The EHC strives to deliver patient-facing, state-of-the-art scientific information combined with community-driven thematic content on bleeding disorders. In this regard, the EHC Annual Conference offers a platform to share the latest advancements in treatment, research findings, and best practices in patient care, while fostering collaboration across the bleeding disorders community. This annual event aims to improve the quality of life for people living with bleeding disorders by discussing new therapies and scientific developments throughout Europe.

Taking place from 2 to 4 October in Istanbul, Türkiye, the EHC Conference 2026 will be hosted by Türkiye Hemofili Derneği (THD), the Turkish EHC Member Organisation. It will bring together patient advocates representing EHC National Member Organisations (NMOs), healthcare professionals, researchers, and industry experts.

Conference Organising Committee

• Yağızhan Aktaç
• Miguel Crato
• Cansu Kizilirmak
• Tatjana Marković
• Laura Quintas Lorenzo
• Olivia Romero Lux
• Roberta Sadauskaitė
• Sare Bahar Zülfikar
• Conference Organisers (Maryna Vonsovych)

Scientific Committee

• Jan Blatný
• Ana Boban
• Panagiotis Christoforou
• Miguel Crato
• Caner Dadak
• Başak Koç Şenol
• Christoph Königs
• Maria Elisa Mancuso
• Gökhan Polat
• Olivia Romero Lux
• Roberta Sadauskaitė

Conference Secretariat

For further information on registration, accommodation, and general enquiries, please contact:

EHC 2026
c/o Conference Organisers Limited
20C The Courtyard
Castle Street, Dalkey
Co Dublin, Ireland
Email: [email protected]

Registration Fees

Delegate registration fee includes:

• Entrance to the Conference Sessions
• Conference App access
• Lunch on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
• Dinners on Thursday and Friday
• Tea/coffee during official breaks

Treatment Room

All delegates are kindly requested to bring sufficient supplies of their prescribed treatment to cover the entire duration of the event and to ensure that these medications are carried in their hand luggage.

Additionally, please ensure that you have appropriate medical and travel insurance in place prior to departing your home country to attend this EHC event.

Conference Dinner Ticket

Delegates can purchase a conference dinner ticket to access the Saturday dinner (on October 3). The price of the ticket is €130. The EHC will waive dinner ticket fees for EHC NMO and patient registration holders.

Accommodation in the Conference Venue

The EHC will host its 2026 Conference at the Renaissance Polat Istanbul Hotel.

The EHC has negotiated the following accommodation rates for its delegates (pending availability):

• Hotel bedroom including breakfast (single occupancy) – €165 per night
• Hotel bedroom including breakfast (double occupancy) – €187 per night

Cancellation Policy

Registrations and Social Events

Before 1 July 2026: Full Refund

Before 1 August 2026: 50% Refund

After 1 August 2026: No Refund

Accommodation

Before 1 June 2026: One (1) night will be charged

After 1 June 2026: No Refund

Please note:

• All refunds due will be processed after the conference. Refunds paid are less any bank or credit card charges.
• Registrants may transfer their registration to a colleague, and an administration fee of €50 will apply.
• The conference secretariat must receive cancellations in writing by the dates specified. Credit cannot be given for unused service, unattended events, or early termination of attendance.
• Payment can be made online via credit card – Visa and Mastercard accepted.
• Payment can also be made by bank transfer – account details are on the registration system.

Practical Information

Visa Requirements

If you are travelling to Istanbul, Türkiye, your entry requirements depend on your nationality and travel document.

Passport / ID Requirements

Most visitors must present a valid passport to enter Türkiye. Your passport should generally be valid for at least 60 days beyond the end of your intended stay in the country, and it’s recommended to have at least 6 months’ validity from your arrival date.

Visa-free Travel

Citizens from many countries, especially EU member states, the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Brazil, and several others, can enter Türkiye without a visa for short stays (usually up to 90 days for tourism or business).

e-Visa Requirement

Travellers from many other countries must obtain an electronic visa (e-Visa) before travelling. This can be done online through the official Turkish e-Visa system. The e-Visa is available for tourism or commercial purposes and is usually issued quickly after application. CLICK HERE

For full, up-to-date information on visa eligibility and application procedures, please visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye and the official Turkish e-Visa website. CLICK HERE

Please note that it can take up to eight weeks to process a Visa Application, and early application is recommended.

Please also note that the Organising Committee, or its agents, cannot accept any responsibility in connection with Visa Applications. The standard cancellation policy for registration fees and hotel deposits will apply if a delegate is unable to attend the conference due to late submission of their visa application and/or rejection of the same.

Please note that the Conference Organisers will provide supporting documentation to apply for a visa once the registration process is completed and the registration fees are received. 

Travel

By Plane

Istanbul’s strategic position at the crossroads of Europe and Asia makes it one of the world’s major air travel hubs, offering excellent connections worldwide.

Istanbul Airport (IST) and Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) together serve hundreds of destinations across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and the Americas, with numerous international and domestic airlines operating daily flights. Istanbul can be reached from most European capitals in approximately 2–4 hours by plane.

By Car and Bus

Istanbul is easily accessible by car and long-distance bus via Türkiye’s extensive network of motorways and highways, connecting the city with neighboring European and Asian countries.

Tolls apply on most motorways and bridges in Türkiye and are collected electronically via the HGS or OGS toll systems. Route planners and navigation apps can help you find the most efficient way to Istanbul.

International bus connections:

• Numerous international long-distance bus services connect Istanbul with major cities across Europe, the Balkans, and the Middle East
• Bus operators such as FlixBus, Metro Turizm, and other regional providers offer frequent cross-border services
• Travel comparison and booking platforms such as Omio provide timetable and ticket information for international bus journeys

By Train

Traveling to Istanbul by train is a comfortable and scenic option from several European countries. International rail services connect Istanbul with destinations in the Balkans and Central Europe, with onward connections available throughout Türkiye.

Istanbul’s main train stations are well connected to the city’s public transport network, including metro, tram, ferry, and bus services, making it easy to reach your final destination upon arrival.

From Istanbul Airports to Renaissance Polat Istanbul Hotel

Istanbul’s airports are well connected to the city’s public transportation network and can be reached quickly, comfortably, and cost-effectively by taxi, shuttle bus, or public transport.

From Istanbul Airport (IST)

By Taxi

To ensure a safe, transparent, and hassle-free journey, we strongly recommend booking all taxi transfers via Uber, which operates widely in Istanbul and offers clear pricing and reliable service. Uber is available at Istanbul Airport and can be booked directly via the Uber app upon arrival.
The journey to the Renaissance Polat Istanbul Hotel takes approximately 45–60 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

By Airport Shuttle (HAVAIST)

HAVAIST airport shuttle buses provide comfortable and reliable connections between Istanbul Airport and key locations across the city.Passengers can take a HAVAIST service to Bakırköy and continue by taxi to the hotel.

Shuttle buses operate frequently throughout the day and night. Tickets can be purchased online, via the HAVAIST mobile app, or directly on board.

For routes and timetables, please visit: www.hava.ist

By Metro and Public Transport

Istanbul Airport is connected to the city via the M11 metro line, which links to the wider metro and Marmaray network. From there, passengers can continue towards Bakırköy and reach the hotel by taxi or local transport.

From Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW)

By Taxi (Uber – Recommended)

Uber operates 24/7 from Sabiha Gökçen Airport and is the most reliable option for travelling to the Renaissance Polat Istanbul Hotel. The journey takes approximately 60–75 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

Booking via the Uber app allows you to confirm your fare in advance, track your journey in real time, and avoid language or payment issues.

By Airport Shuttle (Havabus / HAVAIST)

Airport shuttle buses operate between Sabiha Gökçen Airport and the central districts of Istanbul. Passengers can travel to Taksim or Kadıköy and continue to the hotel by taxi or public transport.

Timetables and ticket information are available at: www.havabus.com

By Public Transport

Public buses and metro connections link Sabiha Gökçen Airport to Istanbul’s metro and Marmaray lines, allowing onward travel to the Bakırköy area, followed by a short taxi ride to the hotel.

Local Access

The Renaissance Polat Istanbul Hotel is located in the Bakırköy district and is easily accessible from major transport hubs. The hotel is close to the Marmaray suburban rail line and well served by taxis and local public transport.

Treatment Centre

Address: I.U. Institute of Oncology Millet Cad. 34093 Çapa-Fatih-İSTANBUL
Phone: +90 2124142434
Internal: 34000
Fax: +90 2125348078
Email: [email protected]

General information

For travel tips and the latest information to help you plan your stay in Istanbul, visit the official tourism portal: www.goturkiye.com

Currency

The currency of Turkey is the Turkish Lira (TRY). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Istanbul, especially in hotels, restaurants, shopping malls, and larger shops.

Major credit cards such as Visa and Mastercard are commonly accepted, although some smaller shops or cafés may prefer cash or have a minimum purchase amount for card payments. You can withdraw cash using Maestro and credit cards at ATMs, which are widely available throughout the city.

If you need to exchange money, it is best to do so at banks or licensed exchange offices (döviz bürosu). Exchange offices are common in tourist areas and usually offer competitive rates, but it is advisable to check fees before exchanging.

Most banks in Istanbul are open from Monday to Friday, generally between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM, with a lunch break around midday. Branches in major districts and shopping centres may have extended hours.

Electricity

In Istanbul, the power sockets operate on a standard voltage of 230V with a frequency of 50Hz. The plug type is the standard European two-pin plug.

Country Code and Important Telephone Numbers 

Country Code: +90

Emergency Services:

• 112 Emergency (general emergency number for police, fire, and medical services)
• 155 Police
• 110 Fire department
• 112 Ambulance / medical emergency

Climate

Istanbul enjoys mild and pleasant weather in October. Average daytime temperatures are around 20°C, while evenings can cool down to approximately 13–15°C. Rainfall is moderate, with occasional showers, and humidity levels are comfortable. October typically offers around six hours of sunshine per day, making it an excellent time for sightseeing. The days gradually become shorter, with sunset occurring around 6.30–7.00 pm towards the end of the month.

Insurance

The Conference Organising Committee, or its agents, will not be responsible for any medical expenses, loss, damages, or accidents during the Event. We would in particular draw your attention to the cancellation policy in respect of registration fees and accommodation. If, for whatever reason, the Conference has to be cancelled or postponed, the Organising Committee, and/or its agents, will be responsible only for the refund of monies received. We recommend that delegates insure themselves for medical and cancellation charges.