Members of the ISSUP-Abu Dhabi Executive, Steering and Local Organising Committees met in Abu Dhabi on November 9th and 10th to begin building the framework for the 6th ISSUP Global Conference. Team members from ISSUP, ICUDDR and INL joined colleagues from the National Rehabilitation Centre (NRC) in Abu Dhabi to discuss the work plan for the event, including the structure of the plenary programme, possible speakers, opening and closing ceremonies, training workshops, identity/branding, ISSUP awards, poster sessions, cultural event, marketing and security.
ISSUP-Abu Dhabi will be held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), a world-class conference facility with 133,000 square meters of event space. Executive and Planning Committee members completed a walkthrough of the venue, which has 12 separate conference halls and 21 meeting rooms. ADNEC provides onsite catering for conference participants, and many hotels are within walking distance, including six onsite.
On November 10th the NRC formally launched the ISSUP UAE National Chapter, becoming the 14th country worldwide to establish a national forum for treatment, prevention and recovery support professionals. The launch included a press conference with ISSUP Global and with local treatment, prevention and recovery support organisations.