WADA postpones 2021 Annual Symposium due to ongoing uncertainty linked to COVID-19

The Agency tentatively books Lausanne venue for event in October 2021

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) regrets to announce that, due to ongoing uncertainty linked to COVID-19, the Agency is postponing its 2021 Annual Symposium that was to be held on 17-18 March 2021 in Lausanne, Switzerland. WADA would kindly ask stakeholders to take note that the Agency has tentatively booked the SwissTech Convention Center in Lausanne for an in-person or hybrid (in-person and virtual) Symposium on 19-20 October 2021.

WADA’s Annual Symposium, which is traditionally the biggest gathering on the anti-doping calendar, is designed for anti-doping practitioners from International Federations, National and Regional Anti-Doping Organizations and Major Event Organizations; representatives from Athlete Commissions, Governments, WADA-accredited laboratories and Athlete Passport Management Units; as well as, other stakeholders such as service providers, researchers and the media – all that are integral to clean sport.

WADA Director General Olivier Niggli said: "WADA is disappointed that its Annual Symposium has been disrupted once again by COVID-19. Given the importance for WADA and the anti-doping community to come together in person, especially following such a long period of social distancing, we hoped to be able to offer a Symposium with in-person and virtual participation in March next year. However, with the current health situation around the world, and the restrictions imposed in Switzerland on gatherings, we were simply not confident that we would be able to offer a program and networking experience that participants value and are accustomed to.

Therefore, similar to what WADA did this year after the 2020 edition was cancelled due to COVID-19, we will ensure that key issues that would have been covered will be presented and discussed via alternative means, including webinars."

In the meantime, WADA has tentatively booked dates for an in-person or hybrid Symposium on 19-20 October 2021. We therefore kindly ask our stakeholders to save these dates and we will keep you regularly informed of our plans next year.

Should you have any questions regarding the Symposium, please contact WADA’s Events Manager, Ms. Anais Lefevre, at anais.lefevre@wada-ama.org.

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