Welcome to the CISTM16

ISTM President Welcome Letter

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

It is a real pleasure to invite you to the 16th Conference of the ISTM in Washington, DC.

The world of our travellers is changing fast. We are increasingly confronted with changing travel and migration patterns following socio-economic advances or havoc, with emerging infections in a changing ecosystem, with increasing air traffic in a world struggling with climate change, and finally with the digital revolution and mobile technology that has changed our lives in a way we hardly can imagine. So what does this mean for our daily practice in travel medicine?

How can we practice travel medicine in a sustainable way in this changing world?

The Scientific Program Committee has succeeded in compiling a superb program that addresses many of these issues. We hope we can share this wonderful happening with you. We also look forward to your participation in the discussion.

The conference has always been a time to meet old friends, but it is also a perfect opportunity to make new ones. And what better place to meet than in Washington, DC. Washington has so much to offer, and there is so much to discover.

So see you next year in Washington!

Leo Visser,
ISTM President,
The Netherlands

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CISTM16 Scientific Program Committee Chair Welcome Letter

It is my pleasure to invite you to join us for the 16th Conference of the International Society of Travel Medicine (CISTM16) on 5-9 June 2018 in Washington, DC, United States of America.

'Travel Medicine in a Changing Climate' was chosen to be the theme of this conference, recognizing the impact of travel on the environment, and how we must accommodate for these changes in our everyday work as travel medicine professionals. The changes in our earth's climate not only increases forced migratory travel, but has also an impact on vector-borne diseases and air-pollution related diseases. It is the responsibility of travel medicine professionals to promote sustainable travel and ecotourism, and render our travellers sensitive to environmental issues.

The Scientific Program Committee has been hard at work developing a full and comprehensive program including environmental concerns, antimicrobial resistance, arboviruses and eHealth for the plenary sessions. Symposia and workshops will cover malaria, sexual health of travellers, vaccinations, arthritogenic viruses, rabies and air pollution as well as specialty travellers and specialty travel. Two debates are planned, one on risk perceptions of Zika and respective recommendations, and another on Japanese Encephalitis, when to vaccinate?

Two new types of sessions will take place including a game show type session in which participants have to guess the questions when provided with the answers and another where presenters will give scientific evidence countering commonly held belief(s) or practice(s) in travel medicine called "Where's the Evidence?".

We are excited about the program that is being developed, and are working to identify the most critical issues, deliver prominent speakers in new formats for the scientific sessions. I also encourage you to submit your research to the committee to be considered for oral presentations and posters, as they are always well attended and appreciated by the delegates. We have left enough free communications sessions to accommodate for high quality research to be presented to colleagues.

I hope to welcome you to the CISTM16 in Washington, DC!

Blaise Genton,
CISTM16 Scientific Program Committee Chair,
Switzerland

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CISTM16 Local Organizing Committee Chair Welcome Letter

On behalf of the Local Organizing Committee of the 16th Conference of the International Society of Travel Medicine, I am delighted to invite you to join the ISTM at the CISTM16 in Washington DC, USA on 5-9 June 2019 – mark these dates on your calendar now as you won't want to miss it.

The Scientific Program Committee is hard at work developing an exceptional scientific program following the theme of Travel Medicine in a Changing Climate. Having participated in some of their discussions, I am confident that you will find the program of great interest and of the highest scientific caliber.

When you come to the CISTM16 you will want to build in time to explore the wonders of the nation's capital, Washington, DC. From monuments and memorials to vibrant neighborhoods filled with character and charm, Washington is a memorable, world-class destination filled with breathtaking views, unique venues, award-winning hotels and hundreds of free things to do. Enjoy the iconic monuments along the beautiful National Mall, acclaimed theater at renowned venues like the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and Arena Stage, outstanding shopping in historic Georgetown and the fashion-forward City Center, and great sporting entertainment from five professional franchises.

Take time to see Washington's famous giant pandas at the Smithsonian National Zoo, wander through Rock Creek Park where you can hike scenic trails, play golf, and tennis, see how money is made at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, or enjoy a free performance at the John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. In addition to exciting attractions sure to delight everyone, our city offers a dazzling dining scene with 14 Michelin-starred restaurants that will inspire and infuse your visit with local flare.

Washington, DC offers unique cultural diversity, pairing international influence with a distinct local identity. Our city is easy to access and navigate through three international airports. Traversing the city is simple, whether by foot, via bike rental with Capital Bikeshare or through the city's efficient Metrorail system. Our CISTM16 location is nestled in the epicenter of D.C.'s vibrant Adams Morgan, Dupont Circle, U Street and 14 Street neighborhoods, and is only a walk away from nightlife venues, top restaurants, museums and attractions and four blocks from Dupont Circle Metro station.

Washington, DC promises everyone an unforgettable visit. I look forward to welcoming you to our nation's capital in June of 2019.

Mark Riddle,
CISTM16 LOC Chair,
United States of America

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Eco Friendly Event

We are aiming to use recycled and recyclable materials whenever possible at the conference. We are finalizing plans for ecofriendly name badges and lanyards, and signage clings instead of paper signage. We are also designating one conference day as vegetarian. In a further effort to help reduce waste, all conference attendees will receive reusable cups made of ecofriendly materials that keep beverages hot and cold to use throughout the conference. We will also have recycling bins conveniently located throughout the conference venue!

At a time when climate mindfulness is so relevant to our world today, ISTM is excited to truly embrace this topic with our members and collectively take this step towards climate conservation together at CISTM16.

We look forward to seeing you in June! Safe travels to Washington, DC!