fair, with the central theme 'Technician or detective? - the future of error detection', brought healthcare professionals together for half a day of instructive lectures, with the rest of the day the opportunity to visit many of the fascinating exhibition booths. The day marked not only a high point in technological advances, specifically AI, but also the 50th anniversary of ZORG.tech, a milestone that was celebrated with due pride.

From the reception - with breakfast buffet - at 8:30 a.m. in the BMCC's stylish entrance hall, visitors streamed in, ready to delve into the latest methodologies and technologies for the healthcare sector. The format of the conference aimed to inspire attendees and provide them with the tools they need to meet tomorrow's challenges.

Johan D'Eer, Director of General Services MKL for Rehabilitation Hospital RevArte: "The special thing about this fair is that it is strictly peer-to-peer. Unlike other trade fairs, here it is closely monitored that only stakeholders - executives, management, ... - are invited. There are also strict rules for the trade show booths themselves, otherwise you won't be there next time. Everyone knows everyone here, and it is the ideal way to coordinate and learn from each other every year. The annual fair of ZORG.tech - the former VTDV (Association for Technical Service Heads of Care Institutions) - is therefore meticulously and perfectly organized every time. A breath of fresh air if you compare this to the profusion of related fairs in all kinds of sectors. Everyone enjoys coming here and there is always a lot to learn - through lectures. Just about everyone from executives in the sector attends. Every year again. A great success!"

During the first part of the day, numerous lectures were given by experts who shared their views on the evolution of error detection in healthcare. Participants had the opportunity to learn about advanced techniques and how to apply them in their own practice. It was a unique opportunity not only to learn from the best in the business, but also to network with peers and leading companies in the industry.

50 years of ZORG.tech

The day was opened by ir Erik Van De Wauwer, president of ZORG.tech, who proudly gave a brief overview of all that ZORG.tech realizes and what the association stands for. The 50th anniversary is therefore an accomplishment not to be underestimated. Especially when you know that this was already the 33rd event. Throughout the day, several key figures of the association were regularly honored. Of course a speech by the current mayor of Bruges, Dirk De fauw, could not be missed. The mayor expressed his pride that the location, the brand-new Bruges Exhibition, Meeting and Congress Center (BMCC), was chosen to celebrate this anniversary and to hold the accompanying fair.

Speed and precision of 'Drone in a Box'

Hans Similon, general manager of Citymesh, opened the debates with a fascinating presentation on the groundbreaking concept of "Drone in a Box. This innovative system positions drones at strategic locations, always ready to be operational within 90 seconds and support emergency services. It is envisaged that 70 drones will be operational in no time, with no fewer than 40 drone pilots on standby. This offers enormous potential for rapid interventions in various scenarios, such as locating missing persons, monitoring terrain against intruders and conducting post-damage inspections. Similon highlighted several interesting cases where this technology is already being applied or can be deployed. He concluded his lecture with a live demonstration of the operational drone in Zedelgem.

Social projects in the spotlight

After a short video message from Hilde Crevits, Deputy Minister-President of the Flemish Government, Pablo Annys, Alderman of Social Affairs in Bruges, stopped by to present some prizes for three social projects. The third prize went to De Blauwe Lelie, a welfare association that organizes quality childcare, and more specifically its "giveaway cabinet" project for each shelter location. The second prize went to the garden project of WZC De Vliedberg, where a vegetable garden and greenhouse, a quiet room and a petanque court were constructed. The first prize went to De Vleugels, an expertise and support center for people with mental and/or multiple disabilities. All winners were deservedly honored.

Closing the first part, Thomas Feys, building technology consultant with VIPA (Flemish Infrastructure Fund for Personal Care Affairs) came to explain the benefits of free energy audits. VIPA subsidizes the realization of sustainable, accessible and affordable healthcare infrastructure. The subsidies serve to erect new buildings or to put existing buildings in order for the long term in functional and constructional terms. In short, a more than valuable partner for the sector.

AI in building management and energy optimization

The second part of the morning featured some supertechs. Matthias Strobbe of IDLab (imec-UGent) explained the power of AI techniques in recognizing patterns and anomalies in large data sets. He showed how different AI techniques can help detect and classify problems in building systems, illustrated with a real-life case from his own office building. He also emphasized the importance of interoperability, or the seamless integration of data from different systems (BMS, IoT, BIM, etc.) and vendors.

Joachim Vleminckx, founder and co-CEO of promising startup Enersee, focused on applied AI in the energy sector during his engaging talk. He explained how specialized AI and Machine Learning algorithms can reveal hidden patterns in energy data, such as small fluctuations or disturbances that are not visible to the naked eye. These technologies help energy and facility managers reduce energy waste, water consumption and carbon emissions, while also saving valuable time. The audience listened attentively and had many practical questions for both gentlemen.

Networking and tomorrow's care

After a delicious meal - the walking dinner - all attendees were able to visit the exhibition booths. The vendors offered an exciting mix of demonstrations and presentations, showcasing the latest technologies in the healthcare sector. The day ended with networking drinks, where visitors had the opportunity to chat and exchange ideas in an informal setting. The positive energy and many valuable insights made it clear that ZORG.tech will continue to play an important role in the further development of healthcare technology in the years to come. In short, ZORG.tech 2024 was a great success and once again set the standard for what a healthcare technology fair can be: a place where knowledge, innovation and networks come together to shape tomorrow's healthcare.