Dear Colleagues and Friends,

After 14 years the ICS annual meeting is returning to Italy, and once again we will be in Florence!

We are excited to host the most renowned international experts in the research and the treatment of pelvic organs and pelvic floor dysfunctions, with particular regard to incontinence. The meeting is multidisciplinary, bringing together all the professionals working in the field: urologists, gynaecologists, neurologists, physiatrists, physiotherapists, nurses, midwives and basic scientists.

The 2017 Scientific Committee is planning sessions on the pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of incontinence and other dysfunctions of the pelvic organs and of the pelvic floor. Rehabilitation, medical and surgical treatments will be discussed as well as basic and translational research. The role of new technologies will also be explored.

The convention centre, Fortezza da Basso, has been recently renovated and is now one of the most modern and comfortable congress venues in Italy. The Fortezza is located within walking distance from the heart of the beautiful art city of Florence where you can lose yourself in the ancient Florentine streets full of arts, handicrafts, fashion and wonderful local cuisine! Take a trip among the colour and flavours of Italian history and tradition. The Mediterranean and Tuscan atmosphere will accompany the discovery of such unexpected beauties that only a city such as Florence can offer.

Florence has always been the centre of cultural exchanges; we believe it is the perfect city to host the ICS meeting!

We look forward to meeting you in Florence in September 2017!

Giulio Del Popolo, Annual Meeting Chair

Enrico Finazzi Agrò, Local Scientific Programme Chair

RECORD HIGH ABSTRACT SUBMISSION FOR 2017 ANNUAL MEETING IN FLORENCE

The ICS Scientific Committee is happy to announce that the 2017 scientific abstract submission deadline closed with outstanding numbers. 1158 abstracts were submitted, which was the highest number for a standalone ICS meeting in our 46 year history – and only beaten by the ICS-IUGA joint meeting in 2010. This promises a well attended, well-balanced programme, covering the many interests of ICS membership and the wider continence professional community.

The submitted abstracts will now be distributed to our reviewers with every abstract reviewed by at least three reviewers. Abstract review is blinded, to ensure an unbiased judgement. Reviewers are members of the Neurourology and Urodynamics Editorial Board and ICS Committees. Each abstract will be given a score from 1 to 5, in the following criteria: originality/topicality, scientific merit (methods) and clinical relevance. Video abstracts are also scored on technical quality.

Over the past five years, the ICS has seen a significant increase in quality of submitted abstracts. This has raised the bar for a podium presentation acceptance. ICS has created many innovative presentation formats to allow more of the excellent research studies being presented as micro-presentations and moderated e-poster presentations.

We expect an excellent turnout of attendees to experience this exceptional meeting. We hope to see you in Florence!

2,766 delegates at ICS 2017. Highest since 2011

1158 abstracts submitted. Highest total ever for a single ICS annual meeting

62 workshops submitted