WADEM has seen education as a key role in its development and to this end convenes its biennial international Congress on Disaster and Emergency Medicine. The Congress provides a stimulating and interactive environment to present research and findings, exchange ideas and good practices, and network with colleagues. The congress features a core scientific program presenting the developments within the field of disaster medicine, prehospital care, and the health aspects of emergency management and complex humanitarian crises; focused meetings for the association’s various special interest groups and chapters; research workshops; and events for partner organizations (most recently the European Masters in Disaster Medicine and the WHO Mass Gathering Group in 2023).
Over the years key co-hosting organizations have included Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, the Emergency Medicine Society of South Africa, Humanitarian and Conflict Response Institute, Chinese Emergency Medicine Society, and Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. Congresses are an excellent showcase for commercial sector and non-governmental sponsors and exhibitors.
The Congress is held on alternate years, preferably in different regions of the world. Proposals to hold the Congress are open to all countries and are generally received four years in advance. Proposals will be examined by the WADEM Selection Committee. The WADEM Board of Directors will select the winning bid based on the recommendations of the Selection Committee. The short-listed destinations will be asked to give a live presentation online using a platform such as Zoom. Site visits will be conducted for the two finalist destinations.
For further information about bidding to host a WADEM Congress on Disaster and Emergency Medicine, please review the Congress Overview document.
Since the founding of WADEM, the following cities have hosted or will host the congress:
| Location | Year |
|---|---|
| Paris, France | 2027 |
| Tokyo, Japan | 2025 |
| Killarney, Ireland | 2023 – moved from Dublin to Killarney as congress venue in Dublin was used for refugees from Ukraine |
| Tokyo, Japan | 2021 – postponed to 2025 due to the COVID-19 pandemic |
| Brisbane, Australia | 2019 |
| Toronto, Ontario, Canada | 2017 |
| Cape Town, South Africa | 2015 |
| Manchester, United Kingdom | 2013 |
| Beijing, China | 2011 |
| Victoria, British Columbia, Canada | 2009 |
| Amsterdam, Netherlands | 2007 |
| Edinburgh, United Kingdom | 2005 |
| Melbourne, Australia | 2003 |
| Lyon, France | 2001 |
| Osaka, Japan | 1999 |
| Mainz, Germany | 1997 |
| Jerusalem, Israel | 1995 |
| Stockholm, Sweden | 1993 |
| Montreal, Quebec, Canada | 1991 |
| Hong Kong, China | 1989 |
| Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | 1987 |
| Brighton, United Kingdom | 1985 |
| Rome, Italy | 1983 |
| Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States | 1981 |
| Mainz, Germany | 1979 |
| Mainz, Germany (Club of Mainz) | 1976 |