Dear Colleagues,

It is a pleasure to invite you to the 3rd Joint Meeting of the European Calcified Tissue Society and the International Bone and Mineral Society, to be held in Athens, Greece, from 7-11 May 2011.

The 2011 meeting will offer a high quality and diverse scientific programme of interest to both clinical and basic scientists. We are expecting some 3,500 clinicians and researchers from around the world to join us in Athens.

We have composed a scientific programme of the highest standard and highlights will include the following:

• An exciting programme of invited speaker lectures featuring some of the world's leading  experts in the field
• Meet the professor sessions
• Dedicated events for new investigators
• Joint ECTS-ASBMR debate and lecture
• Full day Allied Health Professionals session
• ECTS/IBMS Training Course ‘Joints: formation, function and failure, with a focus on osteoarthritis’
• Well-attended poster sessions with dedicated poster viewing time
• A busy exhibition area with lunch included in the delegate fee
• Company-supported satellite symposia highlighting some of the latest developments and research

We are delighted to be holding this joint meeting in the city of Athens. Modern Athens is a major European city, vibrant and safe, where history meets with comfort and fascination.

The Acropolis is one of the world’s most famous landmarks and Greece’s history and culture, combined with the nightlife, a wonderful climate, traditional cuisine and renowned Greek hospitality are just some of the attractions Athens has to offer. The scientific programme will be complemented by social events to reflect the true Greek hospitality and style.

Roland Baron ECTS President	Roger Bouillon IBMS President	Socrates Papapoulos Chair, Local Organising Committee

We look forward to welcoming you to Athens in 2011.