Les Jones fills us in on what to expect from the Dental Business Theatre at this year’s Dentistry Show
Here’s your invite to come and join the fun in the Dental Business Theatre at this year’s Dentistry Show. Taking place on 22 and 23 April in Birmingham, this is a theatre programme with a difference and one that you won’t want to miss.
The Dental Business Theatre has been curated for the first time by Practice Plan, to help you take your practice to the next level. We caught up with theatre host Les Jones, creative director at Practice Plan, to find out a little more about what’s in store for you at this year’s event.
Dentistry.co.uk: You’re hosting the theatre for the first time this year, are you looking forward to it?
Les Jones (LJ): Very much so. I’ve hosted similar events, outside of dentistry, in the past and always enjoyed that role. This year’s Dental Business Theatre is bigger than ever with a capacity close to 200 delegates, so it’s quite a responsibility. But I’m really looking forward to it, it’s very exciting!
Dentistry.co.uk: What can delegates expect from this year’s programme?
LJ: Something different to previous years. We’ve put together a fantastic lineup of speakers who will be talking on subjects that are hugely relevant to every dental practice and team. But we’re also organising things a little differently to what delegates might expect. So, we have a couple of double-header presentations where leading industry experts will go head-to-head on key topics. We also have a live GDPUK debate happening on each of the two days, and we’re expecting some lively conversations in those sessions.
Dentistry.co.uk: Which session are you most looking forward to seeing in the theatre?
LJ: Well, there are a lot of great things to choose from, but I suppose the one I’m most looking forward to is our daily hour of ‘Pecha Kucha’. ‘Pecha What?’ I hear you cry. Pecha Kucha is a presentation format that started in Japan and became popular all over the world. Basically, each speaker has 20 slides and these move on automatically every 20 seconds. So each presentation is just six minutes and 40 seconds long. Each session will feature seven speakers talking on a wide range of subjects and they have to be very disciplined to deliver their presentations in the time allowed. It could go any way! But whatever way it goes, it’s going to be entertaining.
Dentistry.co.uk: What do you think will be the highlight(s) of this year’s theatre?
LJ: It’s difficult to pick out highlights because I genuinely believe we have a lineup with no weak links whatsoever. Leading consultants such as Sheila Scott, Ashley Latter, Chris Barrow and Simon Tucker, and will be taking to the stage and all of these are fantastic speakers with years of experience that practices can glean from. So, it’s highlights all the way.
Dentistry.co.uk: You are also one of the speakers in the programme – what will your session cover?
LJ: The title of my talk is ‘From bland to brand’ and it’s all about how practices should take control of their brand and realise that branding is not just for the big boys. Every practice has a brand, whether they like it or not, and the question is: is it a brand that has been strategically developed and passionately delivered? In most cases, the answer to this question is ‘no’ – and that means those practices are missing out on a huge business opportunity. A well-developed brand helps you run your practice more effectively and profitably and in my session, I’ll be showing delegates how they can do just that, without breaking the bank.
Dentistry.co.uk: Can you sum up the theatre programme in three words?
LJ: Different, eclectic, relevant, entertaining, not-to-be-missed (I cheated!).
Dentistry.co.uk: Finally, why do you think the Dental Business Theatre is a must attend?
LJ: Whenever you go to a business presentation, you want to take away practical hints and tips that you can implement straight away into your practice. We’ll have two days packed to the rafters with just that. It’s a genuine opportunity for every member of the practice team to boost their knowledge, develop new skills and approaches, and obtain CPD in the process.
Les Jones will be hosting the Dental Business Theatre at The Dentistry Show on 22 and 23 April at the NEC in Birmingham. For details of the full programme, visit www.practiceplan.co.uk/events.