On Friday evening 6, Saturday 7 and Sunday morning 8 November 2026 we will host our annual global members’ conference in the Netherlands. Our guests are welcome from 20:00 on Friday evening for an informal welcome reception with traditional Dutch snacks and refreshments. The programme features a variety of interesting parallel sessions on a wide range of topics.
This is a hybrid conference: members can take part online as well as in person at our venue in the Netherlands. Online participants can attend the speaker sessions only, not the other parts of the programme.
On Saturday evening we will host a dinner buffet for all participants. This year we are once again organising activities on Sunday: for each member attending we cover the cost of one hotel room from Saturday to Sunday (including breakfast buffet).
Welcome dinner
Welcome drinks with Dutch snacks and refreshments (ISVW bar)
Reception and registration
Welcome, agenda and members’ meeting
Lex van der Heijden
Diagnosis and treatment of vascular malformations NL
Dr. ? (Dutch)
Session (topic to follow) NL
Dr. Patrick Kemperman (Dutch)
Break with ‘vlaai’ (Dutch pie)
Parallel sessions: diagnosis and treatment of vascular malformations
Dr. Patrick Kemperman EN / FR
Dr. ? EN
Lunch
European Reference Networks: what’s in it for me? EN / FR
Hanae Jaali Chabor, MSc
Parallel sessions
Artificial Intelligence (AI): what can I do with this? NL / EN
Dr. Nicky Hekster
Workshop: taking photos with your smartphone NL / EN
Wim Robbertsen
Snacks and drinks
Dinner
Networking
Breakfast
Programme to follow
Lunch
End of conference
Works at Amsterdam UMC and Dijklander Hospital in Purmerend. A general dermatologist with two areas of expertise: psychodermatology and itch. He wants to bridge the gap between the treatment of physical and psychosocial challenges experienced by people living with a chronic skin condition.
Leads the session on European Reference Networks (ERNs) and what they offer members in finding expertise and care in their own country.
Has been actively involved in artificial intelligence for decades, including its applications within healthcare. Former IBM colleague of Lex van der Heijden.
Register as a member, or as a speaker, board member or active volunteer.
We ask for this contribution to help cover the costs of the conference. It does not apply to speakers and active volunteers: for them, participation is free.
International School for Philosophy (Internationale School Voor Wijsbegeerte)
Dodeweg 8, 3832 RD Leusden
Centrally located in the Netherlands, close to the A28 motorway, free parking, near Amersfoort train station and set in the forest.
Room reservations: reserveringen@isvw.nl
| Room type | Price / night (incl. breakfast) |
|---|---|
| Comfort room, 1 person | € 122.50 |
| Comfort room, 2 people | € 137.50 |
| Suite, 2 people | € 165.00 |
| Extra bed (incl. breakfast) | € 25.00 |
| Breakfast, child aged 4–16, per day | € 8.25 |
Excl. local tourist tax. Comfort rooms are intended for max. 2 adults + 1 child up to and including 2 years old (no baby cot available). Book family rooms at Fletcher/Van der Valk in the area early (limited availability). The hotel room is reserved and paid for by the guest; no-show costs are charged to the person who made the reservation.
Belinda Toes offers free chair massages: relaxing, and according to previous participants also pain-relieving. You can sign up during registration. Places fill up quickly; people with vascular malformations are given priority.
Since 2023 we have recorded 19 interviews, subtitled in 5 languages. We are continuing this year: your interview is recorded in your own language and subtitled in several languages afterwards. Let us know you are interested during registration.
A separate room with guidance and entertainment. Crafts prove to be a great success for all ages, from children to grandparents. Bring boxes or bags to take your creations home.
For children and young adults who are less interested in the presentations, including the workshop “Taking photos with your smartphone” (Wim, for iPhone and Android, all ages). More workshops to follow. A workshop may be cancelled if there is insufficient interest.
Previously, participants could receive free personal medical advice during the conference. This option has been discontinued: we want to further improve the quality of medical advice and provide more sustainable healthcare, so that patients from abroad receive better care in their own country because their local doctor is well informed by the multidisciplinary medical team in the Netherlands.
Within Europe, many countries have expert centres for vascular malformations, so patients can often consult a specialist in their own country and in their own language. You can find an expert centre or patient organisation through a smartphone app from the European Reference Networks. Outside Europe, or in countries without an active expert centre, you can turn to the expert centres in the Netherlands.
Through the International Society for the Study of Vascular Anomalies (ISSVA) you can search worldwide for a multidisciplinary team or medical specialist by country.
Register as a member, or sign up as a speaker, board member or active volunteer.