Delegate Update | April 30, 2026

Your journey to the HTAi 2026 Annual Meeting is underway. Each week, we’ll continue sharing important updates, featured sessions, and planning tips to help you get ready. Keep an eye out for opportunities to shape your schedule and make the most of your experience in Istanbul, Türkiye.

Featured 2026 Workshops 

The HTAi 2026 Annual Meeting program includes two days of pre-conference Workshops led by senior experts and leaders in HTA. These sessions offer practical insights, real-world applications, and interactive learning opportunities for participants at all stages of their HTA journey.

From hands-on skill-building sessions to discussions on emerging approaches and global perspectives, this year’s Workshops highlight a range of timely and relevant topics. Explore a selection of featured Workshops below to get a sense of what’s on offer.

Visit the 2026 Annual Meeting website to view the full list of Workshops. Registration is open for each session and can be added to your Annual Meeting registration or booked separately. To include a Workshop, simply return to your registration portal and select your preferred session.

WS02 - Using GRADE: How It Can Shape The Future Of HTA
The GRADE working group, a community of over 1000 individuals organized in global GRADE Centers and Networks, have shaped the assessment of the certainty in evidence and decision-making over the past 25 years (www.gradeworkinggroup.org). The approach is used by over 100 organizations worldwide, including the World Health Organization.
Time: Saturday, June 6; 9am - 5pm
Track: Evidence Retrieval & Synthesis
Contributors: Artur Nowak, Magdalena Wladysiuk, Bernardo Sousa-Pinto
Experience Level: Basic

WS03 - Applying Ethical Analysis To Support Health Technology Assessment In Its Role As System Shaper
This interactive workshop examines how ethical analysis can help Health Technology Assessment (HTA) in being a system shaper. Through an interactive group assignment on case studies, and expert presentations, participants will learn to apply ethical analysis in assessing artificial intelligence-based technologies and system level interventions. Consequently, participants learn how HTA can shape the values realized by health technologies.
Time: Saturday, June 6; 9am - 12.30pm
Track: Assessment of Healthcare Technologies
Contributors: Bart Bloemen, Pietro Refolo, Dario Sacchini, Michael Distefano, Duncan Steele
Experience Level: Basic

WS19 - Ethics And Equity In HTA For Emerging Technologies: Asia-Pacific Perspectives Through HTAsiaLink
This interactive workshop explores ethical and equity considerations in HTA for genomics, AI, precision medicine, traditional medicine, and digital health across Asia-Pacific. Using HTAsiaLink regional experiences, participants will engage in case-based exercises and stakeholder simulations, learning how culturally-informed, equitable, and socially-sensitive HTA approaches shape policy and health system decisions in diverse Eastern contexts.
Time: 1.30pm - 5pm
Track: Equity In HTA
Contributors: Saudamini Dabak, Wendy Babidge, Izzuna Mudla Binti Mohamed Ghazali, Chien Ling-Chen, Auliya Suwantika
Experience Level: Basic

View the Workshops and Learn More

Get a Preview of the 2026 Scientific Program & What’s Ahead in HTA

Missed the HTAi 2026 Annual Meeting Webinar, "AI & Digitalization in HTA: Enhancing Evidence, Equity, and Efficiency"? The recording is now available, offering an excellent way to get familiar with the 2026 Scientific Program and build momentum for the Annual Meeting.

Hosted by the 2026 International Scientific Program Committee, this session explores how artificial intelligence and digital health are transforming health technology assessment— from evidence generation to decision-making in real-world systems.

Global experts share practical insights on integrating AI into HTA, with a focus on improving efficiency, strengthening data quality, and advancing more equitable access to care. Through real-world examples and interactive discussion, the webinar also tackles key considerations around ethics, policy, and methodology. 

Watch the recording to explore key program themes in greater depth and build momentum for what’s ahead at the HTAi 2026 Annual Meeting.

Watch it here

Travel Advisory: New Biometric Entry System in Europe

Travellers heading to Istanbul via a European port of entry should be aware of a new biometric border system being introduced across 29 countries in the Schengen Area. Known as the Entry/Exit System (EES), this digital system will register non-EU travellers at arrival and departure using biometric data, including fingerprints and facial images.

If your travel plans include connecting through one of the 29 countries implementing the new system—even if it’s just a layover—expect longer processing times at border control. Experts are advising travellers to allow for extended connection times to accommodate the additional steps required for biometric registration.

Some border crossings may still stamp passports while also collecting digital data, and procedures may vary by location. Once fully implemented, the system will replace manual passport stamping entirely and digitally track entries, exits, and any overstays.

What this means for you:

• You may be required to provide fingerprints and a facial scan upon arrival
• Border processing times may be longer, especially during peak travel periods
• Connection times should be planned accordingly to avoid missed flights

As implementation continues, travellers are encouraged to check destination-specific requirements and allow extra time when moving through European border controls.

Learn more about the requirements here

Did you Know? Fun Facts About Our Host City

In Istanbul, some neighbourhoods have more cats than people— and they’re not really strays or pets, but community citizens. With roots going back to Ottoman-era “cat sitters” (called mancacıs), today’s estimated 250,000 street cats are still cared for collectively by locals, complete with free vet services, food stations, and even their own global nickname: “Catstanbul.”

Get to Know the Conference Venues

Main Conference Venue
The HTAi 2026 Annual Meeting Main Conference will take place June 8-10 at the Istanbul Lutfi Kirdar International Convention and Exhibition Centre (ICEC), one of Istanbul’s leading destinations for international conferences and events. Ideally located in the heart of the city, the venue offers easy access to a wide range of hotels, restaurants, and cultural attractions.

Sessions will be held in Rumeli Hall, a modern event space within ICEC featuring expansive views of the Bosphorus and advanced technology to support a variety of formats. With its own dedicated entrance at Harbiye, Taşkışla Cd. No:7, Şişli, Rumeli Hall has hosted international meetings for more than two decades and continues to serve as a central hub for global delegates.

Workshop Venue

On June 6 & 7, 2026, pre-conference Workshops, selected meetings, and the Welcome Reception will be held at Bahçeşehir University (BAU), Beşiktaş South Campus, in the vibrant heart of Istanbul. 

Set along Ciragan Caddesi in the Beşiktaş district, the campus provides a dynamic academic setting with modern facilities designed to support interactive learning, collaboration, and connection. Its central location places delegates within easy reach of the city’s waterfront, cultural landmarks, and bustling neighbourhoods.

This setting offers an engaging start to the Annual Meeting experience, bringing participants together ahead of the main conference days.

View a map of the venue locations here: Venue Maps

Questions?

Please direct all questions or concerns regarding the 2026 Annual Meeting to the HTAi Annual Meeting team at annualmeeting@htai.org. 

We look forward to welcoming you at the HTAi 2026 Annual Meeting in Istabnul!