ESC Congress 2016 to be conducted at Rome

The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) announced today that Rome was chosen as the venue for the ESC Congress 2016.  The ESC Congress is the largest cardiology meeting in the world. This will be the first time it comes to Rome.  30,000 cardiovascular medical professionals are expected in the Italian capital for the 5 day event from, 27 to 31 August 2016.

The announcement was made today by Isabel Bardinet, CEO of the ESC: "Italy is a strong contributor to the ESC and its activities and Rome is a very attractive destination, not to mention its history and the culture.  This should make it an unforgettable venue for our delegates."

Marta Leonori , member of the Tourism Council for the City of Rome, said:  "This is wonderful news for our city! Rome's heritage is unique and it is also a modern and sophisticated destination. ESC delegates will be able to combine work with entertainment. The ESC Congress will bring new business opportunities for the Italian Tourism Industry. We are very excited about hosting this prestigious event and we would like to assure the ESC of our warmest welcome."

The President of Fiera Roma, Mauro Mannocchi explained:  "Fiera Roma, which opened in 2006, is a modern, environmentally friendly and efficient exhibition venue. Fiera Roma looks forward to being the meeting point for the most eminent cardiologists in the world. We are fully equipped to receive this prominent scientific event and we are, of course, totally committed to making this a unique experience for ESC Congress 2016 delegates."

The European Society of Cardiology represents 56 national societies and 36 affiliated societies thus giving it a wide global representation. Professor Panos Vardas, President of the ESC, concluded: "Rome enjoys a strategic position at the heart of the Mediterranean, making it a convenient meeting point for our delegates. I would also like to highlight that Italian cardiologists are very active members of the ESC, sending large number of delegates to our events and one of the top abstract submitters of past congresses (1), so it is fitting that ESC Congress comes to Rome.  For five days in August 2016, the eternal city will be at the heart of innovation in the field of cardiology."

Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) causes over 4 million deaths in Europe every year. It is the main cause of death in women in all countries of Europe (2). More information on the ESC Congress or on CVD can be obtained from the ESC Press Office.