Note: The meeting site in Padua has changed. Please review your choice of hotel on the website. Register on the website or via fax. Request a copy of the registration form at
Italy: +39 (049) 697391 or

US: +1 858-712-8712

Due to the success of this worldwide Symposium on VHL, we have moved the venue from the charming (but somewhat uncomfortable) old medical school to Praglia Abbey in the suburb of Bresseo just outside Padua, renovated to be a modern conference center. This facility is wheelchair accessible.

Experts on VHL from all over the world will gather in this beautiful setting to share their latest findings, advance the management of VHL, and facilitate collaboration on research toward a cure.

Abstracts on a wide variety of important topics have been received, and the Committee is finalizing the agenda. Current information can always be found at www.vhl.org/conf2002, or at www.vhl.it

Registration is $264 (Euro 250) for the three-day event, including all lectures, lunches, coffee breaks, and an informal get-together with drinks and a Congress Kit of handouts. There are discounts for students and families, and one-day registration fees. Discounts for registration prior to May 1.

Family members will be most comfortable on the last day of the conference, where topics will be more clinical in nature. A VHLFA leaders’ meeting will be held on Sunday. All volunteers are welcome.

There are discounts for registration prior to May 1.

We look forward to seeing you!

Where to stay

Praglia Abbey is a famous Benedictine abbey, founded in the 11th century, but almost entirely rebuilt in the 15th and 16th centuries. Its main features are the typically Tuscan elegance and lightness, with a Romanesque bell tower. There are four 15th century cloisters and a large number of works of art. It is a center for the recovery and restoration of ancient and damaged books.

The Abbey is located near Padua (Padova) and the warm springs spa town of Abano Terme. Transportation will be provided from either of these towns.

The official language of the symposium is English.

The average temperature in Padua in June is expected to be 15-20 degrees Celsius, or 65-75 Fahrenheit.

Rooms can be reserved through the tourist bureaus of Padua (fax: +39-049-650794) or Abano Terme, or through your travel agent. See the website www.vhl.org/conf2002 for details.

If you decide to add a vacation in Italy, your options could be endless!

-- Jacki Hunsberger, Odyssey Travel
Tel: +1 (610) 222-0550 or (US/Canada) 800-972-3178
Fax: +1 (610) 222-0520

As printed in the VHL Family Forum 10:1, March 2002. For permission to reprint, please contact VHL Family Alliance, editor@vhl.org.