Key information for 2016, details on how to attend and frequently asked questions.

Date and venue

The 7th Global Patients Congress will be held at Selsdon Park Hotel, South London, UK on 9-11 April 2016.   

Travel details

The Congress venue has an impressive history.  It was the seat of the Bishops of Rochester in the 19th century, and though the Victorian and Jacobean architecture has undergone many expansions and improvements since that time, the hotel still retains the look and feel of a beautiful old English Manor. Delegates can enjoy pleasant morning walks within acres of stunning countryside and woodlands.

The hotel can also boast of playing its part in the UK’s political history. In 1968, it hosted a meeting of the then Shadow Cabinet, including Edward Heath and Margaret Thatcher, to discuss tax cuts, trade union reform and immigration control. One of the workshops will take place in the same room and we expect just as much reform to occur as a result!

The nearest airport is London Gatwick, approximately 30km from the venue and 25 minutes by car or taxi. You are strongly advised not to fly into London Heathrow if it can be helped as your journey time from the airport to the venue could be well over an hour. All registered attendees will receive further information regarding the best options for travel.  

Visas

Some visitors to the UK will require a visa. We recommend that all delegates check their individual country visa requirements. IAPO can provide letters of invitation to registered attendees if necessary.   

How to attend

Patients’ representatives will meet academics and researchers, policy-makers, industry representatives, healthcare professionals and other influential figures in the healthcare world. Delegates will come together from all over the world.  

Registration

The registration process for Congress is now open for IAPO members, invited guests and non-members. Find out more information in the official handbook. 

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IAPO member organizations are entitled to one free place to attend the Congress, but please note that places are strictly limited. Even though members are entitled to a free place, please register as soon as possible to guarantee secure a place. One free place is given to all member organizations and any subsequent registrations or invited guests will incur a fee to cover IAPO’s costs of running the Congress. The bursary applications are now closed so organizations must be able to secure funding to attend by their own means before registering their place.   

Fees

Delegate type	Early bird discount 1	Standard fee
All IAPO Members: first participant only 2	FREE	FREE
Subsequent participants from IAPO members (up to US $1,000,000) 3	£160	£200
Subsequent participants from IAPO members  (US $1,000,001 and over) 3	£400	£500
Non-members – Not for Profit / Academic	£560	£700
Non-members - For Profit	£1,600	£2,000

(1) 20% off, expires 31 December 2015. (2) Free place IAPO member bookings are to be limited to 150 places. (3) Subsequent participants are to be placed on a waiting list; fees for subsequent participants are to cover the direct costs to IAPO.

Please note that the registration fees or the free passes do not include travel or accommodation. IAPO has negotiated a discounted rate of £79+VAT per night (including breakfast) at the Selsdon Park Hotel, and a reduced taxi fare of £31 each way between Gatwick Airport and the venue. All registered delegates will be sent details of how to book their requirements using these discounts.  

Tips for securing funding from external sponsors

We have developed a resources pack to help you apply for funding from external sponsors to attend Congress.  

FAQs

1. Who will attend?

The diversity of IAPO’s membership makes it a powerful voice for patients. As well as patients and patient representatives, you can expect to meet a wide range of healthcare stakeholders at the Global Patients Congress, including healthcare professionals, academics, representatives of governmental organizations and healthcare agencies.  

2. How do I register to attend the Congress?

Conference attendance is currently open to IAPO members and invited guests only. Please email contact@novusmem.co.uk to request the link to register online.  

3. Can I bring more than one delegate to the Congress?

One representative from each IAPO member organization can attend (subject to availability). All extra representatives, regardless of organization income, will be placed on a waiting list and registered on a ‘first come, first served’ basis. Other stakeholders are by invitation only. Please note that the registration includes entry to the Congress, welcome reception and Congress Gala Dinner. Please note that registration fees do not cover travel to or from the Congress, accommodation or any incidentals.  

4. Will my special requirements be catered for?

If you have any special dietary, access or other needs, please let us know before the event by submitting your relevant details on the online registration form or by emailing us at contact@novusmem.co.uk. We will do our best to accommodate your needs.  

5. Will I get the opportunity for sightseeing?

IAPO may run a sightseeing trip to a local attraction on 11 April after the Congress has closed if there is sufficient interest. Please indicate your interest on the registration form (please note that there will be an extra fee for this trip if it goes ahead). Otherwise, the venue’s concierge desk would be happy to organize an individual trip for you, which can be arranged upon check-in (individual trips will not be financially covered by IAPO).  

6. Who can I contact if I have further questions?

If you have any further questions about the Congress, please do not hesitate to contact the Event Coordinator by email at contact@novusmem.co.uk. Alternatively, you can call the main IAPO office on +44 20 7250 8280.  

7. How can I keep up-to-date with the Congress?

Join the discussions! For the latest information on the Congress, ‘like’ IAPO on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. #GPC2016