A record number of active ESID Members cast their votes and Birmingham received the most votes. Final Online Voting Results: Birmingham: 261; Geneva: 229; Brussels: 202. Well done to Dr Aarn Huissoon and his team who submitted the winning bid.

The Congress, will take place at the ICC from the 14th to 17th October 2020 and will welcome over 2,500 delegates during the four days. The venue is in a fantastic location, right in the heart of the UK with excellent transport links by air, rail and road, meaning international delegates can get to us with ease. The congress also integrates international Immunology nursing and patient groups (INGID and IPOPI) meetings, making it a truly comprehensive and inclusive immunodeficiency event.

It will be the first time in 30 years that this Congress has taken place in the UK and we expect a significant number of delegates at this conference will also mark the 50th anniversary of Immunodeficiency in the UK National Health Service and ESID’s 19th biennial meeting.”

Dr. Aarn Huissoon, Consultant Immunologist based at Birmingham Heartlands Hospital, led the bid on behalf of the Local UK Organising Committee. He said: “The UK has a long history of immunology innovation and Birmingham has played a large part in this, so I am proud to bring ESID 2020 to our wonderful city.

“Birmingham has undergone huge transformation recently with more exciting developments over the next few years. With the ICC in the heart of this thriving city, it is ideal for delegates to take advantage of a huge range of accommodation, restaurants, cultural activities and shopping all within a few minutes’ walk. I believe my colleagues from around the world will enjoy their time here, and even our UK colleagues will be pleasantly surprised.”