Antwerp will welcome the 63rd International Spinal Cord Society (ISCoS) Annual Scientific Meeting next week. 

From 22 to 25 September 2024, the prestigious event will bring together leading experts and clinicians to discuss the latest advancements in spinal cord injury (SCI) care, rehabilitation, and research.

More than 1,000 attendees are expected from across the globe, and with around 40 of the audience being wheelchair users, accessibility is of paramount importance for the conference.

Antwerp’s selection as the host city demonstrates its credentials as an accessible city and model location for the ISCoS annual conference – and indeed international conferences generally. The city’s rapidly developing infrastructure, including a barrier-free public transport system, tactile paving, safe crossings and city routes designed specifically for wheelchairs show Antwerp as a progressive city, prepared to go the distance when it comes to accessibility and inclusivity – making it the ideal choice for ISCoS 2024.

In particular, Antwerp Convention Bureau has worked closely with VISITFLANDERS, Visit Antwerp, the City of Antwerp, and partners such as Inter – Accessible Flanders to ensure that accessibility is integrated into every aspect of the conference.  This has included the co-ordinaton of workshop and practical solution to ensure accesibility for the many wheelchairs users attending the event, making the whole city their venue.

The host venue, A Room with a ZOO, is wheelchair friendly with meeting spaces larger than the average and all rooms accessible by elevator ramp. It’s also one of easiest venues to reach by train being adjacent to the international station.  It’s the only convention centre in the world with its own zoo, providing a peaceful and natural backdrop to events, whilst also being an award-winning science and research centre.

The ISCoS 2024 meeting promises a rich program that will celebrate innovation and stimulate debate in the field of spinal cord injury.

The conference will feature:

• Keynote addresses: Leading voices in the field will present groundbreaking research and impart their incredible discoveries.
• Workshops: A wide range of sessions allowing attendees to engage in myriad collaborative learning experiences with peers and experts in the SCI field.
• Instructional courses: Immersive courses offering deep dives into specialised areas.
• Scientific exhibitions: Organisations from around the world will showcase the latest technologies and services aimed at improving the quality of life for individuals with spinal cord injuries.
• Networking opportunities: With a global audience, the event will facilitate collaboration and exchange of ideas among healthcare professionals, researchers, and advocates working in the field of spinal cord injury.

Conference topics will cover:

• Ageing and secondary complications
• Female health
• Psychosocial impact of spinal cord injury
• Translational / clinical research
• Paediatric and adolescent health

Tadeja Pivc Coudyser, CEO of Antwerp Convention Bureau said: “We are thrilled to welcome the International Spinal Cord Society to Antwerp for its Annual Scientific Meeting this next week. Our city prides itself on being an accessible and inclusive destination, and we are confident that both our infrastructure and welcoming atmosphere will provide the ideal environment for this important exchange of knowledge and innovation in spinal cord injury care and research.”

Evelyn Bardyn from Visit Flanders Convention Bureau added: “At Visit Flanders Convention Bureau, we want to strengthen the positive power of conferences and events, placing a special focus on the experience of all delegates. Through our pilot project ‘Accessible Conferences in Flanders’ we took the first step towards enabling independent participation for those with physical barriers. Our goal is to provide the highest level of service, optimising the conference experience to meet the needs and wishes of every attendee. In doing so, we contribute to an inclusive society with facilities that are accessible to everyone.”

For more information about ISCoS 2024 and the event program, visit here.