Why Attend ECRD

1. All key stakeholders together in one room

Including academics, health care professionals, patients and patients’ representatives, industry, and policy makers. The main objectives of ECRD are to share the most up-to-date health information related to the rare disease environment throughout all European countries, in an effort to pool fragmented resources across the Members States to promote better policies and best practices, thus reducing health inequalities for rare disease patients. This is a unique opportunity to take the discussion to the next step with a view at elaborating National Plans or Strategies on rare diseases.

2. Proven track record

The previous European Conferences on Rare Diseases have been successfully organised by EURORDIS since 2001. The conference has grown over the years – in number of participants, quality of content, dissemination and impact – to be considered today as “The Conference” of reference on rare diseases in Europe. Its importance and recognition on a political level is recognised through its explicit mention in the Commission Communication on Rare Diseases.

3. Great value

Special low rates available for patients and patients’ representatives. Attractive rates available for health care professionals, academics and industry. Discounts available to ALL for early booking.

4. Packed agenda

7 conference themes covering over 30 unique and informative sessions, panel discussions and plenty of networking opportunities.

5. Pre-conference capacity-building workshops

A variety of capacity-building workshops designed to empower patients and patients’ advocates and encourage learning from each other’s experience are offered.

6. Pre-conference tutorials

5 half-day pre-conference tutorials on hot topics designed for industry and academia are proposed.

7. Quality content

Key topics of vital importance to you, your organisations and your peers.

8. Extensive networking opportunities

Networking opportunities abound during this 3-day conference encouraging you to mingle with all key stakeholders and with your fellow patients / patients’ representatives and industry peers during the pre-conference workshops and tutorials.

9. First rate speaker panel

Including policy makers, representatives from Member States, academics and healthcare experts in the field of rare diseases. The patient’s perspective will be shared and knowledge sharing encouraged.

10. Oral communication of pre-selected posters

In addition to the poster displays, all poster submissions will be reviewed by the Programme Committee and a pre-selected group will be given the opportunity to make oral presentations during dedicated sessions.