Dear ISRRT members,
As you are aware, in April of last year, the ISRRT and the IIRRT made the difficult decision to postpone the 21st ISRRT World Congress which was scheduled for August 2020 in Dublin Ireland as a result of the emerging global COVID-19 pandemic.
This decision was taken in recognition of the priority to maintain critical frontline services during this time of uncertainty and the vital role which many of our members play in the provision of those services. The ISRRT also recognised the impact of the extensive international travel bans which were implemented which would have prevented our planned hosting of the Congress in its traditional format.
The recent commencement of vaccination programmes across the globe brings hope that we may soon return to a more normal way of living. Despite this, considerable uncertainty remains with regards COVID-19 related restrictions and when such restrictions might be eased and the possible impact to our World Congress. In recognising these uncertainties, the ISRRT Board and the IIRRT local organising committee have been working hard to explore the various options available to facilitate a viable Congress.
We are pleased to announce today that the 21st ISRRT World Congress will now run as a hybrid event from the Convention Centre in Dublin Ireland between the 20th – 22nd of August. The hybrid format will facilitate physical attendance for those delegates who are able to travel (restrictions permitting) as well as offering a virtual alternative for those who cannot.
An exciting Congress programme is currently being finalised which will include a number of inspiring workshops on the Friday following a condensed opening ceremony and a number of themed sessions running in parallel on Saturday and Sunday which are sure to cater to everyone’s interests. As previously communicated, the previously approved abstracts for the Congress in 2020 will be automatically upheld for the new 2021 event. The IIRRT local organising committee are currently in the process of contacting all abstract writers in order to finalise the programme and we hope to publish the final programme in the coming weeks.
We have also developed a new registration model with very competitive rates which is outlined below. This model will also give added flexibility to delegates. The rates are the same whether attending virtually or physically.
For those who had already registered for the 2020 World Congress and opted to move your registration forward to the 2021 event, please be reassured that any refund owed to you will be actioned accordingly. A member of the local organising committee will be in contact with those affected in due course to discuss options available. In the interim, if you have additional questions relating to your registration please contact the planning committee at ISRRT2020@advantagegroup.ie.
Please note that registrations will open at https://isrrtdublin2021.org/ once the Congress programme is finalised.
ISRRT members, as always, we appreciate your continued efforts in the fight against COVID-19 and your dedication to ensure access to vital services for all of our patients. On behalf of the ISRRT Board and the IIRRT local organising committee, we very much look forward to welcoming you to the 21st ISRRT World Congress whether you intend to attend virtually or physically.
Keep safe.
Sincerely,
Donna Newman, ISRRT President and Dean Harper IIRRT President
