Words of Welcome

Dear colleague,

On behalf of the Hellenic Society of Blood Transfusion and the Hellenic Society of Hematology, I am delighted to invite you to attend the XV Regional Congress of the International Society of Blood Transfusion, Europe.

The Congress will be held in the ”International Conference Center, Megaron the Athens Concert Hall”, a stunning new cultural center in the heart of Athens. In the aftermath of the 2004 Olympic Games, Athens will be more attractive than ever, with generously upgraded hotels, renovated museums, exquisite restaurants, and a state-of-the-art transportation network.

The scientific programme of the XVth Congress will start with education sessions, which will offer comprehensive background for the scientific sessions to follow.

The plenary and simultaneous symposia will cover a wide range of topics, so as to attract the interest of all professionals, from those working in the preparation and transfusion of blood to those conducting basic research. The Athens Congress will also feature Pro-Con discussions and a workshop on scientific writing, as well as formal CME accreditation.

The diverse offerings of the Congress’s social programme, meanwhile, range from expertly guided tours of Greece’s enchanting archaeological sites and its rich museums, to evenings at traditional taverns and fine restaurants, featuring both popular and classical Greek music.

Since the Congress is in July, you might wish to combine your attendance at the Congress with a holiday on one of Greece’s sublime islands or on its mainland, where you will be enjoying some of the most beautiful beaches and countryside in Europe.

Transfusion medicine is making significant progress as a result of advances in basic research and technology. The ISBT meeting is a unique opportunity to learn all about this progress and how it can help advance your own work.

We hope that you will join us in Athens and look forward to welcoming you!

Alice Maniatis
Congress President

↑ top