Toronto is set to host to the 2006 International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) World Congress on Osteoporosis, to be held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC) June 2-6, 2006.

The congress is expected to generate more than $9.5 million in spending throughout the Greater Toronto Area.

Eleven of the world’s leading osteoporosis experts will present plenary lectures at the IOF World Congress, the world’s largest scientific congress devoted specifically to osteoporosis.

“We’re honoured that the International Osteoporosis Foundation, like many other international medical organizations, chose Toronto for the World Congress on Osteoporosis,” said Bruce MacMillan, President and CEO, Tourism Toronto.

“With last week’s successful meeting of the American Psychiatrists Association and the International AIDS Conference later this summer, the osteoporosis meeting helps make this a strong year of medical meetings in Toronto.”

The IOF World Congress on Osteoporosis by the numbers:

• $9.5 million in spending
• 17 hotels across the Greater Toronto Area hosting delegates
• More than 100 world leading osteoporosis experts present
• 35 oral presentations and 680 poster presentations
• Three featured events including the 2^nd IOF Women Leaders Roundtable, Bone Research in Space Symposium and Allied Health Professionals Day

“We are delighted to be welcoming this large group of leading osteoporosis specialists to Toronto and the MTCC,” added Barry Smith, the Centre’s CEO. “Osteoporosis is a crippling disease that strikes down countless people in the prime of their lives, forcing them to live with pain and disability.”

“The IOF is helping to build greater awareness and understanding of this terrible disease. Through education and earlier detection, more people will be treated successfully and be able to return to a productive and fulfilling life. We are pleased to be a part of this and to be supporting the important work of IOF members around the world,” said Mr. Smith.

Tourism Toronto, Toronto’s Convention and Visitors Association, is an industry association of more than 1,000 members established to strategically sell and market the Greater Toronto Region as a remarkable destination for tourists, convention delegates and business traveler around the globe.