INVITATION TO LONDON Dear Colleagues,
Welcome to the 14th Congress of the EADV in London. London is a magnificent city, which I am sure is well known to many of you. The Congress is the first of its type to be held in London, although London has been the venue for many International dermatological events, including the International World Congress of Dermatology held over 50 years ago.

Many areas of older London have gradually been redeveloped and reinvigorated. Such an area in East London is the former Docklands site which now houses the ExCeL Conference Centre, hotels and restaurants. ExCeL is situated very close to London City Airport, providing good access to Europe and Central London and has all the facilities needed to stage an important event of this type. Indeed, it is very much becoming the new London.

As many of you know, dermatology and venereology have developed as separate disciplines in the UK and Ireland. This Congress will bring together the very best of UK dermatology and venereology. The Congress organisation is being co-ordinated by the British Association of Dermatologists, ably supported by the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV and the St. John’s Institute of Dermatology.

The theme of our Congress – ‘Skin and Sexual Health – The Challenge for Europe’ is particularly apt. Like most continents, Europe is facing increasing pressures on dermatological services, as well as an unprecedented rise in sexually transmitted diseases including HIV.

This Congress will aim to address all of these issues and many more. International speakers of the highest repute have agreed to participate in the regular array of plenary lectures, symposia, workshops, lunchtime sessions and satellite symposia, as well as new interactive symposia.

Come to London in October 2005 and you will be the recipient of a high quality CME update in everything relevant to our speciality. A warm welcome is assured and many of you will leave having made many new friends.

I very much personally look forward to welcoming you.

Professor MARTIN M BLACK
CONGRESS PRESIDENT – 2005