Celebrations and festivities across the city heralded the arrival of the New Year 2012 for the people of Buenos Aires this past week. And for all those involved in the organization of WCA 2012 the new-year celebrations also marked the start of the final count-down to the event – now just 7 weeks away. For the past 3 years, an extensive team comprising academics, administrators, architects, technicians, designers, planners and many more have dedicated their efforts and their cooperation towards the successful realisation of The 15th WFSA World Congress of Anaesthesiologists®.

For the thousands of presenters, delegates and exhibitors who will be making their way to the Argentine capital in March, the build up to the meeting has only just begun. Over the next few weeks, as we approach the conference itself, we will try to give a preview of some of the main features of WCA 2012. From the academic sessions and workshops through to cultural excursions we will attempt to pick out just a few high points that will be especially worth looking forward to.

Registration is still open, but key workshops and activities are filling up fast. So do remind your colleagues to get on-line and register now. We look forward to welcoming you all!

The 15th WFSA World Congress of Anaesthesiologists® will truly be a World Congress with delegates from 132 countries registered to attend. Of the 7,800 expected physicians we already have nearly 5,000 registered delegates, including over 1,500 from hosts Argentina alone.

Outside of South America there is support from all parts of the world including USA, Canada, and the EU as well as countries as far away as Australia, China and Japan.

We look forward to welcoming all of you, especially those who will be travelling so far to join us.

Buenos Aires is a cosmopolitan city – a city of contrasts that has something to offer every visitor.

From the grandeur of colonial architecture to the narrow side streets and hidden squares. From the brand-laden shop windows of the elegant streets to the market-stall search for a bargain. From a leisurely coffee in a quiet out-of-the-way cafe to the juiciest steak at an up-town parilla.

There is so much to see and so much to experience in the city whose heart beats to the rhythms of the tango!