Three days left to register for WADA’s 2026 Regional Symposium for Europe

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) encourages stakeholders to register promptly for its 2026 Regional Symposium for Europe, which will take place on 18-19 March 2026 in Baku, Azerbaijan at the Baku Convention Center, and will be co-hosted by the Ministry of Youth and Sports of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Azerbaijan National Anti-Doping Agency. An official opening ceremony will be held on 17 March. 

The European Regional Symposium is geared towards anti-doping practitioners from National Anti-Doping Organizations (NADOs), International Federations (IFs), and Major Event Organizers; as well as WADA-accredited laboratories and service providers; and will also welcome athletes and governments.    

Registration 

Those interested in attending should register for the European Regional Symposium via the registration page by 28 February 2026 (23:59 AZT). The Symposium website contains all relevant information regarding the event, including the program, list of speakers and biographies, how to register, and hotel recommendations.  

An important note regarding visas: Participants should only apply for visas directly through the official Azerbaijan E-Visa Portal. More information regarding visas is available on the visa page of the Symposium website. 

Highlighted sessions 

Beyond sessions centered around the 2027 World Anti-Doping Code (Code) and International Standards (IS), participants can expect dynamic and innovative sessions such as: 

Session 3: The testing journey: optimizing collaboration and synergies between IFs, NADOs, and Labs 

During this dynamic panel discussion, a Laboratory Director and senior leaders from NADOs and IFs will draw on their frontline experiences to share practical insights on how Anti-Doping Organizations (ADOs) can strengthen collaboration at every stage of the anti-doping testing journey. Expect candid perspectives, real-world examples, and actionable strategies to enhance coordination and maximize impact.  

Session 10: Working with athletes: Building the future of clean sport together 

The session will highlight work done to ensure athlete involvement in Code and IS updates; outline key athlete-focused updates coming in 2027; discuss the importance of athlete involvement in anti-doping and governance; and inform regarding ongoing and upcoming athlete-centered initiatives.   

Session 12: ADO speed dating: establishing and fostering connections 

The session will use a speed dating format to facilitate discussions between NADOs, IFs, Labs, and other organizations. Tables will feature a series of questions that participants can choose from depending on who they find themselves sitting across from. The two primary goals are better understanding how different ADOs work, and establishing and fostering connections with other anti-doping stakeholders. 

Session 16: Get confident: harnessing the Code Implementation Support Program to maximize compliance readiness

The session will provide an overview of WADA’s capability programs with a specific focus on the Code Implementation Support Program (CISP), helping to raise awareness with stakeholders as to what the program is, how to engage with the program, and where to find CISP resources to begin preparing for the transition to the 2027 Code and Standards. 

Networking app 

WADA is pleased to provide participants with a dedicated networking and event management tool: the Cvent Attendee Hub App. The app allows attendees to access key event information via their smartphone or tablet at any time before and during the Symposium, including but not limited to: 

• A full and personalised agenda, with session and workshop timings, locations, and descriptions; 
• The list of participants attending the Symposium, including participant profile photos; and 
• The ability to contact participants directly to organise meetings in advance of the Symposium.  

Participants are encouraged to plan their meetings in advance with other participants registered and visible in the app. The app will become available in the coming days, at which point all registered participants will receive a notification with instructions on how to access it.  

Opening Ceremony – Cultural Event 

WADA is delighted to share that the opening ceremony will feature a rich musical program that showcases traditional Azeri music and dance, including performances from esteemed Azeri artists. The full program is available here.  

Should you have any questions related to the European Symposium, please contact WADA's Event Management team at: europesymposium2026@wada-ama.org.  

We look forward to welcoming many of you in Baku in March.