The 23rd World Congress of Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery will take place at the modern ICC (International Convention Center) in the Taksim area of Istanbul, a city at the crossroads of Asia and Europe.
IFOS 2026 will offer a global scientific experience, featuring a programme delivered across 53 parallel meeting halls. Designed to foster collaboration, innovation and knowledge exchange, the programme brings together the very best of our field. 
Using our advanced Science Next platform, we received over 2,800 scientific proposals from 112 countries. As a result, 17 international scientific groups have assembled an outstanding faculty of more than 2,000 leading experts, ensuring a diverse, high-impact scientific agenda.
Under the congress theme 'Innovation, Artificial Intelligence, Global Diversity', IFOS 2026 goes beyond a traditional scientific meeting. Selected sessions will feature AI-powered simultaneous translation enabling participants from around the world to engage fully without language barriers. This approach reflects the IFOS commitment to accessibility, digital transformation and global inclusivity. Our goal is to welcome more than 10,000 participants from all continents, including specialists in otorhinolaryngology – head & neck surgery, neurology, neurotology and audiology, along with industry partners, to experience both scientific excellence and the warmth of Turkish hospitality. 
Turkish Airlines, the official airline of IFOS ISTANBUL 2026, is offering exclusive discounts for congress participants. Simply visit turkishairlines.com and enter the promo code 001TKH26 during payment to enjoy a 17.5% discount on base fares (excluding taxes).
Beyond the congress, discover the magic of Istanbul and explore pre- and post-congress tours highlighting Türkiye’s unique cultural and natural heritage—an unforgettable complement to your scientific journey.
Join us in Istanbul for IFOS 2026—where innovation meets global collaboration.
The programme is available on
https://ifosistanbul2026.org/en/scientific--program.
Free Papers by are invited for submission by 1 May 2026:
https://ifosistanbul2026.org/en/online-abstract-submission
Take advantage of early registration rates until March 1, 2026, and secure your stay at hotels conveniently located near the congress venue through our official accommodation services:
https://ifosistanbul2026.org/en/registration-and-accommodation
Syed Zohaib Maroof Hussain, ENT Speciality Registrar, Walsall
The XXIII World Congress of Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery was hosted at the Istanbul Congress Centre, with additional sessions at the Hilton Bosphorus Convention Centre, Istanbul provided an exceptional setting for one of the largest international meetings in our specialty. With more than 7000 delegates representing 126 countries, the congress offered an ambitious programme of lectures, oral presentations, posters, instructional courses, hands-on sessions and industry exhibitions.
From registration and the opening welcome, the scale and international character of the meeting were evident. The scientific programme was wide-ranging, allowing delegates to compare clinical practice, surgical technique and healthcare systems across different countries. Meeting colleagues from across the world was a particular privilege. These conversations demonstrated not only how differently similar clinical problems may be approached, but also how practice is shaped by local resources, healthcare structures, cultural expectations and legal frameworks. 
Paediatric airway surgery was among the most valuable areas of learning for me. Sessions on laryngotracheal reconstruction and airway management offered practical insight into varied reconstructive techniques and decision-making across international centres. I also particularly enjoyed the head and neck oncology programme. A dedicated session on the role of otorhinolaryngologists in preventing HPV-related disease and cancer explored HPV vaccination principles, effectiveness and the integration of prevention into ENT practice. Sessions on biologics, including optimisation of treatment before biologic therapy for recurrent nasal polyposis, also reflected the rapidly-changing therapeutic landscape in rhinology. 
I was fortunate to have three papers accepted for oral presentation: two relating to head and neck oncology and one in otology. Presenting at IFOS was a significant milestone, and I am grateful to my supervisors and colleagues for their guidance and encouragement. Discussions with senior international head and neck surgeons, including colleagues from the US, provided valuable advice on developing surgical expertise and planning future fellowship opportunities in both the UK and abroad. 
The exhibition area was another strength of the meeting. Engaging with organisations including ENT/Audiology suppliers, ENT & audiology news, Smith+Nephew, Stryker and Medtronic offered insight into new technologies, surgical instruments and innovations used internationally.
Finally, Istanbul itself enhanced the experience. Exploring its historic sites, food and hospitality with my wife provided a welcome balance to the intensive scientific programme. IFOS 2026 was memorable for its educational quality, global networking and the opportunity to experience a remarkable city.
