International Symposium on ALS/MND, Perth 2019

The Annual International ALS/MND meetings are organised by the MND Association of England, Wales and Northern Ireland in partnership with the International Alliance of ALS/MND Associations. A member of the International Alliance of ALS/MND Associations acts as the host association.

Experts from research and medical communities as well as ALS/MND associations and people living with ALS/MND come together each year to share new understandings about ALS/MND. All share a common goal to move us closer to finding effective treatments and ultimately a cure. The Symposium is preceded by the International Alliance of ALS/MND Associations annual meeting, an Ask the Experts session and the Allied Professionals Forum. For an overview of the 2018 meetings hosted by MND Scotland and links to recordings of presentations click here.  

Learn more about Perth and the Symposium, on the MND Association’s website. 

THE ANNUAL MEETING OF THE INTERNATIONAL ALLIANCE OF ALS/MND ASSOCIATIONS 

The 27th Annual Alliance meeting will be held on Sunday 1 and the morning of Monday 2 December. More information available here.  

This meeting of ALS/MND International Alliance members is open to observers. Registration is now open here.

PALS/CALS Networking Lunch

Monday 2 December
A lunch event for people living with MND and their carer will take place at the PCEC at lunchtime on Monday 2 December. There is no charge to attend but numbers are strictly limited.

Registration now available here.

More information available on the website of the International Alliance of ALS/MND Associations. 

ALS/MND Connect (Ask the Experts)

Monday 2 December 
This interactive session for people living with ALS/MND and the wider ALS/MND community will be held on Monday 2 December from 2 to 4.30pm.

Program now available here. 

Attendance is free of charge but please register here to assist with organising this meeting.

If you are unable to attend ALS/MND Connect will be live streamed via the MND Australia facebook page 

Allied Professionals Forum

Tuesday 3 December
The 17th Allied Professionals Forum (APF) will be held on Tuesday 3 December from 8.30am to 5pm.

Register here - registration before 13 October is £112.50. 

The Allied Professionals Forum is an opportunity for health and community care professionals to share their experiences, knowledge and strategies of caring for people with ALS/MND with their international peers. The aim of this program is to promote the exchange of information on good practice and to enable health and social care professionals from all parts of the world to provide the highest quality care possible for people with ALS/MND through education and application.

Key themes are outlined here.  Program now available here.

People living with MND are welcome to register and can register one carer free of charge.  
 

30th International Symposium on ALS/MND 

Wednesday 4 to Friday 6 December. 

Symposium rates are based on date. The standard rate (through 13 October) is £450. Registration includes lunch and refreshments.

Check out the confirmed plenary speakers here - experts from around the world will complement the Symposium sessions by providing a coherent overview on a variety of topics across the ALS/MND research and clinical management spectrum. Great to see a strong Australian representation - full program now available. 

Contact symposium@mndassociation.org if you need information on registration for people living with MND and their carer.

sponsorship opportunities

Find out more about this year's sponsorship opportunities on the MND Association website or download the sponsorship 2019 prospectus here

Take a look at opportunities to sponsor the International Alliance and host association meetings here.  

Venue

All meetings will be held at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre (PCEC). Details regarding rooms for each meeting will be available later in the year. 

Learn more about the fabulous city of Perth.

Hotels 

Information on hotels close to the PCEC is available here.

The closest hotel to PCEC is the Adina Apartment Hotel. Most hotels have a number of accessible rooms available. If you need an accessible room we advise booking well in advance and calling the hotel to confirm facilities available. 

Flying to Perth

Delegates registered to attend the 30th International Symposium on ALS/MND are eligible to get special rates by this year's exclusive airline partner Qantas. Find out how to get discounted airfares on the MND Association website.

Arriving in Perth

Perth airport is a 20 minute drive from the city. Taxi's are available on arrival and as well as a regular bus service.

Wheelchair accessible maxitaxis can be booked online or call Swan Taxis easy access.  

Hughes Limousines offer chauffeur driven airport transfers.  

Wheelchair accessible van hire is available from Mobility Van Hire WA 

Getting Around Perth

PCEC is adjacent to the lively Elizabeth Quay with easy access to the bus and train station and ferries to Fremantle, Swan River Cruises and Rottnest Island. 

Visit TransPerth for details regarding services and accessibility. 

What to do and see while in Perth 

Perth is Australia's sunniest city, very easy to get around with lots to do and see - take a look at Visit Perth website. 

If you are able to extend your stay Western Australia has an amazing array of experiences from wine regions, coral reefs, beautiful beaches and swimming with whales. Take a look at the Western Australia website and plan your stay.

If you're interested in exploring Perth either before, after or during the conference then head to our friends at Sightseeing Pass Australia's award winning website for over 250 ideas. They provide a hassle free online booking experience offering instant confirmations and electronic vouchers.  We recommend you book any tours in advance to avoid disappointment with availability as early December is peak season. For more information take a look at the day tours on offer and things to do and see in Perth  

Be sure to use 'promo code' MNDPERTH when you book with Sightseeing Pass Australia to receive 10% discount off your booking.

Access to assistive technology and personal care

If you are living with ALS/MND and would like to hire any aids and equipment please contact the MND Association of WA via email admin@mndwa.asn.au or call +618 6457 7355

Alternatively aids and equipment can be hired from unicare health 

For information about access to personal care services please contact the MND Association of WA via email admin@mndwa.asn.au or call +618 6457 7355

If you require any equipment to be delivered to your hotel please contact the hotel to arrange prior to your arrival. 

If you are staying in an apartment style hotel with a kitchen you may want to consider shopping online via the nearest supermarket - Coles or Woolworths. 

Visas

Most people visiting Australia from overseas to attend these meetings will require a visa to enter the country. More information on how to apply for a visa is available on the Australian Government website. 
 

Grants available to assist Australians to attend the  APF and symposium 

Nina Buscombe Award

Applications for MND Victoria Nina Buscombe Awards have now closed. 

Jenny and Graham Lang Travel Grants 

10 MNDRIA Jenny and Graham Lang Travel Grants have been awarded to assist MND researchers with the cost of attendance at the International Symposium. 

ALS/MND Patient Fellows 

The ALS/MND Patient Fellows effort was created in 2016 to enhance the opportunities for people with ALS/MND, care providers to people with ALS/MND and their families to participate in important scientific conferences and meetings about ALS/MND.

Six Patient Fellowships have been awarded and we look forward to welcoming the six fellows from the USA and NSW to Perth in December.