<p>Dear Colleagues,<br><br>It is my great pleasure to invite you to the 9th International Orthodontic Congress (IOC) of the World Federation of Orthodontists which will be held in Yokohama, Japan in October 2020.<br><br>We believe that holding the 9th IOC, for the first time in Asia, will be an excellent opportunity to share the latest knowledge and outcomes in the clinical and basic sciences of our profession under the integrated theme, “Broadening the Vision in Orthodontics: Orthodontics as the starting point for health science”. It is noteworthy that the 12th Asian Pacific Orthodontic Conference and the 79th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Orthodontic Society will be co-hosted with the 9th IOC. This will be an ideal opportunity for orthodontists and oral care professionals to get together from around the world for the benefit of orthodontic patients.<br><br><br><br>The Local Organizing Committee has been established and is preparing attractive programs to meet the high expectations of speakers, delegates, participants and accompanying persons. We have chosen Pacifico Yokohama as the venue, as it offers a large space to meet the needs of an international convention. The facilities include the National Convention Hall of Yokohama, the Conference Center, the Exhibition Hall and the Hotel.<br><br>The infrastructure around the city of Yokohama, only a 30-minute ride from Tokyo, will be greatly expanded and refurbished along with the holding of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic games in the summer. October in Yokohama is the best season to enjoy good food, the arts, festivals and live music as the autumn season begins.<br><br>Please save the dates of October 4-7, 2020 in your diary. Come to Japan and experience for yourself the world-renowned welcoming hospitality!<br><br>Takashi OnoCongress Chairman, 9th IOC</p>
