IBIA brings together the largest group of international professionals working in the field of brain injury to learn, share experiences and socialize, as well as recognize outstanding contributions to the field of brain injury care. Delegates are comprised of physicians, psychologists and neuropsychologists, therapists, social workers, nurses, case managers, legal professionals, advocates and all others working in the field of brain injury. The Eighth World Congress program features internationally recognized invited speakers, platform lectures, workshops, short oral presentations and poster sessions. The 2010 meeting set a new IBIA record with over 650 abstracts submitted from around the world. State of the art research will be presented dealing with information spanning from basic science to clinical (coma to community) aspects of brain injury. International priorities in the field of brain injury research will be discussed. IBIA will also have a number of exciting, state of the art, pre-Congress symposia, as well as post-Congress workshop sessions to further enhance the attendee didactic experience. The official language of the Congress is English and sessions are open to all delegates registering to attend the event.

The International Brain Injury Association is pleased to award a number of different awards in conjunction with the World Congress. The Jennett and Plum Award for Clinical Achievement will be presented to Graham Teasdale and Henry Stonnington (the latter, posthumously). The Henry Stonnington Award will be given for the best review articles (1st and 2nd place) in the journal Brain Injury, the officially endorsed scientific publication of IBIA. The 2010 Safe Car of the Year Award will also be presented. This year, IBIA will also begin a new tradition of presenting a Young Investigator Award to a research clinician below age 40 who has made a significant early contribution to the field in brain injury research or care. There will also be a first and second place certificate for the Best Poster which also will come with a cash award.

The Congress will be held in Washington, DC, the capital of the United States. The newly renovated Hyatt Crystal City hotel is perfectly positioned to allow Congress delegates easy access to the entire DC metropolitan area, with world famous monuments, museums and historical sites all just minutes away. The hotel has been spectacularly updated and boasts award-winning dining and inviting new guestrooms with stunning views. The Hyatt Crystal City offers a superb combination of luxury and convenience. Washington, DC is a dynamic city filled with cultural attractions and world-class entertainment venues, as well as some of the best shopping and dining in the United States. The Smithsonian Museums are the most visited museums in the world and there’s nothing more majestic than viewing the floodlit monuments on the national mall at night. There are also beautiful parks and recreational facilities sprinkled throughout DC and its suburbs. March is a wonderful time to visit the nation’s capital with the famous cherry blossoms just coming into bloom.

IBIA is pleased to offer all World Congress attendees (both International and Domestic) a special rate on all American Airlines flights for travel to the Washington, DC complex area that is booked within the travel dates of March 7 – 18, 2010. World Congress attendees will receive a 5% discount off the lowest applicable eligible published air fare by using the Promotional Code 9830AK. The percentage discount can be booked on-line at www.AA.com for American Airlines and American Eagle flights only. Reservations may also be made via telephone by calling the American Airlines Meeting Services Desk at 1-800-433-1790 from anywhere in the United States or Canada. There will be a separate ticketing charge of $20.00 USD per ticket for tickets purchased via the phone or $30.00 USD per ticket for tickets purchased at the airport. This amount is subject to change. International originating attendees not booking via the internet will need to call their local reservations number and refer to the Promotion Code.

IBIA has organized a number of optional sight-seeing and social events that celebrate the culture, diversity and historical landmarks of the capitol of the United States, Washington, DC. Our expertly guided tours will ensure that IBIA delegates will return home with a full appreciation for the city and its world famous sites and monuments. Delegates are encouraged not to miss the opening night reception with fellow delegates, food, drink and our numerous exhibitors. The social highlight of the Congress will be a private evening dinner and tour at Mount Vernon with all its’ historic glory. Mount Vernon was the beloved home of George and Martha Washington from the time of their marriage in 1759 until General Washington’s death in 1799. On this special evening, the estate will be opened exclusively to delegates attending the World Congress for our Gala Awards Ceremony and Dinner along with a few other special surprises.

Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to learn the latest information on traumatic and acquired brain injury medicine and neurorehabilitation, as well as, network with international colleagues in the field. Space is limited, particularly for pre- and post-conference workshops and symposia… so don’t delay registering. For further information regarding the 8th World Congress including the full program please see: http://www.internationalbrain.org/?q=node/16.