I am writing to share that ISCT has made the decision to host the ISCT 2021 New Orleans Annual Meeting in a virtual setting. While we very much look forward to the day we can gather again face to face, we continue to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and have concluded that the most responsible course of action is to gather virtually for our 2021 Annual Meeting.
Both our Society and the entire cell and gene therapy field have shown remarkable resilience this year. You might have heard that ISCT 2020 Paris Virtual had record breaking attendance with over 2,000 delegates joining us from 60 countries. We have also experienced record-breaking ISCT membership growth this year and are now proud to represent more than 2,400 members from around the world.
In that spirit, and as we follow up on unprecedented growth, the New Orleans Virtual Meeting tagline has a slight twist to it: Re-Connect, Communicate, Translate. More than ever, we have a chance to broadcast the passion and excitement that characterizes our Society to one another, and to the global stage.
The ISCT 2021 Organizing Committee has kicked off development of the scientific program which will span 3 full live days, from May 26-28, 2021. This year, you can look forward to a full production showcasing sessions with world class scientific, regulatory and commercial experts, from the comfort of your home or office. With this are more opportunities than ever to showcase our corporate partners and advancements in the cell and gene therapy market through engaging presentations.
I’d like to thank all who responded to our 2021 pre-meeting survey. Networking with fellow delegates was identified as the most important motive for attending the 2021 Annual Meeting, and we’re already underway to deliver. We are working behind the scenes to set the bar even higher this year with new ways to engage with fellow meeting delegates in-platform and on social media.
More than ever, it’s important to stay connected.
Sincerely,
Bruce Levine, PhD
President, 2020-2022
ISCT, International Society for Cell & Gene Therapy
