The second biennial meeting: Verona, Italy 2007  

The second meeting was organized by Dr Albino Bricolo at Due Torri Hotel Baglioni in Verona, Italy on June 15 -17, 2007. The meeting opened with a welcome party and dinner at the wine cellar of the Bricolo Family at Custosa on June 15th, 2007 at 7:00PM.   

The business meeting was held on June 15th, 2007.  Dr Bricolo stated the WANS should remain independent of industrial or corporate sponsorship.  There were 48 active members identified.  Dr Crockard had resigned from membership, and Dr Ali Raja had tragically died in a plane accident.  The list of proposed new members was reviewed in detail.  Dr Bricolo suggested the formation of an Advisory Board which would be comprised of the Past-Presidents.  Professor Colli discussed the proposal for the next WANS meeting to take place at Iguassu Falls in Brazil Sept 18th, 2008 at the same time as the Brazilian Neurosurgical Society.    

On June 16th, 2007 the scientific sessions were opened by Dr Albino Bricolo, the President of WANS. Thirty-two members have participated at the meeting and 34 scientific presentations were made. During these sessions spouses visited San Pietro castle, the Roman Theatre and the cathedral. On the program there was also a painting exhibition of 200 masterpieces dedicated to “melancholy over the ages”. At night there was a concert by soprano Katia Ricciarelli and tenor Francesco Zingariello accompanied by the pianist Angelo Nigro which was followed by a black-tie dinner at the hotel.  

On June 17th, 2007 a guided tour of Verona was organized. During the business meeting officers of the 2005-2007 period were elected: Dr Ossama Al-Mefty-President, Dr John Popp-President elect, Dr James Rutka-Secretary/Treasurer.