IFSSH Mid-term Course 2027

Official Bid
IFSSH 2027 Mid-term Course
Venice, Italy

23-27 March, 2027

About

The International Federation of Societies for Surgery of the Hand (IFSSH) introduced the Mid-Term Course in Hand Surgery in 2024. This four-day event features lectures, workshops, and masterclasses covering various hand surgery topics, attracting local, regional, and international experts.

Where

Venice Convention Centre

When

21-25 March 2027

Why Venice?

Historical and Cultural Significance

Venice is a world-renowned city with a rich history, stunning architecture, and a unique atmosphere that makes any event truly special.

Inspiring Setting

The breathtaking canals, iconic landmarks, and artistic heritage create an unforgettable backdrop for networking and professional discussions.

Accessibility

Well-connected by international airports, high-speed trains, and water transport, making travel convenient for attendees.

Visa

No extra cost and administration as no visa is required within Europe and from most countries internationally.

Gastronomy and Hospitality

Renowned for its exquisite Italian cuisine and top-tier hospitality, ensuring a memorable experience for participants.

Weather

March in Venice brings mild weather (10°C to 16°C - 50°F to 60°F). Rain showers are common, and occasional fog can create a mystical atmosphere over the canals. As spring approaches, sunny days become more frequent, making it a pleasant time to explore the city.

Risk free financial planning

Key for sponsorship but also important for attendees

Ensuring compliance with EU regulations, particularly regarding safe budgeting, invoicing and administration.

SEPA Payment System for Reduced Banking Charges to minimize extra fees for sponsor contributions and registration fees, ensuring cost-effectiveness for all parties involved.

Reduced need for customs clearance and minimizing the risk of delays in timely delivery, ensuring a smooth and efficient process for industry partners.

Safety

Venice is a safe city to explore and a perfect destination for solo travellers as well

Crime rates are low, apart from the occasional pickpocket in busy spots, and visitors can explore with ease.

The Lido, home to the prestigious Venice Film Festival, is particularly secure, welcoming international stars and distinguished guests under heightened protection. With its combination of cinematic history and careful security measures, the Lido offers an elegant and worry-free experience for travelers and VIPs alike.

Organizers

Andrea Atzei
Chairman of the Organizing Committee

Bruno Battiston
Co-Chair

Massimo Corain
Co-Chair

Riccardo Luchetti
Co-Chair

Alessia Pagnotta
Co-Chair

Sandra Pfanner
Co-Chair

Michele Riccio
Co-Chair

Pierluigi Tos
Co-Chair

Italian Society for the Surgery of the Hand
Bidding Host Society

Event Organization

Asszisztencia Event Organizing

Mirco Santi SRL

Andrea Atzei, MD

The Chair of the Committee.

His leadership of the SICM Foundation Course on Wrist Arthroscopy (2002–2023) and the SICM Course on Advanced Surgical Skills highlights his commitment to advancing hand surgery expertise. As former President of the European Wrist Arthroscopy Society (EWAS) (2015) and current Secretary General of the European Wrist Arthroscopy Association (EWA), he has been involved in developing and disseminating innovative techniques in the field of wrist arthroscopy.

Bruno Battiston, MD, PhD

Former President of SICM (2017–2019) and the Italian Society of Microsurgery (2006–2008), Dr. Battiston served as President of the SICM Annual Meeting in 2012. His roles as Secretary General of the European Federation of Societies for Microsurgery (2008–2010) and President of the Narakas Club (2024) demonstrate his international influence and expertise in microsurgery and peripheral nerve surgery.

Massimo Corain, MD

Member of FESSH Council and Chairman of the FESSH Committee on Hand Trauma and Clinical Practice (2023-26) and President of the Pediatric Hand International Society of Surgeons (PHISOS) (2022–2024), Dr. Corain's is slated to serve as President of the SICM Annual Meeting in 2026. His leadership in pediatric hand surgery and trauma, as well as his role as an examiner for the European Diploma in Hand Surgery (FESSH), highlights his educational contributions.

Riccardo Luchetti, MD

A past president of SICM (2015–2017), ISSPORTH (2017-19) and EWAS (2007), founder member of EWA (2024), Dr. Luchetti is a global leader in arthroscopy, sport surgery and nerve surgery. His leadership of the 2013 SICM Annual Meeting and the attendance-record-breaking 2023 FESSH Annual Meeting and numerous other events highlights his ability to advance professional standards across the field.

Alessia Pagnotta, MD

Chair of the SICM Advanced Microsurgery Course and examiner for the European Diploma in Hand Surgery (FESSH), Dr. Pagnotta excels in reconstructive microsurgery after trauma and oncological resection. She was President of the 2024 SICM Annual Meeting and will serve as President of the Italian Society of Microsurgery during the MTC (2025–2027), reflecting her dedication to advancing hand and microsurgery education and training.

Sandra Pfanner, MD

A respected leader in reconstructive microsurgery and rheumatoid and arthritic hand surgery, Dr. Pfanner will serve as President of the Italian Society of Hand Surgery during the MTC (2025-2027). Her experience as Chair of the SICM Educational Committee and President of the 2019 SICM Annual Meeting highlights her expertise in clinical practice and education.

Michele Riccio, MD

An expert in limb orthoplasty, reconstructive microsurgery and regenerative surgery, Dr. Riccio is the current President of SICM and was President of the 2021 SICM Annual Meeting. He serves as Vice President of the Lipofilling Academy, a research center for regenerative surgery, and has conducted significant research on enzymatic fasciotomy for Dupuytren's disease. Dr. Riccio is committed to fostering research innovation and advancing educational excellence.

Pierluigi Tos, MD, PhD

Former President of the SIM (2013-2015). Dr. Tos has played a key role in advancing microsurgery and hand trauma management at both national and international levels. His leadership as Member of the FESSH Council and Chairman of the FESSH Committee on Hand Trauma (2017–2023), and currently, Chairman of the FESSH subgroup Micro&Hand, as President of the European Federation of Societies for Microsurgery (EFSM) and Chairman of the EFSM Congress (2024), underscores his global impact in reconstructive microsurgery. Dr. Tos is a candidate for the IFSSH Board (2025–2028) for Europe and Africa, demonstrating his commitment to shaping the future of hand surgery on a worldwide scale.

Topics & Format

The Course program is focused on a practical approach that encourages interaction between participants and faculty.

The format may be tailored to meet the specific educational needs of each MTC participant: Further to the contents of the plenary sessions, participants can explore additional topics by registering for Hands-On Workshops, Focus sessions, Expert-led sessions, Case discussions Session

Planned schedule

	Sunday 21/03/27 Day 0	Monday 22/03/27 Day 1	Tuesday 23/03/27 Day 2	Wednesday 24/03/27 Day 3	Thursday 25/03/27 Day 4
08:30-12:30		Plenary sessions From Fracture Management to Reconstruction of the Traumatic Hand & Wrist	Plenary sessions Soft Tissue Coverage of the Hand & Wrist	Plenary sessions Brachial Plexus & Peripheral Nerve Repair	Plenary sessions Congenital Hand & Pediatric Trauma
12:30-13:30	Lunch
13:30-16:30		Plenary sessions Management of the Degenerative Hand & Wrist	Plenary sessions Tendon Repair & Reconstruction	Plenary sessions Hand Tumors & Reconstruction	Plenary sessions Dupuytren's Disease
16:30-17:00	Break
17:00-19:00	Registration Opening Ceremony	Parallel sessions Hands-On Workshops Focus sessions Expert-led sessions Case discussion	Parallel sessions Hands-On Workshops Focus sessions Expert-led sessions Case discussion	Parallel sessions Hands-On Workshops Focus sessions Expert-led sessions Case discussion	Parallel sessions Hands-On Workshops Focus sessions Expert-led sessions Case discussion

Hands-On Workshops

Practical training activities (Dry-labs) to enhance technical skills.

Internal Fixation of the Hand
Internal Fixation of the Distal Radius
3D-planned bone reconstruction
Internal Fixation of the Elbow
Diagnostic Ultrasound of the Hand & Wrist
Operative Ultrasound of the Hand & Wrist
Basic Microsurgical Skills
Robotics in Microsurgery
Joint Replacement in the Hand
Joint Replacement in the Wrist & DRUJ

Focus Sessions

Practice-Oriented Theoretical sessions targeted on specific subtopics.

Wrist Arthroscopy: Basic Level
Wrist Arthroscopy: Intermediate Level
Wrist Arthroscopy: Advanced Level
Wide-awake surgery
Infections of the Hand & Wrist
Advanced Learning with Artificial Intelligence

Expert-Led Sessions

Interactive discussions with leading specialists.

Case Discussions

Real-world cases highlighting decision-making and treatment strategies.

Venue

The course is expected to be held at Lido with quick transportation to the old town and direct connection with the Airport and Train Station

Venice Convention Center

Lungomare Guglielmo Marconi, 30, 30126 Venezia VE, Italy

Hotels

March is a favorable time to visit Venice, with more competitive hotel rates
and fewer tourists compared to peak seasons.

Proposed dates:
21-25 March 2027

During the week leading up to Easter.
Airfare and accommodation costs are generally lower in March, before the peak Easter season begins.
Venice typically experiences pleasant spring weather in late March, creating an inviting atmosphere during the course.

Average Hotel Rates in March:
$173 per night

which is about 13% lower than peak season rates

Starting from around $134 per night

Starting from around $205 per night

Budget-Friendly Options

Hotels under $150 per night: A selection of 17 hotels offers rates below this threshold, featuring unique charms and convenient locations.

Hostels and 2-Star Hotels: Prices starting as low as $25 per night

0.6 Mile from the Venue

Getting there is easy

Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE)

Direct International Connections

Europe: Major hubs like London, Paris, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Madrid, and Zurich offer frequent direct flights.
North America: Direct flights from cities like New York, Toronto
Middle East: Direct flights from Dubai, Doha, and Istanbul
Asia & Other Regions: Good connections via major European or Middle Eastern hubs

Alternative Airports

Treviso Airport (40km): Primarily for low-cost carriers
Milan Airports: Alternative for long-haul flights with train connections to Venice.

Why Extend Your Stay?

Venice & the Veneto region offer much more that just a congress event.
After the congress, discover a world of unique expériences that will ake your tripp unforgettable.

Hidden Venice: Explore Beyond the Main Attractions

Venture beyond Piazza San Marco and the Rialto Bridge to discover the true essence of Venice:

Private guided tours of hidden canals and lesser-known districts like Cannaregio and Dorsoduro.
Visits to artisan workshops where master craftsmen create Murano glass, Burano lace, and traditional gondolas.
Exclusive access to historical palaces, private art collections, and unique Venetian courtyards.

Gondola Rides & Private Boat Tours

See Venice from a different perspective with a gondola ride or a luxury private boat tour:

Sunset tours along the Grand Canal with an aperitif.
Exclusive access to secret canals and charming hidden corners of the city.
Thematic tours focusing on Casanova's Venice, movie locations, or historical legends.

Venetian Gastronomy: A Taste of Tradition

Enjoy the best of Venetian cuisine through unique culinary experiences:

Wine and cicchetti (Venetian tapas) tastings in traditional bacari (wine bars).
Private cooking classes with local chefs to learn how to make fresh pasta, risotto, or seafood dishes.
Fine dining in Michelin-starred restaurants overlooking the canals.

Art & Culture: Venice's Timeless Heritage

Venice is home to some of the world's most extraordinary artistic and cultural treasures:

Exclusive visits to the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, the Doge's Palace, and hidden gems like the Scuola Grande di San Rocco.
Live classical music performances in historic venues such as La Fenice Opera House.

The Prosecco Wine Route: A Journey Through the Vineyards

Take a short trip from Venice to the picturesque hills of Valdobbiadene and Conegliano, home of the world-famous Prosecco:

Private wine tours and tastings in renowned wineries.
Guided visits to vineyards, learning about the production process from local experts.
Enjoying gourmet pairings with regional specialties in charming wine estates.

Verona: The City of Love and Opera

A short train ride from Venice, Verona is an enchanting city rich in history and romance:

Visit Juliet's House and walk through the charming medieval streets.
Experience the grandeur of the Roman Arena with live opera performances.
Discover hidden gastronomic gems and taste local Amarone wine.

Padua: Science, History, and Spirituality

Padua, one of Italy's oldest university cities, offers a mix of culture and innovation:

Visit the stunning frescoes by Giotto in the Scrovegni Chapel (a UNESCO World Heritage site).
Explore the historic Botanical Garden and Prato della Valle, one of the largest squares in Europe.

The Dolomites: A Mountain Escape

For nature lovers, the Dolomites provide breathtaking landscapes just a short drive from Venice:

Outdoor activities including hiking, skiing, and cycling.
Relaxing spa retreats in luxury mountain resorts.
Scenic drives through picturesque villages like Cortina d'Ampezzo.

Official BidIFSSH 2027 Mid-term CourseVenice, Italy