When people talk about hosting a conference, they often imagine a single grand hall, a speaker at a lectern, and an audience dutifully listening. But when you’re staging CardioAlex.25—the leading cardiovascular conference in Africa & the Middle East —you’re not just hosting a conference. You’re choreographing a symphony of science, logistics, technology, and human connection. And to make it work—not just well, but exceptionally—it takes more than a good team. It takes a great one!

For over 2 decades, ICOM Group has proudly partnered with the CVREP Foundation, the founder of CardioAlex Conference, to deliver this world-class event. This long-standing collaboration reflects a shared commitment to advancing cardiovascular knowledge and patient outcomes across the region and beyond.

CardioAlex.25 that took place from 17-20 Jun. 2025 — is more than an event. It’s a mission. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide, and CardioAlex is dedicated to uniting global knowledge with local expertise to advance cardiovascular treatment and patient care. That mission drives everything we do, and this year’s conference was our most ambitious yet:

• 6,567 total attendees (physical & virtual), all with diverse backgrounds—from eminent professors, junior residents to senior consultants, biomedical engineers to nurses.
• 136 international speakers from 28 countries, ensuring true global representation.
• 280 scientific hours, 25 hands-on workshops, 6 ‘Live in a Box’ sessions, and 8 live transmission cases that connected continents in real time.
• 15 key international and regional partners, and 12 societies joining forces in joint sessions.
• 26 Continuing Medical Education Credits (EBAC-accredited), supporting lifelong learning in cardiology.

Delivering this experience demands more than professional know-how. It requires a deeply aligned team culture that can move from good intentions to great execution.

The Special Ingredients of a Great Team

As event professionals, we know that no single person can “pull off” an event of this scale. But what makes a team move beyond basic coordination into true synergy? At ICOM Group, delivering CardioAlex.25 has taught us the essential ingredients:

• Shared purpose. Every department—from High Management to Business Development, Operation, Commercial & Partnership, Medical Department, Branding & Production, Media Production, and Web Development—was united by the belief that team work knows no borders.
• Respect for expertise. With so many moving parts—from complex medical content to technology integration—each team brought their unique strengths, and all were respected equally.
• Transparency and communication. Starting to plan an event for over a year meant challenges arose. Clear communication turned obstacles into opportunities.
• Trust. Team members knew they could rely on each other, building a culture where everyone felt safe to share ideas, raise concerns, and take initiative without fear.
• Delegation. Leadership empowered every team to own their part of the mission, avoiding micromanagement and enabling faster, smarter decisions on the ground.
• Empowered leadership. Rather than controlling every detail, leaders focused on setting clear goals and supporting their teams to deliver exceptional results.
• Adaptability. In the face of logistical hurdles or last-minute program changes, the team remained solution-focused.

We also know what hinders teamwork: siloed thinking, unclear goals, and fear of failure. To address these challenges, we focused on breaking down barriers between departments, aligning everyone around a clear mission, and creating a safe environment where ideas—and even mistakes—could lead to better outcomes. That culture of trust and collaboration is what took us from being a good team to being a great one.

A Collaboration for Impactful Science

What truly set CardioAlex.25 apart was the quality and inclusiveness of its scientific program. Our Team collaborated closely with the scientific committee to deliver the most engaging, up-to-date content for cardiovascular professionals.

We didn’t just focus on established specialists—we made sure to nurture the next generation. Career development tracks were carefully designed to support young physicians, with a special focus on empowering both male and female cardiologists with leadership skills, research know-how, and practical training to excel in their careers.

ICOM teams also worked tirelessly to communicate and coordinate with international and regional stakeholders, ensuring meaningful participation, collaborative sessions, and strong, sustainable partnerships.

Leading from the Top

Ahmed El Chal, Chairman of ICOM Group, summed it up best:

“CardioAlex is true evidence to what happens when people rally behind a purpose bigger than themselves. As leaders, our role is to build the environment where collaboration thrives. It’s not about giving orders—it’s about enabling people to excel”.

Ahmed’s leadership philosophy is embedded throughout ICOM Group’s approach. High-level strategy was not confined to the boardroom but was shared with every department, ensuring alignment on goals and values from day one.

Business Development: Building Bridges

Salma Darwiche, Chief of the Business Development Division, describes the process this way:

“Our partnerships with international or regional medical associations were not just about signing agreements. They were about trust, shared vision, and co-creation. Whether it was coordinating with 15 international partners or aligning with 12 medical societies, we approached every negotiation with honesty and openness”.

This approach ensured that partnerships weren’t transactional but transformational, enriching the program for all attendees.

Commercial & Partnership: Expanding the Circle

Moataz Kamal and Dalia El Tohamy, Commercial & Partnership Directors at ICOM Group, shared their approach:

“We didn’t just offer companies a sponsorship package—we invited them to be part of a shared mission. From Egypt to the Gulf, and Africa, we approached partners with a clear message: CardioAlex is where you belong if you want to advance cardiovascular care. That meant understanding their goals, building trust, and creating tailored opportunities that felt personal and impactful.”

Their work ensured that companies from all destinations could find meaningful ways to participate, strengthening the ecosystem that supports cardiovascular innovation and education.

Operations: The Engine Room of Success

On the ground, the Operations team faced the monumental task of translating plans into reality. Sandra Wasfy, Project Manager in the Operations Department, reflected:

“We were managing scientific sessions in parallel, complex live transmissions, and a high-energy exhibition hall—all while keeping thousands of participants engaged. It’s about planning every detail but also being ready to improvise. No plan survives the first hour of an event without adaptation!”.

Sandra’s words highlight a truth every event professional knows: while strategy is vital, real success lies in flawless execution, adaptability, and a team that can stay calm under pressure.

Sustainability: A Commitment Beyond the Conference

We also recognized that true excellence isn’t just about what happens inside the conference halls. It’s about our responsibility to the planet. CardioAlex.25 implemented robust sustainability practices, including:

• A Going Green approach, prioritizing reusable and recyclable materials.
• Carbon emission reduction strategies, including optimized logistics and travel planning.
• Waste management initiatives for responsible disposal and recycling during the event.
• Choosing a sustainable venue: the iconic Bibliotheca Alexandrina in Alexandria, Egypt, known for its energy-efficient design and commitment to cultural heritage.

We believe that conferences can lead the way in modeling sustainability for the entire events industry.

Beyond the Conference: Showcasing Egypt’s Beauty

Because we know that connection happens outside meeting rooms, too, ICOM Group also organized tailored touristic experiences for our international and regional attendees. Our dedicated Destination Management team carefully built an engaging itinerary designed to showcase Egypt’s rich culture and history—from exploring Alexandria’s Mediterranean charm to visiting Cairo’s most iconic attractions. These immersive tours let our guests truly feel the spirit of Egypt, deepening bonds, building friendships, and creating unforgettable memories.

A Year of Collaboration, A Lifetime of Impact

For over a year, ICOM departments collaborated tirelessly. High Management Leadership Strategies provided the vision. Business Development secured transformative partnerships. Operation ensured seamless delivery. Commercial & Partnership built stakeholder alignment. The Medical Department curated the rich scientific program. Branding & Production and Media Production delivered compelling event storytelling and design. Web Development created intuitive, user-friendly platforms to support the hybrid experience.

This isn’t just teamwork—it’s integrated collaboration, where silos break down and expertise fuses into a single mission. That’s what takes a team from good to great.

Looking Ahead: The Silver Jubilee Challenge

But our mission doesn’t end here. As we look to the future, we’re preparing for an even greater milestone: CardioAlex’s Silver Jubilee next year. Celebrating 25 years of advancing cardiovascular education will be more than an anniversary—it will be a renewed promise to innovate, connect, and serve the medical community at an even higher level. Delivering on that promise will require even more team cohesiveness, creativity, and shared purpose. Because going from good to great is not a destination. It’s a journey we take together, year after year.