Dear Colleagues,

We invite you to be part of the 17th International Conference on Pharmacoepidemiology (ICPE). The ISPE Scientific Program Committee and Local Host Committee are in the process of finalizing the program, which promises to be the Society's best meeting of the Century! The ICPE will be held August 23-26, 2001, at the Sheraton Centre, Toronto, Canada. Reserve these dates now, and visit the ISPE website (http://www.pharmacoepi.org) for current meeting information.

We are bringing together a distinguished faculty of experts who will share their experiences, expertise and research findings with you. Kari Stefansson, President and CEO of DeCODE genetics, is guaranteed to deliver a stimulating keynote address. Bert Leufkens, ISPE President, will share his views about where pharmacoepidemiology and ISPE are heading in his Presidential Address. And Thomas MacDonald, a world-class raconteur, will provide a memorable wrap-up to this year's meeting while setting the stage for the 18th ICPE, which will be held in Edinburgh next year. Other plenary sessions will address 'When Data and Interpretation Conflict' - what promises to be a lively discussion that gets at the core of pharmacoepidemiology; and "Risk Management and Communication" - will address how we might better translate our research findings into information the public finds useful.

In response to your suggestions, we have introduced several enhancements to the program. These include an Advanced Pre-Meeting Training Session, organized symposia and workshops during the meeting, and more structured poster presentations than at previous meetings. We are also inviting our members to lead tours through the poster sessions as a way to help those participants who may be new to the field or who may want more critical insight into the research.

As always, the conference will be continuous program of Poster Sessions, Podium Presentations, and Workshops. There also will be exhibitors who will share with you their products and services that may help you perform your job better.

We thank you very much for your 389 abstract submissions and suggestions for workshops/symposia from 27 countries. The Scientific Program Committee will make its selections in late April.

While ICPE is recognized at the preeminent scientific meeting for pharmacoepidemiology, we also work hard to promote camaraderie. You will have considerable opportunity to meet with old friends and make new ones. The Welcome Reception will be held on Thursday evening, August 23, and Saturday evening, ISPE/ICPE will take-over the Ontario Science Centre. You do not want to miss this evening.

The Centre seeks "To open minds to science by creating environments which excite curiosity, inspire insights and motivate learning in science and technology." The Centre provides a perfect venue for relaxing and having fun. Saturday evening will be simply unforgettable. The Local Host Committee also is working on a social event for Friday evening.

And if this isn't enough, you will be in a perfect location to learn about the city of Toronto, the Canadian culture, take in a show (The Sheraton Toronto is the official host hotel for the two hottest shows in town - The Lion King and Mama Mia), try to score goals or test your puck stopping skills at the interactive Hockey Hall of Fame, see the Toronto at night from the CN Tower, and of course, enjoy culinary delights from around the world. All of this is within a short stroll of the Sheraton.

So register for the 17th ICPE today! Register by July 6 to receive the special EARLY BIRD rate. You will find registration materials on the ISPE Website or contact directly the ISPE Office [Phone: 301-718-6500; Fax: 301-656-0989; Email: ispe@paimgmt.com].

We look forward to seeing you in Toronto in August,

Tom Thomas Einarson Co-Chair, Scientific Program Committee

Paul Paul Stang Co-Chair, Scientific Program Committee