From Central Office
Our highlights from ISBT Barcelona 2024
Following our two successful regional congresses in 2023, one in Gothenburg and one in Cape Town – 2024 saw the first-in person International ISBT Congress since 2018 hosted in the beautiful city of Barcelona.
Watch our ISBT Barcelona aftermovie
It was especially rewarding since Barcelona was the planned location for our 2020 International ISBT congress but the pandemic had other plans and changed our realities so dramatically. We have to say a special thank you to the Spanish Society of Blood Transfusion and Cellular Therapy (SETS) for their understanding and cooperation when we had to make the difficult decision to move or 2020 congress online, and for their wonderful support and commitment to the 2024 congress - making it such a memorable and impactful event.
ISBT Barcelona was a total success, bringing together experts and fostering groundbreaking discussions
Clinical Transfusion Working Party Meeting
During the first two days of the congress, there were Working Party meetings where all ISBT’s 16 Working Parties caught up on the latest developments and research as well as set their working plans for the year. There were discussions on two new overarching areas for transfusion medicine, with a lively and useful debate on the scope of a proposed Working Party for Basic Transfusion Biology, and the new Working Party on Big Data hosting a series of presentations and mapping out their future plans.
The rest of the congress saw a full packed scientific programme touching upon all topics spanning the field of transfusion, as well as interactive workshops and a chance to meet and catch up with peers from around the world. The workshops allowed delegates to get involved, exchange ideas and learn from one another – and the chance to network didn’t stop there. We had other networking opportunities throughout the conference – including the poster session, the opening reception of the exhibition, the Young Professional Breakfast, fun run and the famous ISBT Party!
Mike Bush and Luis Larrea with the Opening Ceremony presenter
This year’s congress saw over 3300 delegates, one of the highest attendances that ISBT have ever had. At the heart of the congress was a fantastic scientific programme, skilfully put together by the ISBT Scientific Secretary, the SETS local organizing committee, ISBT Vice Presidents, and ISBT Working Parties - all expertly delivered by the speakers and moderators. The exhibition and industry symposia also had record breaking attendance and enriched the congress - thanks to all our industry sponsors and corporate partners – we couldn’t do it without you!
Attendees engage with speakers during scientific sessions, sparking insightful debates and deepening the discussion
See you in Milan!
At the end of the congress, delegates went home exhausted but happy! – enjoying all that the congress had to offer, full to the brim with knowledge with some great memories of Barcelona and connections that will last a lifetime.
