Introduction

The Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre. Located in the heart of London, the centre provides all the facilities required for our delegates. I would like to thank Anna Maria Geretti (Chair of the Conferences subcommittee), Jane Anderson (Local Host) and all the members of the Conferences subcommittee for their efforts in preparing an excellent programme for this conference.

Following positive feedback from our members and conference delegates, we have retained our new format for the BHIVA Autumn Conference, with the programme moving away from the weekend and beginning on Thursday morning. Please read the registration form carefully to ensure you register for all the sessions you wish to attend, particularly taking note that it is necessary to register to attend the Joint BHIVA/BASHH Ordinary General Meeting, the CHIVA Parallel Sessions and the Drinks Reception on Thursday evening. In addition, BHIVA has organised two interactive Lunchtime Workshops and, no doubt, demand for these sessions will be high. Early registration for the conference, and for these sessions in particular, is recommended as places are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

The conference programme is now almost finalised and the BHIVA Plenary Lectures cover a wide range of topics relevant to HIV, with a focus on issues relating to testing strategies, and disease management, together with an update on antiretroviral therapy. The BHIVA Foundation Lecture will be delivered by Dr Mario Clerici from the University of Milan, Italy, with a lecture entitled ‘The role of the gut in HIV pathogenesis.’ The BHIVA National Clinical Audit results will also be reviewed, and in addition, there will be an interactive BHIVA Guidelines Session that will focus on getting your feedback and promoting discussion on some of the Association’s latest guidelines. We are particularly delighted to welcome several eminent speakers to London. Our international speakers include Dr Bernie Branson, Dr Mario Clerici, Dr Bernard Hirschel, Dr Scott Letendre and Dr Avy Violari.

The BHIVA Annual General Meeting will be held after lunch and before the afternoon plenary sessions on Friday 10th October. I would encourage all members to attend this meeting as it provides a forum to present any points they might have to the BHIVA Officers and members of the Executive Committee.

Accommodation has been arranged with a range of local hotels, all within easy walking distance of the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre. If you require accommodation please contact IHC Venues, who provide a free hotel reservation service. Contact details can be found in this Announcement.

As Chair, I very much look forward to welcoming you to the conference in October.

Dr Ian Williams
Chair
British HIV Association