Welcome message
Dear Colleagues,

I am thrilled to welcome you to the 34th International Congress of the ISBT that will be held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Dubai is a major commercial and tourist hub, connecting the Middle East to the rest of the world. The city has over 2 million inhabitants. It is known for its daring architecture, touristic infrastructure and shopping malls. It is one of the safest cities in the world, and receptive to multicultural visitors. The Congress will take place from September 3-8, 2016 and will certainly attract a large number of participants from the Americas, Europe, Middle East Asia and Africa.

The ISBT Scientific Secretary and the local organizing committee are bringing together both, a high level educational program and a scientific program that will as always show the best in Transfusion Medicine and Cellular Therapies. The trade exhibition promises to bring us the latest innovations in our field.

The previous ISBT International Congress in Seoul in 2014 and the Regional Congresses in London, U.K. and in Bali, Indonesia in 2015 were a tremendous success. I am confident that this will be repeated in 2016 and hope that you will take the time to enjoy this interesting city and maximise the opportunities provided by the scientific programme and commercial exhibition. The Congress provides a unique environment to meet colleagues from around the world, to exchange experiences and most importantly, to create memories that will help change the way we see and practice transfusion medicine.

Our host in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Health, will be extremely hospitable hosts and we sincerely thank them for their support. The 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 backing is crucial to the success of the society. We should also thank our congress organizer, MCI-Amsterdam for their insight and support. Lastly, special thanks and welcome to all delegates. I know that many will travel from distant parts of the world to be part of this event. Please be assured of a warm welcome and great hospitality.

I look forward to meeting you all in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Celso Bianco President, ISBT

Celso Bianco
ISBT President