2024 Congress

IVAS celebrating 50 years

September 11-14, 2024

at the

John McIntyre Conference Centre, Pollock Halls
18 Hollyrood Park Road
Edinburgh, Scotland

Pollock Halls photo
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IVAS will be celebrating 50 years starting in 2024, and we have come a long way since we started in 1974! There is no need to wait to start planning your trip to Scotland to attend the 50th annual IVAS Congress, September 11-14, 2024.

Scotland is an amazing place to see, and one needs no introduction to consider visiting. The southern part is considered the Lowlands and the northeast area the Highlands with hilly terrain dotted with Lochs (lakes) and fringed by sea lochs (inlets) and islands. It will be easy to fall in love with the irrepressible spirit and striking scenery of this faraway land.

Everything will take place at the Conference Centre, the pre-Congress business meetings, all three days of Congress, the Welcome Reception, and any wet labs.

Balmoral Hotel photo

The Gala Dinner will be on Friday, September 13, 2024, at the world famous Balmoral Hotel right in the heart of the Royal Mile in Edinburgh. The Balmoral’s famous clock tower stands over the city with a prestigious address of 1 Princes Street with 120 years of history. In 1902 guests arriving at the North British Station Hotel marveled at the grandeur and ambitious scale of the building with its turrets, towers, and balconies. It was named the Balmoral in 1988, “balmoral” the term is derived from the Gaelic “Baile Mhoirel” which means “majestic dwelling.” From royal families and heads of state to cultural icons from every era, the Balmoral has been home to eminent figures over its 120 years. This historic hotel has gorgeous views of Edinburgh Castle and is a fitting location to celebrate 50 years.

There is no host hotel for this event, attendees are free to make their own accommodations.

There is no host hotel, so you are free to find any nightly accommodation that suits your budget or style. you can visit www.uoecollection.com and find accommodations close to the Conference Center. There is The Scholar and the Scott Hotels at Pollock Halls and there is the KM Central and their serviced apartments at Richmond Place. There are many other opportunities for lodging in the area.

You can click on this link https://www.uoecollection.com/conferences-events/venue-hubs/pollock-estate/john-mcintyre-conference-centre/ then click on the directions tab and get directions to and from the Conference Center to any location you might be thinking about staying at.

Places to stay close to the Congress Location:

Other places to consider:

Some great Bed and Breakfast locations South of the City Center:

Consider looking at hotels along the Royal Mile and City Center or look at renting a place from Airbnb or Vbro the choices are endless just make sure it is either close to a bus route or walking distance to where you want to spend time during the Congress.

We will be providing more information about the Congress including things to do in the area, Post Congress Tour, and the Program so stay tuned.

This year IVAS will be heading out of the city of Edinburgh to the Scottish Highlands, including the famous Loch Ness. Each tour will start in Edinburgh and end in Edinburgh at the daily designated meeting place. These will be long days and will accommodate all fitness levels.

Day 1 - Sunday, September 15, 2024 - “Loch Ness, Scottish Highland, Glencoe & Pitlochry Tour” - 12.5-hour trip

Day 2 - Monday, September 16, 2024 – “Loch Lomond, Stirling Castle, and the Kelpies Tour” –
9.5-hour trip

You will need to book and pay for each tour yourself. These tours are open to the public, which means anyone can join. There is a maximum number for each tour, so sign up now, do not wait as once the tour is full, they will not take any more people. Both tours have some crossover, but each gives you time in specific areas in Scotland. There are opportunities to take short nature walks. It is recommended to bring suitable clothing, footwear, water, and snacks.

Download Post Congress Tour Information and Links to book here.

Once you have booked your tour, please email [email protected] so that you can be placed on the list with your contact information so you can receive updates and reminders about the tours.

Click here to download the Congress 2024 schedule.

Click to download your Congress 2024 Exhibitor Packet.

Save the Date Scotland 2024