Dear Colleagues,

I am delighted to welcome you to the 33^rd International Congress of the ISBT will take place in Seoul, Korea from the 31^st May to 5^th June 2014. Seoul is an amazing city. I first visited it three years ago and was very pleasantly surprised. It combines a dynamic modern city with an impressive history evident in both its palaces and museums. All of this is easily accessible from the congress venue. The weather in early June should be very warm and sunny.

Incheon airport provides an excellent international transport hub with easy access to Seoul. The congress will be held in COEX, a purpose designed congress and exhibition centre, which is situated in the heart of the city. The many highlights of this exciting and vibrant Asian city are nearby along with availability of an excellent range of accessible hotels for all budgets.

Professor Kyou-Sup Han, Congress President, and Professor Hyun Ok Kim, Chair of the Local Scientific Committee and Martin Olsson, Scientific Secretary of the Society, together with their teams have developed an exciting and topical scientific programme. New developments and issues in the field of transfusion medicine and science will be profiled and debated providing an opportunity for all participants to understand better the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Seoul provides excellent opportunities for recreational and social activities. COEX, the congress venue, is situated above the largest underground shopping mall in Asia. It is an ideal city to relax with a cold beer with friends after a busy day and there are lots of options for great food. Korean barbecues are great fun, tasty and worth a go!

Organising a congress is a complex logistical challenge. Success requires input and support from a range of individuals and organisations.  Particular thanks go to the local organising committee and to the professional congress organiser, MCI-Eurocongress v.o.f. The support and participation of industry is also a key to success and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the sponsors and exhibitors and particularly the ISBT Corporate Partners whose on-going support is crucial to the success of the society. Lastly special thanks and welcome to all of the delegates. I know that many will travel from distant parts of the world to be part of the event. You are assured of a warm welcome and great Korean hospitality.

I look forward to meeting you all in Seoul in 2014.

Peter Flanagan
President ISBT