IDPOC 2015 Attracts Delegates From Around the Globe to Vancouver for First Ever Conference for Dermatology Related Patient Organizations

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - June 2, 2015) - The CSPA (Canadian Skin Patient Alliance), Canada's national dermatology patient advocacy and support organization, is working in coordination the WCD 2015 (World Congress of Dermatology), with support from the ILDS (International League of Dermatology Societies), to host the first ever conference for patient groups with a focus on dermatology related conditions. The IDPOC 2015, will take place from June 11 - 13 in Vancouver, B.C., during the 23^rd World Congress of Dermatology which takes place June 8 - 13, 2015.

The primary objective of IDPOC 2015 is to bring together a global patient voice to recognize the important role patient organizations play around the world. The conference will allow delegates to participate in sessions aimed at helping patient groups to grow in areas such as fundraising, research, patient outreach, and patient access to care and treatments.

The conference will include important presentations by esteemed advocacy leaders including Dan Pallotta, internationally known for his iconic TED talk 'The Way We Think About Charity is Dead Wrong', Dr. Durhane Wong-Rieger (President, CORD), who will discuss 'Advocacy Issues Around the World', and Kathleen Gallant (Executive Committee Secretary, IFPA), who will speak on 'Highlighting Excellence in Awareness Campaigns'. There will also be breakout sessions that allow for knowledge sharing and collaboration between patient organization leaders, as well as the sharing of advocacy and fundraising best practices.

IDPOC's presentations and sessions have been carefully curated with support from the CSPA led International Planning Committee, which includes representation from patient organizations around the world including the Save Your Skin Foundation (Canada), XP Family Support Group (USA), Nevus Outreach (USA), Fundapso (Columbia), VITSAF (Africa), Psoriasisförbundet (Sweden), and Behçets International (UK).

IDPOC Key Dates and Details:

Date: June 11 - 13, 2015

Location: Fairmont Waterfront Hotel, Vancouver, B.C., Canada

(WCD will take place at the Vancouver Convention Centre)

Website: http://idpoc.org/

Register: http://idpoc.org/idpoc2015/registration/registration-form

About IDPOC 2015

IDPOC 2015 is the first ever conference dedicated to patient support organizations and advocacy leaders focused on work in the area of dermatology. The conference expects to have global representation from groups supporting many of the 3000 dermatological conditions, including eczema, alopecia, psoriasis, skin cancers, pemphigus, epidermolysis bullosa, and hidradentitis suppurativa. IDPOC is an important conference to attend if you manage or lead a dermatology related patient support organization. For more information visit idpoc.org.

About WCD 2015

The 23^rd World Congress of Dermatology in 2015 will take place at the Vancouver Convention Centre, in Vancouver, Canada from June 8 - 13, 2015. The World Congress of Dermatology is the world's oldest and continuous international dermatology meeting. The first Congress in 1889 pre-dated the modern Olympics by seven years. The last Congress held in North America was in New York in 1992. For more information visit derm2015.org.

Several conference presenters, as well as Christine Janus, Director, CSPA (Canadian Skin Patient Alliance) are available for comment and interviews. Please call or email Karran Finlay with interest and/or interview requests.