First-Time Attendee Guide

First-Time Attendee Guide

Make your first World Congress on Pain easier to navigate with this overview of key events, planning tools, networking opportunities, and Exhibition/Poster Hall activities.

Getting to BITEC

The World Congress takes place at the Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre (BITEC), 88 Debaratna Road (km. 1), Bangna Tai, Bangna, Bangkok 10260, Thailand.

  • Airport access: BITEC is approximately 14 km from Suvarnabhumi Airport and 39 km from Don Mueang Airport. Allow extra time for Bangkok traffic.
  • Train/Metro: Use BTS Skytrain to arrive at the Bang Na Station (E13), Exit 1, then follow the approximately 160-metre indoor skywalk with travelators to BITEC.
  • Taxi: Taxis are available at Event Hall 101 and the Business Centre; advance taxi bookings can be arranged through the Business Centre.
  • Car Share and Taxi Service: The Grab app can be used throughout Bangkok to book private cars or taxis. Enter BITEC as your destination and confirm your exact pick-up or drop-off point in the app.

World Congress Hours

All times are Bangkok local time. All times and dates are subject to change. Confirm final details in the Full Scientific Program.

Registration

25 Oct: 07:00–18:00
26 Oct: 07:00–18:00
27 Oct: 07:00–18:00
28 Oct: 07:00–18:00
29 Oct: 07:00–18:00
30 Oct: 07:00–12:00

Exhibit Hall

26 Oct: 17:00–19:00
27 Oct: 09:00–17:00
28 Oct: 09:00–17:00
29 Oct: 09:00–17:00

Plenary Sessions

27 Oct: 08:15–09:30
14:00–15:15
28 Oct: 08:15–09:30
11:15–12:45
29 Oct: 08:15–09:30
11:15–12:45
30 Oct: 08:15–09:30
11:15–12:45

Early Career Networking Center

27 Oct: 09:00–17:00
28 Oct: 09:00–17:00
29 Oct: 09:00–17:00

Poster Presentations

27 Oct: 09:30–11:00
15:15–16:45
28 Oct: 09:30–11:00
15:15–16:45
29 Oct: 09:30–11:00
15:15–16:45

Speaker Ready Room

25 Oct: 07:00–17:00
26 Oct: 07:00–18:30
27 Oct: 07:00–18:30
28 Oct: 07:00–18:30
29 Oct: 07:00–18:30
30 Oct: 07:00–12:00

First-Time Attendee Checklist

Review the Full Scientific Program

Confirm times and locations and identify the sessions and posters most relevant to you.

View the Full Scientific Program
Download the mobile app

Build your schedule, use BITEC maps, connect with attendees, and receive updates.

Download the Mobile App

Networking Events

Monday 26 October

First-Time Attendee Meet-and-Greet

16:30–17:00
Room: Exhibition at Innovation Stage

Meet returning attendees, speakers, and IASP leaders for introductions and practical advice on planning your first Congress. Make connections before joining the Welcome Reception.

Welcome Reception

17:00–19:00
Room: Exhibition Hall

Meet colleagues across pain research and care, reconnect with collaborators, and make introductions for the week ahead. Visit exhibitors and the IASP Marketplace while the commercial exhibition is open.

Tuesday 27 October

Mastering Mentorship & Speed Mentoring

12:45–13:45
Room: GH201, Early Career Networking Center

Learn how to strengthen mentoring relationships in a discussion for IASP members at all career stages, followed by speed mentoring for early- to mid-career attendees.

Wednesday 28 October

Early Career Reception

18:30–20:30
Location: BEAT Active in the BITEC.

Early-career attendees can meet peers and build connections at an indoor sports and entertainment venue. This reception is only for early-career attendees.

Exhibit/Poster Hall Activities

Poster Sessions and Discussions

Date

Morning

Afternoon

Tuesday, 27 October

09:30–11:00

15:15–16:45

Wednesday, 28 October

09:30–11:00

15:15–16:45

Thursday, 29 October

09:30–11:00

15:15–16:45

Innovation Stage

Date and Time Session
Tuesday, 27 October12:45–13:00 The 2026 Global Year and You
Tuesday, 27 October13:15–13:45 Innovation through Policy Change: How and Why IASP Advocates
Tuesday, 27 October16:15–16:45 Fire & Ice: Two Methods, One Goal: Minimally-Invasive Treatment of Pain with Radiofrequency and Cryoanalgesia
Wednesday, 28 October13:15–13:45 How to Improve Animal Welfare in Pain Research
Thursday, 29 October10:30–11:00 Tonmya®: Clinical Development and Scientific Evidence in Fibromyalgia

Technology & Innovation Pavilion: VR Immersion Hub

Explore virtual reality applications in pain research, care, rehabilitation, and self-management through expert-led demonstrations and guided experiences. Demonstrations and live experiences will be held during scheduled breaks.

Date Times
Tuesday, 27 October
10:00–11:0012:45–13:4515:30–16:30
Wednesday, 28 October
10:00–11:0012:45–13:4515:30–16:30
Thursday, 29 October
10:00–11:0012:45–13:4515:30–16:30

Thai Traditional Medicine Pavilion

Learn about Thai massage and traditional approaches to pain care through demonstrations and supervised experiences with trained therapists.

Date

Hours

Monday, 26 October

17:00–19:00

Tuesday, 27 October

09:00–17:00

Wednesday, 28 October

09:00–17:00

Thursday, 29 October

09:00–17:00

IASP Marketplace

Booth 103, Exhibit Hall. Meet staff to learn about IASP membership, programs, and publications; add to the community world map; and shop for IASP and Congress merchandise. Donate US$50 or more to the Support a Member Fund and choose one merchandise item as our gift to you, while supplies last.

Company-Sponsored Lunch Symposia

Tuesday 27 October

Wednesday 28 October

Thursday 29 October

For registration or general questions about the 2026 World Congress on Pain, consult the FAQ or contact congress@iasp-pain.org.