During the past 10 years, there has been an abundance of literature written about the incidence rate of leg ulcers and the ​high cost of their management. Medical and nursing skills have had to keep pace with the rapid development of wound technology and products. With an ageing population, increasing incidence of long-term conditions and a very challenging financial environment, healthcare services will have a significant challenge; therefore, attendance at conferences is essential to ensure our skills and practice are current.