IIW 2014 Annual Report

ANNUAL REPORT 2014 36

A N N U A L A S S E M B L Y 2 0 1 4

THE ANNUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE OF WELDING (IIW) SEOUL - 2014

The 67 th Annual Assembly of the International Institute of Welding (IIW) was recently held from 13-18 July, 2014, at theSheraton Grande Walkerhill & W Seoul Walkerhill, Seoul- Korea. The Korean Welding and Joining Society achieved great success at its first Annual Assembly & International Conference. Everyone agreed they would remember IIW 2014 for a long time, especially the warm welcome and attention to detail, the traditional Korean performances, and of course, the many virtues of kimchi. Sincere thanks are extended to the professional event organiser, COEX, who successfully collaborated with Sheraton Grande Walkerhill & W Seoul Walkerhill to welcome the IIW and its extended family. Indeed, high attendance figures of previous years were maintained, with a total of 768 participants from 44 countries uniting to share the IIW’s “world of joining experience.” IIW 2014 welcomed 433 delegates/experts, 81 students, 20 IIW “Young Professionals” and 69 accompanying persons, plus 161 participants who attended the International Conference only.

During the General Assembly held on Sunday 13 th July, 2014, a new member was welcomed: Cyprus represented by CWI (Cyprus Welding Institute). The week’s activities were officially launched at the Opening Ceremony, held in the Sheraton Grande Walkerhill & W Seoul Walkerhill Theater on Sunday 13 th July, 2014. The evening’s programme was opened with an original show called “Sand Animation” created and performed by Matilda. The Master of Ceremonies for the evening, Prof. Jong Won Yoon, Chair of Finance of the Korean Organising Committee, launched the official proceedings. The gathering was first welcomed by Prof. Hee Seok Chang, Chair of the Korean Organising Committee. The 67 th IIW Annual Assembly was later officially declared open by outgoing IIW President, Dr. Baldev Raj (India).

Prof. Hee Seok Chang

Prof. Jong Won Yoon

Dr. Baldev Raj