The 16th International Congress on Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (LUPUS 2025) was held May 21-24, 2025, in Toronto. The conference gathered over 1,100 attendees from 65 countries to connect and explore the latest breakthroughs in lupus research and treatment.
Kathy Nicolay, Senior Program Manager for the Leaders Circle, connected with Dr. Zahi Touma, Director of the Toronto Lupus Program at the Schroeder Arthritis Institute, University Health Network, to understand more about the bidding process and what it meant to host LUPUS 2025 in Toronto. Denisse reaffirms that LUPUS 2025 was an incredible success. The conference fostered new partnerships, sparked innovation, and reinforced a shared commitment to improving the lives of those affected by lupus.
The Leaders Circle team would like to acknowledge Dr. Zahi Touma, Dr. Dafna D. Gladman and Dr. Murray B. Urowitz of the Toronto Lupus Program at the Schroeder Arthritis Institute, University Health Network (UHN), for their pivotal role in bringing this important medical meeting to our city. Their early vision and dedication laid the foundation for an impactful event. We also gratefully acknowledge the contributions of Dr. Joan Wither and Dr. Ali Duarte-Garcia, whose efforts on the organizing committee were instrumental in making this gathering a success.
KN: Dr. Touma, can you explain UHN’s role in bringing LUPUS to Toronto?
ZT: The International LUPUS Congress is a prestigious event that occurs every two years, gathering world experts to discuss clinical, scientific, and therapeutic advances in lupus research. The University of Toronto Lupus Program at UHN spearheaded the bid to host the meeting in Toronto, leveraging their extensive expertise and contributions to previous meetings. The bid highlighted the collective expertise and achievements of the team. The program’s reputation and the team’s expertise were crucial in making a compelling case for Toronto as the ideal location for the event.
KN: What motivated you to take an active role in the bidding process?
ZT: The members of the Toronto Lupus Program were motivated to take an active role in the bidding process because of their extensive experience in and significant contributions to past international lupus meetings. Their active participation and notable achievements in clinical, scientific, and therapeutic advances in lupus research provided a strong foundation for their bid. This history of involvement not only demonstrated their unwavering commitment to advancing lupus research but also highlighted their ability to bring valuable insights and innovations to the global community.
KN: What do you think made Toronto an ideal city to host the LUPUS conference?
ZT: Toronto is an excellent choice for hosting the LUPUS conference due to several compelling reasons:
- Diverse and Inclusive Environment: Toronto’s rich cultural diversity and welcoming atmosphere make it an ideal location for international attendees. The city’s multicultural environment fosters a sense of community and collaboration among participants from various backgrounds.
- Accessibility and Infrastructure: Toronto is well-equipped with world-class conference facilities, such as the Westin Harbour Castle, where the LUPUS 2025 conference will be held. The city is also easily accessible via major international airports, ensuring convenient travel for global attendees.
- Scenic Attractions and Leisure Opportunities: Beyond the conference sessions, participants can explore Toronto’s scenic beauty and attractions, such the iconic CN Tower. These leisure opportunities enhance the overall conference experience.
- Expertise in Healthcare and Research: Toronto is home to leading healthcare institutions and research centers, such as the University of Toronto Lupus Program at UHN. This local expertise adds significant value to the conference, providing attendees with access to cutting-edge research and knowledge.
These factors combined make Toronto an ideal location for the LUPUS conference, ensuring a successful and enriching event for all participants.
KN: Can you share the themes, speakers, or topics that stood out at the conference?
ZT: The conference featured speakers from various international countries, representing multiple continents. This diverse representation ensures a wide range of perspectives and expertise, fostering global collaboration in lupus research and care. Some key themes of the conference included:
- Advances in Therapeutics, CAR-T cell, and Biologic Therapies: Sessions will highlight the latest breakthroughs in treatment options, including innovative therapies and biologics.
- Advances in Diagnostics and Prognostic Studies: Cutting-edge research on diagnostic tools and prognostic studies will be presented, aiming to improve early detection and patient outcomes.
- Pediatric Lupus: Special focus will be given to pediatric lupus, addressing unique challenges and treatment strategies for younger patients.
- Patient Sessions: These sessions will explore the lived experiences of lupus patients, discussing care strategies, support systems, and holistic approaches to improve quality of life.
- Advancing Brain Research in Lupus: These sessions explored improved measurement and imaging techniques to better diagnose and treat cognitive symptoms in lupus, aiming for earlier detection and more personalized care.
KN: What advice would you give to other organizations and/ or experts who would like to bring an international meeting to Toronto?
ZT: To successfully bring an international meeting to Toronto, it’s essential to leverage the city’s wealth of local expertise by gathering a recognized group of professionals in the relevant field. Leveraging their expertise and reputation can significantly enhance the credibility and appeal of the event. Collaborating with the City of Toronto, particularly through the Leaders Circle and other city officials, can provide valuable support, resources, and connections to navigate logistics and maximize the meeting’s impact. Additionally, hiring an experienced meeting organizer is crucial to handle the complexities of planning and executing the event, ensuring everything runs smoothly from venue selection to attendee management.
KN: What do you think are the short-term and long-term impacts of the LUPUS conference, both for Toronto and the global lupus community?
ZT: For the global lupus community, the conference showcased new advances in therapeutics, clinical practices, and diagnostics, providing immediate updates and knowledge sharing among experts.
KN: In your opinion, can you describe the benefits of working with the Leaders Circle and Destination Toronto to bring an international meeting to our city?
ZT: Working with the Leaders Circle and Destination Toronto to bring an international meeting to the city offers numerous advantages. These organizations boast a network of local scientists, academics, and meeting professionals with extensive experience in organizing large-scale events. They assist in creating a comprehensive bid book, essential for securing the opportunity to host international conferences. Additionally, they help analyze conference hosting guidelines to ensure all requirements are met and facilitate obtaining letters of support from government officials, which can be a significant advantage in the bidding process. They also provide recommendations for suitable venues that meet the specific needs of any event.