Delegates must attend conferences for different reasons: it is interesting to idly speculate what draws people: is it to hear particular speakers, a general interest in the subject matter, to network, to gain information on buying raw materials, or for those employed, for paid time off in pleasant surroundings? This conference drew an interesting mix of delegates from allied industries (perfumery, pharmaceuticals), to academics, to practising therapists, to distillers etc. from a mix of countries including Japan, US and Europe.

First of all, the setting, the building, Centre Universitaire Mediterraneen, on the Promenade des Anglais (facing the beautiful coastline - the Cote d'Azur) couldn't have been better. Built in the 1920's the fascinating old structure contained a lecture hall out of an old movie scene. Theater style seating, looking down to the stage allowed excellent viewing. The ceiling held a magnificent 3-D mural of the astrological signs, with sun moon, etc and stars, like the heavens! Upstairs, the few exhibitors were set against the backdrop of large open windows showing the Riviera coastline. Acoustics were good, and translators kept up sometimes hilariously, with most, including Sylla's southern and Tony's British accents.

If the delegates were diverse, so were the subjects. Opening and closing speeches were made by Dr. Buchbauer, and his remarks on the more esoteric side of aromatherapy made his views fairly plain, if a little narrow. The initial section of the conference was entitled "Aromatherapy: Yesterday and today." Professor Rachid Chemili read out an account of an unpublished work by Ibn Al Jazzar (898-980 AD), which was interesting if a little difficult to follow via the continual interpretation. What I found interesting was the use of raw materials I had almost forgotten about, like Oil of Ben from Moringa oleifera, once used in enfluerage and maceration, since it does not go rancid and rapidly absorbs fragrances. Isobelle Robard, a doctor of laws in Paris, gave a very interesting account of regulatory aspects of French law, especially in the light of the recent trend towards plant-based products. Towards the end of the lecture she showed an account of a statute relating to the regulation sects, which if I understood correctly might amazingly be interpreted to include members of the alternative health community, and the relevant publication was made freely available. Perhaps we could ask Mynou to interpret this for us, because the whole matter seemed too bizarre to properly comprehend. It seems that friends are encouraged to turn in friends! And this law is still on the books in France!

The "Clinical Aspects" section on Saturday morning opened with Michael Kirk-Smith talking of Issues relating to the Clinical evaluation of Aromtherapy which I unfortunately missed, although I gather it was very well received from the comments of others. Many papers followed which were of marginal interest. I was disappointed that a few speakers had seemingly contrived lectures from literature searches, and then read out a stream of facts from a script, and so really had not presented us with an over-view of their topics.

Many of the lectures were excellent however, and there were some lively discussions. In the "Raw Materials for Aromatherapy Section" as Alan Tessier presented an excellent review on the Quality of Raw Materials in Aromatherapeutic Treatments, and touched on the curtailing of distillation times of essential oils for economic reasons at one point. Although I believe he is right in this assertion it was disputed by certain members of the audience.

Dorene Peterson presented an excellent account of Manuka oil and presented the state of play and an account of the research undertaken in this area. Rather incredibly in the setting of an international conference, a whiner in the audience asked what relevance New Zealand and Australian oils (Sylla and I were to present next on Tea-Tree oil) had to this Mediterranean setting, and what research was being carried out on more locally produced oils. Sylla was to address this later, but next a co-presention on the Clone 88 story in modern Tea tree history was undertaken by yours truly and S. Sheppard-Hanger. We managed to confidently answer all the subsequent questions, including a reassuring statement from Sylla that we were not there to sell oils, our requested presentation reflected our inquiries and subsequent findings on a new cloned 'wonder' oil that ends up perhaps being somewhat unnecessary as the original standard tea tree was fine to begin with. Finally, we left the stage in time for Lucille Allorge to take us through an interesting account of Madagascan aromatic & medical plants, profusely illustrated with slides.

The exhibitors included some favourites, Dr. Malte Hozzell and others showing some fine wild crafted lavenders from different altitudes. A large display of Morocco/Egyptian oils included the dried plants too.

Following the second day, a lavish champagne party was enjoyed by most of us until they kindly asked us to leave to close up the building! Lively conversations and renewing acquaintances highlighted the evening along with my (Sylla) most favorite activities- networking - hooking up those that 'need' with those that have or know.

Sunday, the last day covered "Essential oils in Cosmetology" and I was particularly interested in Jean Jacques Etienne's presentation on "Essential oils: active ingredients for cosmetics" as I have been following his previous work on anti-oxidant and anti-ageing properties of certain eo's. Towards the end of the conference Sylla and I presented a paper on Artemesia arborescens (I stood in for Rob Pappas who was ill and couldn't make the trip) and during the pre-amble Sylla was able to context the views remarks of the nationalist questioner who remarked after Doreen's speech. She was able to remind the assembly that whilst we were indebted to France for hosting the conference and indeed for coining the word "aromatherapy" the international nature of the subject now cannot be denied, and is reflected in its previous nurturing in England, and its successful development in the USA. As she pointed out, one third of this conference's attendees were from the USA and that our purpose here is to build a bridge. Sylla ended the preamble by inviting all to come share and support our upcoming NAHA global event in Seattle in the fall.

Altogether an interesting occasion and very illuminating regarding the state of delegate knowledge of phytochemistry and aromatherapy in Europe especially. Lasting impressions are that whilst there is keenness and an abundance of work in progress, there is little comprehension or cohesiveness on the basics of the subject such as safety issues. In fact the word "sensitivity" or 'sensitization' was not properly understood as a concept by much of the audience, which goes to strengthen our convictions, as Chairs of NAHA's Safety Committee that our upcoming work may be appreciated by more than just the USA.

But this aside, this event proved an enjoyable time networking, talking and trying to find places to eat out of hours! A final stroll through the old City Centre was a wonderful way to relax on Sunday afternoon, before leaving the city of Nice. We look forward to more global conferences of this sort, and there should be another planned by this group for next year. There was even talk of one to happen in the USA eventually. Proceedings will be available by July/Aug 2000.

Follow this link to see some images made by Michel Vanhove, and the program, along with other impressions. http://www.nature-helps.com/english/impressions.htm