10 years of researchers, clinicians and patients interacting IIMEC10
Welcome to London for IIMEC10
29th May 2015 - IIMEC10
Welcome to London for the IIMEC10 International ME Conference for 2015.
Invest in ME is a UK charity facilitating and funding a strategy of biomedical research into Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME or ME/CFS)
and promoting better education about ME.
IIMEC10 is the tenth annual CPD-accredited biomedical research conference organised and hosted by the charity and now attracts presenters,
researchers, physicians, patient groups and journalists from around the world.
Below one will find a description of the conference, how to register, the venue and details of the presenters.
Research into Myalgic Encephalomyelitis - specifically biomedical research into ME - has, thanks to conferences and research meetings organised by Invest in ME, emerged into the mainstream of research and is receiving increasingly more attention from both major research institutes in several countries as well as national health organisations.
Organisations responsible for medical research in several countries have already stated that ME would receive more urgent attention.
In Norway the Norwegian Health Directorate have allocated funding for biomedical research into ME following the 2011 double blind randomised
clinical trial using Rituximab (Anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody) by Fluge et al (PLoS 6:10.Oct 2011) to successfully treat ME patients.
There is increasing research evidence of immune dysfunction in ME patients.
The UK MRC has previously stated - "There is now preliminary evidence supporting the view that inflammatory mechanisms in the brain and spinal cord may underlie
the pathophysiology of some severe disease CFS/ME phenotypes."
The IIMEC10 conference will show some of the major initiatives being taken to set up a collaborative strategy for biomedical research into ME to further
this complex but exciting area of research leading to appropriate patient care and mainstreaming this field of research as well as this disease.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
The conference will appeal to healthcare professionals, doctors, nurses, paediatricians, occupational therapists, researchers, ME support groups, people with ME and those working in social services, educational support and the media. The conference provides an opportunity for people within government, health departments, social services and education to be able to be informed of the true nature of ME and of the current status of diagnosis, treatment and current/future biomedical research possibilities.
CONFERENCE HELP
If help is needed regarding any aspect of the conference please use our Contact Us page. On the conference day the charity will have a number of helpers to assist from the point of registration through to the end of the day. Our main web site is at www.investinme.org
PAST IiME CONFERENCES
IIMEC10 will be our tenth annual international conference for ME. The conference regularly attracts clinicians, researchers, healthcare staff, charities, support groups and patients and carers fromtwenty countries around the world.
This allows unique networking opportunities and increase the potential for one of the charity's main objectives - international collaboration between researchers.
Download the conference leaflet
IIMEC10: Overview
IIMEC10
This annual international, CPD accredited research conference provides a platform for the latest and most promising biomedical research into ME. IIMEC10 will be the tenth conference and now attracts researchers, clinicians, doctors, nurses, occupational therapists, healthcare professionals and patient groups from fifteen countries from around the world. The conference is a full day event from 09.00 to 17.30. The agenda page below contains the conference schedule.
Why Attend?
With increasing research evidence of immune dysfunction in ME patients and with the MRC stating that there is evidence supporting the view that inflammatory mechanisms in the brain and spinal cord may underlie the pathophysiology of some severe disease ME phenotypes then now is the time to hear of the research coming together to benefit patients and doctors. The conference provides an opportunity to learn of the current developments and future plans in ME researchs and network with an international mix of healthcare professionals, researchers, charities and patients.
Register
Ticket prices are per person attending. Access to the event venue will be limited to "Ticket-Only". Conference Rates include discounts for early registration until 12th March 2015. Professional rates include CPD accreditation. Concessionary rates will be available for patients and attending carers, and charities/non-profits and those attending on behalf of an organisation, though these may be limited in numbers. The cost includes the conference, tea/coffee/refreshments during the arrival, morning and afternoon breaks, and a hot buffet lunch.
Conference Agenda
Our conference theme is Agents of Change. Since 2006 IiME has organised an annual international ME conference and each conference has been a stepping stone for the next one. There has been considerable progress in the last few years especially due to the ground breaking Norwegian research by Fluge et al which showed benefit from rituximab treatment of ME patients. ME research is at a stage where change is possible and progress is inevitable. ME research is an exciting area to be involved in at the moment and Invest in ME is proud to be part of the new developments.
Venue
The venue for the conference is 1 Birdcage Walk, London, England SW1H 9JJ Perfectly situated between the graceful 18th century houses of Queen Anne's Gate to the east, and the Wellington Barracks to the west, Birdcage Walk is surrounded by notable landmarks including Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace and the Houses of Parliament. The conference takes place in a purpose-built lecture theatre
Sponsored Profs
By working with local support groups GPs (or other healthcare professionals) will be able to become far more aware of the current research, knowledge, treatments and support available for people with ME and this will hopefully lead to a closer working relationship with the local ME Support group and its members. Therefore, IiME offer the Sponsored Professional concessionary rate whereby we give a discounted rate for a medical professional who attends the conference when linked to an ME support group. There is no cost to the ME Support group and, with maximum CPD accreditation for the conference, the event can count towards professional education.
Who We Are
We are an independent UK charity campaigning for bio-medical research into Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME.), as defined by WHO-ICD-10-G93.3. We have links nationwide and also internationally. Invest in ME are one of the founding members of The European ME Alliance. Our aim is to bring together like-minded individuals and groups to campaign for research and funding to establish an understanding of the Aetiology, Pathogenesis and Epidemiology of ME. Invest in ME wish to establish a national strategy of biomedical research into ME. and establish a UK/European Centre of Excellence for translational biomedical research into ME.
Our Sponsors
As a small charity we welcome sponsorship. The conference events attract researchers, clinicians, healthcare professionals and patient group representatives from all over the world and the conference provides an ideal opportunity to provide education and information relevant to attendees.
If you would like to help us by sponsoring the conference or by taking one of our sponsor tables in order to distribute information
then please use the Contact Us page to discuss more.
Or look at the sponsorship opportunities at this link.
Conference Events
The charity also organises and hosts an international research meeting prior to the conference. This brings together many different researchers and clinicans from around the world and underlines our theme for the conference - Synergising Research into ME. The charity also hosts a pre-conference dinner and we endeavour to have a speaker presenting information and views on a relevant topic.
Conference Agenda
Conference Schedule
Registration for the conference is open from 7.30 and the conference begins at 08.55 on Friday 29th May 2015.
Times and presentations are subject to change and Invest in ME/Invest in ME Research accept no responsibility for cancellations or changes of presentations or the timings.
The agenda will be refined and amended as we announce the speakers and as the conference date approaches.
| TIME | PRESENTER | PRESENTATION |
| 08.55 | Conference Opens | Invest in ME/Dr Ian Gibson |
| 09.10 | Keynote Speech | tbc |
| 09.30 | Presentations | tbc |
| 10.25 | Refreshments - Coffe Breeak | |
| 10.45 | Presentations | tbc |
| 12.25 | Refreshments - Lunch | tbc |
| 13.20 | Presentations | tbc |
| 15.15 | Refreshments - Coffe Breeak | |
| 15.35 | Presentations | tbc |
| 17.30 | Adjourn |
Conference Speakers
Dr Ian Gibson
Former Dean of Biological Sciences, UEA
Dr Ian Gibson, former Labour MP for Norwich North, worked at University of East Anglia for 32 years, became Dean of the school of biological sciences in 1991 and was head of a cancer research team and set up the Francesca Gunn Leukaemia Laboratory at UEA. In 2011 Dr Gibson received an honorary doctorate of civil law from UEA.
Other Links
Professor Jonathan Edwards
Emeritus Professor of Connective Tissue Medicine University College London (UCL)
Professor Jonathan Edwards, of UCL's Department of Medicine, announced a highly original new treatment for rheumatoid arthritis in October 2000. His team has conducted trials of a new combination of drugs on patients who have suffered from rheumatoid arthritis for as long as 20 years; all but two of the 22 patients have so far shown marked improvements in their symptoms of the disease. More information IiME/UCL Rituximab Clinical Trial for ME Professor Edwards has been the charity's advisor. He has played a major part in initiating the IiME/UCL rituximab clinical trial which IiMER and UCL are beginning - click here
Other Links
Conference Registration
Professional Rates
£105 for earlybird rate *
£125 Normal rate
Earlybird rates are in effect until 12th March 2015 after which normal prices will be charged
Professional Rates
For healthcare professionals and members of the public
Note:
- This ticket category allows CPD accreditation
- The ticket price is per person attending
- We will do our best to help with catering requirements but cannot promise that all requests can be fulfilled
Sponsored Professional Rates
£83 for earlybird rate *
£103 Normal rate
Earlybird rates are in effect until 12th March 2015 after which normal prices will be charged
Sponsored Professional Rates
- For professionals who are linked to a local ME support organisation
- Please specify the ME support organisation when registering
Note:
- This ticket category are for healthcare professionals linked to a local ME support group by recommendation or links
- This ticket category allows CPD accreditation
- The ticket price is per person attending
- Please note these are limited by the venue owners. Please contact Invest in ME Research to reserve
- We will do our best to help with catering requirements but cannot promise that all requests can be fulfilled
Charity and Organisation Rates
£75 for earlybird rate *
£85 Normal rate
Earlybird rates are in effect until 12th March 2015 after which normal prices will be charged
Charity and Organisation Rates
- For charities and non-profit organisations
- For those attending on behalf of an organisation
Note:
- The ticket price is per person attending
- Please note these are limited by the venue owners. Please contact Invest in ME Research to reserve
- We will do our best to help with catering requirements but cannot promise that all requests can be fulfilled
Patient and Student Rates
£43 for earlybird rate *
£50 Normal rate
Earlybird rates are in effect until 12th March 2015 after which normal prices will be charged
Patients, Attending Carers and Student
- For people with ME, their accompanying immediate carers
- For immediate carers of ME patients
- For registered students
Note:
- The number of concessionary tickets are limited and ticket price is per person attending
- Please note these are limited by the venue owners. Please contact Invest in ME Research to reserve
- We will do our best to help with catering requirements but cannot promise that all requests can be fulfilled
The ticket prices are as detailed in the registration box below.
Ticket prices are per person attending
Access to the event venue will be limited to "Ticket-Only"
Tickets are not transferable unless agreed in advance with the charity
The cost of the ticket includes the conference, tea/coffee/refreshments during the morning and afternoon, and a hot buffet lunch
Please also read the Terms and Conditions notes below before registering
Ticket Categories
Note: Earlybird rates are in effect until 12th March 2015 after which normal prices will be charged
Download a registration form for registration and payment via cheque.
Registration
Submission of a completed registration to Invest In ME (via one of the options above), will register the application for
one ticket covering the attendance day at the event entitled "The 10th International Invest in ME Conference
2015".
Access to the event venue will be limited to "Ticket-Only" and Personal Identification may be required for proof of identity.
Under the Data Protection Act (1998), you agree to your details being retained by Invest In ME for the purposes of managing this event.
Disabled Access
Disabled access is available but wheelchair places may be limited by the venue owners and need to be reserved beforehand. IiME cannot guarantee that a wheelchair place will be available and applications are treated on a first-come-first-serve basis. Please see the venue page by clicking the VENUE button on the left of this page.
One completed Registration Form is required for each individual wishing to attend.
Cancellation
No refunds will be considered for no-shows. Refunds will be considered if written notice is received by 12th March 2015. No refunds will be given after this date.
Only the person named on the ticket may attend the conference. However, substitutions may be accepted provided Invest in ME is informed and if Invest in ME agrees to the substitution at least two weeks prior to the event.
Invest In ME is not liable for any loss or damage as a result of substitution, alteration, postponement or cancellation of the event due to causes beyond its control including, without limitation, natural disasters, sabotage, accident, trade or industrial disputes or hostilities.
Concession Rates are offered to ME patients, their immediate or accompanying carers and students but the number of concessionary tickets is limited and will be dealt with on a first-come-first-served basis. Please note that the price per ticket is per person attending. We will be maintaining a waiting list for those who, initially, have not been able to obtain a concessionary rate.
Confirmation of booking
Attendees will receive an e-ticket containing their unique registration id. If an email account is not available then the registration confirmation will be posted. Please bring the confirmation email/letter with you to the conference.
Concession Rates are offered to ME patients, their immediate or All bookings will be confirmed by email, unless otherwise stated. Please contact us if you have not received your confirmation within 10 days after submitting your booking.
CPD Accreditation CPD accreditation forms will only be supplied to those registering using the professional category.
Disclaimer
The views expressed at the 10th Invest in ME International ME Conference 2015 by the presenters and delegates to the conference and any information material distributed are their own personal opinions that are not shared or endorsed by the Trustees of IiME. IiME accept no responsibility for the views expressed or any subsequent action taken. The contents of any presentation should not be deemed to be an endorsement, recommendation or approval of such content by Invest in ME. The materials presented at the 10th Invest in ME International ME Conference 2015 do not constitute medical advice. No medical recommendations are given or implied by Invest in ME. Any person registering or attending the conference who may take any action or consider medical treatment or referrals should take detailed advice from their own medical practitioner. Invest in ME disclaims any implied guarantee about the accuracy, completeness, timeliness or relevance of any information contained at the conference. By registering for or attending the conference you agree that Invest in ME is not liable for any complications, injuries, loss or other medical problems arising from, or in connection with, the use of or reliance upon any information contained in the conference.
The Conference Venue
Westminster, London
The venue for the conference is 1 Birdcage Walk, London, England SW1H 9JJ
Perfectly situated between the graceful 18th century houses of Queen Anne's Gate to the east, and the Wellington Barracks
to the west, Birdcage Walk is surrounded by notable landmarks including Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace and the Houses of Parliament.
Originally the site of James I's aviary and extended by his Grandson, Charles II, One Birdcage Walk was created as part of a post-Restoration remodelling of St. James' Park and is regarded as one of the finest examples of traditional architecture in Westminster.
Up until 1828 only the Hereditary Grand Falconer (the Duke of St. Albans) and the Royal Family could drive down it. The Building is regarded as one of the finest examples of traditional architecture in Westminster. The interiors and function rooms are styled to reflect Birdcage Walk's heritage.
The Lecture Theatre
The Lecture Theatre is located on the ground floor and includes temperature controlled air conditioning, writing tablets attached to every seat and all the technical requirements expected of a modern lecture theatre. Registration, refreshments and lunch are held in the Marble Hall and Gallery on the lower ground floor.
NOTE: Wheelchair places in the conference lecture theatre are limited in number by the venue owners and are beyond our control. Please check before registration.
The Location
Transportation to Birdcage Walk
By Air
From London Heathrow Airport 50 minutes by car or 40 minutes from Paddington Station by Heathrow Express From London Gatwick Airport 1.5 hours away by car or 30 minutes from Victoria station by the Gatwick Express. British Airports Authority (BAA) - Operators of Heathrow and Gatwick airports
By Rail
From London Heathrow Airport 50 minutes by car or 40 minutes from Paddington Station by Heathrow Express From London Gatwick Airport 1.5 hours away by car or 30 minutes from Victoria station by the Gatwick Express. British Airports Authority (BAA) - Operators of Heathrow and Gatwick airports
By Underground
From Westminster Tube Station 5 minute walk Take Exit 6 -Turn left out of underpass and take next left on to Great George Street -Walk along Great George Street and cross over Horse Guards Parade -Cross over the road at the pedestrian crossing on your left -The main entrance to One Birdcage Walk is on your left. From St James's Park Tube Station 7 minute walk -Take Broadway exit -Turn left out of exit and cross road at pedestrian crossing on to Queen Anne's Gate -Go through Queen Anne's Gate and turn right on to Birdcage Walk -Walk along Birdcage Walk until just before Horse Guards Parade on your left -The main entrance to One Birdcage Walk is on your right. From Victoria Mainline/Tube Station 20 minute walk -Take Victoria Street exit -Walk along the left side of Victoria Street (Victoria Theatre is on this side) -Walk the length of Victoria Street passing Sainsbury's and the HSBC bank until you reach Barclay's Bank. Westminster Abbey will be on your right -Turn left at Barclay's and cross over Tothill Street, via the pedestrian crossing, on to Storey's Gate -Walk the length of Storey's Gate passing the Methodist Central Hall and -Westminster Arms pub until you reach Birdcage Walk -Turn left on to Birdcage Walk -The main entrance to One Birdcage Walk is on your left. Transport for London (TFL) Information on Tube, light rail, bus and taxi services in London.
By Car
There are a number of local car parks near Birdcage Walk. See http://www.westminster.gov.uk/carparks Should you wish to hire a car there are a number of local car rental companies around the area. National Car Parks (NCP) Taxis and Private Hire
Hotels
If you need a hotel during your stay in London then please use London Town - using the link provided here. The special map allows all hotels to be seen in the vicinity of the conference venue location.
The London Town site also provides help and information regarding your visit. Please mention the IIMEC10 conference also when dealing with London Twon.
