Gaining the International Advantage
Vanessa Bird, The Aesthetic Consultant, reports on her global speaking engagements and what’s she’s learned
“That’s a long way to go for a conference.” As I announced my intention to fly almost 6,000 miles to participate in AMWC Southeast Asia for the second consecutive year, I was met with a mix of responses from family, friends and industry colleagues.
It’s something I now expect, having been on the receiving end of similar comments over the past few years. First come the congratulatory messages from colleagues who recognise the achievement of being selected as faculty. Then come the curious messages from those who are interested in what Asian conferences have to offer. “How does it differ from the usual ‘circuit’ of UK and European conferences in aesthetics? What makes me so excited to return? Is this something they should consider attending too?”
Then come the negative comments from people questioning why I travel so far and spend so much on airfare just to attend a conference that has ‘partner conferences’ much nearer to home. This latter group are obsessed with the time, effort and money I spend attending overseas conferences. They don’t ‘see the point’, suggest I am wasting my time and try and dampen my enthusiasm.
With this in mind, let’s take a closer look at what you can gain from Asian conferences, specifically AMWC Southeast Asia.
There has been more focus on wellness longevity and regenerative medicine with a noticeable influence specifically from Asia. The Asian approach to aesthetic medicine, the products, technologies and protocols they use are refreshingly different. This means you’re guaranteed to see less of what’s familiar and more of what is interesting, advanced and inspiring. Perfect for the more ‘conference-weary ‘delegates. AMWC Southeast Asia is promoted as “A fusion of Asian expertise and global networks”, and it does not disappoint. With big-name practitioners from around the world speaking on stage alongside regional experts, demonstrating techniques and engaging in conversations, delegates are exposed to cutting-edge research and the latest scientific breakthroughs they can then take home to their clinic.
As with all global conferences, there are different tracks to appeal to a wide range of interests. The most popular tracks include injectables (with a focus on safe practice and complication management), aesthetic dermatology, longevity, and business. Delegates can move freely with no restrictions on what they can attend. This opens up education and gives attendees the freedom to personalise their conference experience to suit their needs.
If two days of the conference aren’t enough for you, you can even pay to attend an interactive third day of education that centres around Full-Face Injectables at Rajavithi Hospital.
The Longevity Track started strong with the session “East Meets West.” This was designed to bridge eastern philosophies with Western medical innovations to explore the science of healthy ageing. Speakers presented on how to unlock human potential using peptides, hormones and the science of longevity. Other sessions focused on metabolic reprogramming for weight optimisation using peptides, and further sessions explored the microbiome-brain-skin axis and immune resilience.
The Injectables track focused on a full-face harmonisation approach, shared best practice on complication management and looked at techniques to rejuvenate key areas such as the eyes, jawline, midface and perioral areas. One of the most popular sessions, ‘Modern Faces, Fluid Identities’, challenged traditional notions of gender and beauty. A live demonstration shared insights into techniques that prioritised individualised treatments and unique facial structures rather than performing to outdated gender norms. Dr Cyril Mitchel Agan, a global KOL and aesthetic doctor from the Philippines, presented a particularly engaging lecture on treating transgender patients with injectables. This session was followed by a session dedicated to the art of combining treatments such as injectables, lasers and energy-based devices. Dr Anil Rajani flew in from America to talk about ‘The Baby Face Blueprint’ and the next big trend in aesthetics.
One key trend across the conference was the focus on regeneration. Delegates listened to lectures that explored the use of CaHA PLLA, threads and emerging bio-stimulatory technologies, strongly focusing on the data, science and independent research behind them. This wasn’t just limited to facial aesthetics either. A session moderated by Mr Lorenzo Garagnani looked at other areas that show early signs of ageing, including the hands, decollete, arms, abdomen and intimate areas.
Other key highlights included sessions on surgical approaches, exosomes, marketing for practice growth, treating volume loss caused by GPL-1, skin optimisation and scar management.
The exhibition supporting the congress cannot be overlooked. With two floors dedicated to exhibitors, there was a mix of familiar brands alongside lesser-known (to us) companies based in Southeast Asia. Think exosomes, dermal fillers, energy-based devices, neuromodulators, threads and skin boosters. As expected, there was a lot of Korean skincare and injectable products, NAD+-infused masks and supplements, with exhibitors keen to educate and connect with a western market.
As a member of the Scientific Review Board, session moderator and faculty, I presented twice in the practice management sessions. I was accompanied by UK, Irish and American colleagues who delivered exceptional education in their sessions. As always, it is a pleasure to listen to, connect and spend time with them all, with some of us attending for the past few years. If you do get an opportunity to watch their lectures on AMWC’s platform AMS (and I highly recommend you do), here are the details of their lectures below (please note there are other speakers from the UK who presented too):
- A Roadmap for Aesthetic Treatments in Perimenopausal Women: A Conservative and Multidisciplinary Approach. Dr Susanna Alberti (UK)
- The Doctor’s Role in Marketing. Dr Nisha Menon (UK)
- Melasma in Men-Under Diagnosed. Dr Nisha Menon (UK)
- Deciding PRP Protocols: Global Inconsistencies and their Clinical Impact. Claudia McGloin (Ireland)
- Developing High Value Memberships. Audrey Neff (USA)
- Your Unique Fingerprint. Defining your USP to stand out as an aesthetic injector. Vanessa Bird (UK)
- The Designer Approach. What Aesthetic Practitioners Can Learn from Luxury Brands to Elevate Patient Loyalty. Vanessa Bird (UK).
- May I give a special mention to Jenny Pabila of Niche PR who flew to Bangkok as a delegate. She spent time connecting with brands whose values and audiences aligned with her clients.
Faculty were invited to a dinner at The Athenee Hotel, where we were entertained by Thai musicians and performers. The food was incredible, and we received the most wonderful, personalised gift to take home with us.
Of course, the most exceptional part of AMWC Southeast Asia is the atmosphere, the warm welcome and the amazing hospitality. There is no hierarchy at this conference. Everyone is friendly and welcoming, keen to network and get to know you. Over the last few years (firstly when it was ICAD before progressing into AMWC), I have formed great connections and friendships with people across the world. It truly is one of my favourite conferences and one I will always return to, year on year.
So why should you fly 6,000 miles to attend AMWC Southeast Asia in 2026? For the East meets West fusion of education and knowledge, the friendly, welcoming atmosphere, the cutting-edge education and the energising motivation that inevitably follows. See you in Bangkok in 2026.