The conference was held at the CSIR International Convention Centre from 6-9 December 2011. The first day consisted of a Technical Forum where various experts presented on microscopy techniques. This was followed by a three day scientific programme, divided between the Materials Sciences and the Life Sciences.

Approximately 150 people attended each day, with 102 papers presented. The major sponsors were Advanced Laboratory Solutions, with Carl Zeiss (Pty) Ltd, Apollo Scientific, Bruker and Oxford Instruments also sponsoring the event. The sponsors also provided a number of awards for presentations made during the conference, of which Mr Gebhu Ndlovu and Dr  Jayita Bandyopadhyay, of the NCNSM, were both recipients.

Photographs from the conference gala dinner are below.