BSW 2021: Connecting the Dots
It is our pleasure to announce we have decided to organize the 22nd BSW in a LIVE format from 9th to 11th September 2021 in the Elisabeth center, Antwerp.
We delayed the final decision as long as possible to maximize the chances of taking the right decision, after gathering as much information as possible from the authorities and other stakeholders.
Although webinars for sure have their advantages, nothing beats the real thing. Personally I am fed up watching presentations on a screen. I crave a real congress, with real presentations, a real audience, a real technical exhibit, real interactions with real colleagues, mentors, trainees, experts and the industry.
Maybe many of us didn’t realize what a nice event the BSW was until they had to miss it. We are glad we’re back anyhow, with two
plenary sessions, free paper sessions, full sessions organized by the sections and the affiliated societies, a trainer-trainee session, the interuniversity quiz, hopefully a surgical night ( restrictions permitting), the RBSS/BGES/BAST hands-on workshop and a technical exhibit.
All of this for the first time ever in the heart of Antwerp, in the beautiful Elisabeth center, although international guests will be offered the possibility to present virtually if they don’t feel comfortable travelling.
This year’s congress theme is “Connecting the Dots”. The two plenary sessions will be dedicated to the congress’ theme. They will pertain to topics which might not seem directly connected to our surgical practice but which definitely will help those of us with an open mind to become better surgeons.
We cross fingers and hope we took the right decision. Time will tell.
Since we had to delay the decision so long and since most of us will - at last - take some weeks off this summer, we’ll be a little short on time. Less paperwork will be sent. Please keep an eye on your mailbox: most of the info will be sent by email.
Please join us in Antwerp and stimulate yours trainees to attend: see real presentations and meet real colleagues !
We will keep you posted about the registration and the program ASAP. Keep an eye on the website !
For the RBSS board,
Charles de Gheldere MD FEBS Gen surg.
President RBSS 2019-2021