The IPTA Congress is held every 2 years. The choice of the host city/country for the Congress an opportunity to enhance global engagement, inclusivity and recognition of regional expertise while supporting IPTA’s mission to advance pediatric transplantation worldwide. The scientific program of the Congress is developed by the Scientific Organizing Committee, which works with the host-city committee to develop the local logistics, cultural content and opportunities for local scientific participation in the Congress.

Starting in 2029, the IPTA will solicit letters of interest from IPTA members, to host the biannual congress. This process is meant to be highly accessible and to engage with our diverse membership around the world, who may seek to host the congress. IPTA members who may wish to host the Congress are asked to propose their city/country as the location.

All that is required is to identify a group of 5 IPTA members from the same region or country who are motivated, and for them to submit a very simple application letter. For instructions and deadlines regarding the process, refer to this link to the “Letter of Interest Submission Information” letter, which has also been distributed directly to all members.

To identify other IPTA members in your country or region, you can search the IPTA membership directory at: tts.org/ipta-members-area/ipta-membership-directory. You will need to log in to the IPTA members area to gain access.

Your letter of interest should include a brief description of why the chosen city/country is being recommended to host the meeting. The letter should include information about pediatric transplant centers and organizations that are active in the region. All letters of interest received before the deadline will be considered.

IMPORTANT:
Applicants are NOT being asked to provide any detailed information about specific venues, hotels or other logistical aspects related to the proposed city/location. They are only being asked to indicate their interest.

The next stage will include further consultation about the proposed host city/country. Applicants will be contacted by the Congress Chair, to discuss the proposal and obtain additional details regarding feasibility.

Once all of the letters have been reviewed, the top 2-3 locations will be short listed to explore in greater detail the potential venues, feasibility, cost and accessibility for hosting the Congress. At this stage, the Congress organizers will engage with these local IPTA members who submitted the letter of interest. These local members will constitute the potential host-city representatives, who will explore the potential options together with the IPTA Congress organizers. A final decision on the host city location is made by the IPTA Council.

Your Letter of Interest should include a brief description of the following:

• The name of the applicant (must be an IPTA member in good standing)
• The names of at least 4 additional IPTA members from the same country, who will support hosting the Congress
• The proposed location for the Congress (city and country name only)
• A description of why the applicants are motivated to host the Congress, including brief information on active pediatric transplant programs in the region (max. 500 words)

The International Pediatric Transplant Association (IPTA) is a professional organization of individuals in the field of pediatric transplantation. The purpose of the Association is to advance the science and practice of pediatric transplantation worldwide in order to improve the health of all children who require such treatment. The Association is dedicated to promoting technical and scientific advances in pediatric transplantation and to advocate for the rights of all children who need transplantation.

1. Promote the advancement of the science and practice of transplantation in children worldwide
2. Promote research and provide a forum that highlights the most recent advances in clinical and basic sciences related to pediatric transplantation
3. Serve as a unified voice for the special needs of pediatric transplant recipients
4. Develop educational programs for pediatric transplant professionals in underserved regions of the world that enable children to have access to transplantation globally
5. Become the international leader in generating and disseminating information in the field of pediatric transplantation through the publication of our journal, Pediatric Transplantation