The SNOMED CT Expo unites clinical terminology SMEs including government officials, health IT professionals, health practitioners, researchers, academics and vendors from around the world.

SNOMED International is firmly committed to holding this year’s October Business Meetings and SNOMED CT Expo. While we are still planning for an in-person Expo and Business Meetings in Lisbon at the Pestana Palace Hotel, we have a plan in place to connect virtually should the global situation remain uncertain.

As the global COVID-19 situation continues to evolve, some countries are starting to “open up” while others remain “locked down”. We recognize that even in an optimistic scenario some of our global community will not be able to travel. Given this possibility, we want to ensure as many attendees as possible are able to experience Expo and are making some changes to this year’s event: 

1. The call for abstracts has been extended to May 29, and registration will now open in July. Early bird registration will be available until August 31.
2. The requirement for presenters to present live onsite has been removed this year. Virtual presentations will be accepted (we continue to  finalize details for how this will be supported)
3. We will provide the ability to take part in the Expo virtually for those unable to travel. We want to ensure that if you’re unable to travel due to COVID-19 you will be able to participate as well as access the wealth of content available at this year’s Expo.
4. Should an in-person event take place, the event will comply with all local public health requirements. We will ensure that we work closely with our Portuguese hosts to comply with all local public health recommendations at the time of the Expo.
5. The event will be held virtually if travel restrictions are too pervasive. We will make the decision on whether the event needs to be entirely virtual by the time registration opens. Delegates are asked not to book non-refundable flights until this point in time. The conference hotel has a favourable cancellation policy so you can feel comfortable in booking your accommodations as they will be cancellable.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to the Events team via events@snomed.org if you have any immediate questions.

Abstract submissions for oral presentations and e-posters are invited by Friday May 29, 2020, and the early bird gets the prize as we want to reward those of you who submit your abstracts early!

We will be doing a weekly random draw from the abstracts received by that date for a small prize. Draws will be made each Friday at 17:00 Portugal/UK time between now and May 29.

All Expo presentations and posters must be related to SNOMED CT and should be informative rather than promoting a particular product or service. They should enable attendees to enhance the breadth of their knowledge of SNOMED CT and be aligned with one of three program streams:

Demonstrating Implementation Excellence
Presentations exploring practical, first-hand experience in using SNOMED CT. Implementers from healthcare organizations, government agencies and industry will share their lessons learned and benefit realization achievements.

Enhancing Clinical Practice
Presentations focused on the application of SNOMED CT in clinical settings and clinical research; aimed at enhancing the patient experience, clinical outcomes, reducing costs or improving efficiency of the clinical practices. This may include such areas as precision medicine, data analytics, decision support etc.

Terminology Leading Practices
Presentations covering experience and ideas on innovative enhancements of SNOMED CT, as well as those in conjunction with other international standards, e.g., content development, mappings, description logic.

Oral presentations will be 30 minutes in length (including time for audience questions) and e-posters must be prepared using a supplied template.

Usually all presenters would be required to participate in person at the Expo, however this year contingencies are being explored which will allow for remote participation (either at a hybrid event, or at an entirely virtual conference if we feel that the COVID-19 risk to our Community of Practice is still too great to gather in person). 

Presenters will be notified of the outcome of their submissions by June 15, 2020.

Please contact our events team at events@snomed.org if you have any questions about the event. 

Showcase your products and services at SNOMED CT Expo 2020: an innovative, annual conference focused on the latest advancements, applications and uses of clinical terminology. SNOMED CT Expo 2020 takes place in Lisbon, Portugal October 8-9, 2020.

SNOMED International is proud to partner with Portugal's Serviços Partilhados do Ministério da Saúde (SPMS) as they serve as co-hosts of the 2020 SNOMED CT Expo, with support from Turismo de Lisboa.

SNOMED CT Expo 2020 Entry Fees:

Early-bird (before August 31, 2020):

• €360 EUR

Standard:

• €450 EUR

Students:

• €90 EUR

Expo Presenters:

• Free of charge (one presenter per abstract)

Expo Poster Presenters:

• €270 EUR (one presenter per abstract)

SNOMED International Governance & Advisory representatives:

• Complimentary

Event attendance includes catered breaks, lunch and complimentary refreshments at Thursday's Networking Reception.

Registration will open in mid July 2020.

Pestana Palace Lisboa, Hotel & National Monument
Lisbon, Portugal

Negotiated accommodation rates at the Pestana Palace have been secured by SNOMED International:

• Single Rate: EUR €160 (approx. $180 USD)
• Double Rate: EUR €175 (approx. $200 USD)

Rates are valid for bookings between 02-09 October, 2020 and are available until 29 September, 2020. Please email the hotel directly if you need to extend your stay beyond these dates. 

The above rates are inclusive of:

• Daily American buffet breakfast in the main restaurant.
• Free access to the indoor and outdoor swimming pools, sauna, Turkish bath, Jacuzzi and gymnasium.
• Free Wi-Fi internet access in all public areas, meeting rooms and bedrooms.
• Complimentary luggage service.
• Legal taxes and service (except city tax*).

*City Tax: Effective January 1, 2016 a tourism tax of EUR 2 per person, per night, will be charged and collected at the property. This tax does not apply from 8th night of stay and children 13 and below are exempt. This amount has been determined by the local administration. Tax subject to change without prior notice. 

Please note the following booking Terms & Conditions:

• Attendees will be responsible for their Guest Room and incidental charges 
• Each participant will book directly and supply a credit card on the Hotel booking reservation method.
• Credit Card provided will be used as a guarantee and will only be charged if the reservation is not cancelled more than three (3) days before arrival date (before Tuesday, September 29, 2020). After this date all bedrooms booked will be fully charged in case of cancellation or no-show.
• Any fees collected at this time in the case of cancellation or no-show rooms will be charged to the individuals and will not be counted towards any attrition penalties paid by SNOMED International, if applicable.

As a member of the European Union, Portugal is part of the Schengen Agreement. 

SNOMED International encourages each attendee to confirm the entry and exit requirements* to Portugal with your home department of international affairs or passport issuing body. Please begin the process early if you do require a visa or electronic travel authorization.
*SNOMED International does not assume liability for entry and exit decisions made by foreign governments.

If you require an invitation letter from SNOMED International please note that the deadline to request one is 04 September, 2020.

Keep up to date with registration, accommodation, program, and sponsor details as they develop for the 2020 SNOMED CT Expo