ISDE STATEMENT ON COVID-19

Updated on May 14, 2020

After close monitoring of the global risk assessment by the World Health Organization of the COVID-19 pandemic, on behalf of the ISDE Executive Committee, we wish to share with you that the 17th ISDE World Congress for Esophageal Diseases (ISDE 2020), originally scheduled on September 21 to 23, 2020 in Toronto, Canada will be postponed to August 19 to 21, 2021 in Toronto, Canada.

The postponement was based on multiple factors, including but not limited to, the current travel restrictions put in place and, importantly, the toll currently being placed on our health care community. These restrictions significantly affect the ability of delegates, speakers, presenters, sponsors and exhibitors to participate safely at ISDE 2020. This decision also underlines our commitment to containing the virus and preventing further sickness and loss of life, as per WHO recommendations.

Given the postponement, we can automatically transfer your participation to the event in August 2021, at no cost. For those who prefer, participation fees can be fully refunded. Any travel and accommodation not directly booked through the Congress Secretariat will be at the discretion of the individual provider's policy. For information on hotel rooms booked via the Congress Secretariat, please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on the Congress website.

Although the decision to postpone our event was not an easy one to make, this serves as an opportunity for us to become more innovative and to stay connected. Our team is excited to announce the first-ever international ISDE virtual experience! We will be providing a series of virtual educational meetings in the summer and fall of 2020 with more information available shortly.

Due to the rapidly evolving nature of the pandemic, we invite all delegates and industry partners to read our FAQs and monitor your emails, as well as our website, for specific information on the new Congress timeline.

In the meantime, please stay safe and healthy.