The 94th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Orthopaedic Association

 

 

Dear colleagues,

 

Regarding the spread of infection related to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the outlook for the future situation in Japan continues to remain unclear. Consequently, the organizers have been seriously studying the format for convening this meeting. As a result, at the recent board meeting of the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) and the JOA 2021 Annual Meeting organizing committee meeting, both held on Thursday, December 17, it was decided to convene the 2021 meeting in a hybrid format. The physical meeting will be held under thorough infection prevention measures at Tokyo International Forum and JP Tower from May 20 (Thu.) to 23 (Sun.), 2021, and on-demand viewing of the program sessions via the internet will be provided for a certain period following the physical meeting (planned for approx. 1 month).

 

During the physical meeting, all sessions will not be broadcast live, and thus we encourage all of our colleagues who are able to travel to Tokyo to join us onsite for the physical meeting. For those who find it difficult to participate in person, it will be possible to participate in the program sessions afterward through the on-demand format.

 

In accordance with the hybrid format, we will ask all presenters to provide their presentation slide data with audio recording in advance. The presenters who are able to attend the physical meeting in Tokyo will give their presentations on the stage during the actual meeting in the normal manner. For presenters who are not able to join the physical meeting, their presentations will be broadcast in the venue based on the recorded data received in advance. Also, following the physical meeting, participants will be able to view all of the pre-recorded presentations submitted in advance, in the on-demand format. As for poster presentations, it is planned to offer viewing of e-posters (about 10 slides in total). However, candidate posters for the distinguished poster award are planned to be displayed onsite (poster presentations will not be conducted onsite). Preparations are progressing for the exhibition, planned to be held onsite with strict infection prevention measures in place.

 

In addition, due to the change in format for this meeting, the Friendship Sports Event and the networking event for all participants will not be held. We realize this is a great disappointment, particularly for the doctors from various regions who put forth great efforts and participated in the Sports Event trials, for which we sincerely apologize. Deliberations are ongoing regarding the convening of various committees, etc. and specific information will be announced as soon as determined.

 

As the organizers, we are committed to putting forth our very best efforts for the preparations in order to maximize the advantages of this new hybrid format and ensure the success of our annual meeting. We would be grateful if you would grant us your understanding and continued support.

 

We look forward to welcoming many colleagues at the 94th JOA in May, 2021.

 

December 21, 2020