From October 1-4, 2013
MONTREAL, Sept. 25, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - If you're in Montreal at the beginning of October, chances are high that you will run into someone with Parkinson's. From October 1 to 4, Montreal will welcome the Parkinson's community when the city hosts the third World Parkinson Congress (WPC). More than 3,500 participants from over 60 countries are expected to attend this major event at the Palais des congrès, generating more than $6.4 million in economic spinoffs for our city. A great deal of effort has been put into making Montreal "Parkinson's ready" and now Montrealers are encouraged to welcome the delegates.
As the only international forum that brings together world renowned neuroscientists, people living with Parkinson's, their caregivers, advocates, medical and healthcare professionals and dedicated researchers, the WPC requires years of preparation and collaboration between local and global organizations. In order to be ready to welcome such an important meeting and its delegates, many of whom live with Parkinson's disease, Tourisme Montréal has worked hand in hand with Parkinson Society Québec, Parkinson Society Canada, the World Parkinson Coalition and many other partners.
Because the tourism industry, and front of house staff, is expected to have contact with the meeting's diverse delegates, four Parkinson's training sessions, hosted by the World Parkinson Coalition, have been organized for everyone from hotel staff and restaurant employees, to taxi and bus drivers, and even customs officials.
"These training sessions are part of the World Parkinson Coalition's legacy for Montréal. Not only will the training ensure WPC 2013 delegates have the most favourable experience in Montreal, it will allow the staff to better understand the needs of people living with this chronic degenerative disease that is expected to affect more than 10 million people on the planet by 2030," said Elizabeth Pollard, Executive Director of the World Parkinson Coalition.
"Hosting the World Parkinson Congress in Montréal is a unique opportunity for our local specialists to meet with the best researchers around the world and to share ideas and knowledge. It is also an occasion for all of us to learn more about Parkinson's disease and try to make a difference," underlined Yves Lalumière, President and Chief Executive Officer of Tourisme Montréal. I encourage all Montrealers to welcome WPC's delegates and make them feel at home!"
This meeting, which takes place every three years, is a platform for a global conversation, to understand the specific challenges of Parkinson's, to highlight new innovations in research, and to share insights and potential solutions, with the ultimate goal of advancing the discovery of a cure. Here are a few highlights:
- Hot topics - presented by a variety of scientists each morning from 8-9 AM
- Plenary talks - conducted at 9:10 AM every day with renowned researchers, clinicians and people with Parkinson's
- Media briefings - conducted at 11:20 AM on October 1,2, & 3
- Lectures and poster presentations - Hear first-hand from inspiring individuals living with Parkinson's and learn about the latest research.
- The Renewal Room - a space for patients to participate in Tai Chi, Yoga, Dance, and art therapy while learning how to handle the day-to-day challenges of Parkinson's disease. It will also feature the artwork of various artists living with Parkinson's, most notably a renowned international painter, Niska.
- Dance Performance - presented by Parkinson en Mouvement, a dance school for people coping with the day-to-day challenges of Parkinson's disease.
- Theatrical Performance and Film Room - showcasing The Alan Parkinson Project, a moving theatrical performance about living with Parkinson's and a variety of documentary films.
- Special pre-screening of "The Astronaut's Secret" - a film about US Astronaut, Rich Clifford and his work for NASA while living with Parkinson's. This Thursday evening pre-screening is open to the public and will conclude with a question and answer period with Mr. Rich Clifford himself, along with Director Zach Jankovic.
The Congress promotes an exchange of knowledge and skills by the most significant contributors in the field, including Dr. Edward Fon from McGill University and Dr. Marie-Françoise Chesselet from UCLA. There will be an emphasis on the latest developments in Parkinson's research and treatment, including restorative and neuro-protective therapies, new and effective medications, and upcoming clinical trials. Topics will include the early indicators of Parkinson's, the genetic components, and risk factors.
For media accreditation, visit www.worldpdcongress.org/MediaRegistration
Parkinson's disease in Canada
Parkinson's is a chronic degenerative neurological disease caused by a loss of dopamine in the brain. When the dopamine producing cells die, Parkinson's symptoms appear.
- More than 100,000 Canadians live with Parkinson's disease (this number is an estimate, as there is no national population-based study on Parkinson's).
- While the average age of diagnosis is 65, Canadians as young as 25 are now being diagnosed. Those who are diagnosed under the age of 40 are commonly known as "Young-Onset" and the number of these cases of Parkinson's is increasing.
About Tourisme Montréal
Tourisme Montréal is responsible for providing leadership in the concerted efforts of hospitality and promotion in order to position the "Montréal" destination on leisure and business travel markets. It is also responsible for developing Montréal's tourism product in accordance with the ever-changing conditions of the market. For more information: www.tourisme-montreal.org.
About World Parkinson Coalition
The World Parkinson Coalition Inc. is a New York-based charitable organization dedicated to providing an international forum for the latest scientific discoveries, medical practices and caregiver initiatives related to Parkinson's disease. By bringing physicians, scientists, allied health professionals, caregivers and people with Parkinson's together, WPC Inc. hopes to create a worldwide dialogue to expedite the discovery of a cure and best treatment practices for this devastating disease. For more information: www.worldpdcongress.org
About Parkinson Society Canada
Parkinson Society Canada is the national voice of Canadians living with Parkinson's disease. A charitable organization founded in 1965, its vision is a better life with a brighter future for Canadians living with Parkinson's today, a world without Parkinson's tomorrow. Parkinson Society Canada, with network of partners including Parkinson Society Québec, funds discovery research and provides education, support, and advocacy on behalf of over 100,000 Canadians living with Parkinson's. For more information: www.parkinson.ca
SOURCE: Tourisme Montréal
Alexandra Graveline
Manager - Corporate Public Relations
Tourisme Montréal
514 844-3558
[email protected]
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