2025 Annual Symposium

18-19 March 2025
Lausanne, Switzerland

WADA event pages are the only official websites for all WADA-related events, and stakeholders should only seek information and register through WADA official sites. WADA cannot be held responsible for information provided by third parties, that are not affiliated with WADA.

A welcome word from WADA President

Dear Colleagues,

On behalf of WADA, I am delighted to invite you to the 2025 Annual Symposium, taking place on 18-19 March 2025 at the SwissTech Convention Center in Lausanne, Switzerland. This year's event, themed "Going Further Together," will be held exclusively in person, reflecting our commitment to fostering meaningful connections and advancing our shared mission in anti-doping.

The 2025 Symposium marks the beginning of a new chapter, aligning with WADA's 2025-2029 Strategic Plan. Our goal is to drive impactful change by strengthening collaboration and innovation within the global anti-doping community. Throughout the event, we will engage in interactive sessions, expert discussions, and collaborative networking, all aimed at supporting our strategic priorities and enhancing the fight against doping in sport.

We look forward to welcoming you in Lausanne, where together, we can build on our collective strengths and chart a bold path forward for clean sport.

Sincerely,

Witold Bańka
WADA President

Program

from 09:00 to 09:30

Session 1 - Welcome / Overview of Symposium

SwissTech Convention Center - Auditorium

This introduction session will set the tone for the days ahead, encouraging participants to approach the Symposium with energy, curiosity, and a shared passion for creating an athlete-centered future. It will provide an overview of the various sessions that are planned as well as the narrative that ties them all together—our upcoming 2025-2029 Strategic Plan.
from 09:30 to 10:30

Session 2 - Keynote address – Going further together

SwissTech Convention Center - Auditorium
from 11:15 to 12:15

Session 3 - How partnerships can take us further

SwissTech Convention Center - Auditorium

This session will explore how partnerships can support the global anti-doping community in advancing the protection of clean sport. We will discuss existing partnerships in a number of different areas of anti-doping in order to demonstrate how collaboration can strengthen the global anti-doping system.
from 12:30 to 12:45

Press Conference **Postponed to 27 March virtually**
from 13:45 to 15:00

Session 4 - Research and Innovation, perspectives on past and future achievements | ADOs: find out how to benefit from and participate to anti-doping innovation

SwissTech Convention Center - Auditorium

WADA will soon celebrate 25 years of investment in scientific research in anti-doping. This session will review some of the key achievements and innovations in anti-doping research and how all ADOs can contribute to the research endeavors to tackle the remaining and new challenges to keep sport clean.
from 13:45 to 15:00

Session 5 - Ideathon: generating new ideas together to respond to key challenges of the global anti-doping system | part 1

SwissTech Convention Center - Garden 1

The Ideathon aims to make the most of this once-a-year event that brings together so many bright and dedicated anti-doping minds. Anti-doping experts and practitioners will work in teams to discuss some of the key challenges of the global anti-doping system and brainstorm innovative solutions together. Two sessions (one on each day) will be allocated to collaborative idea generation, which will be summarized and presented during the Symposium’s closing session.
from 13:45 to 15:00

Session 6 - Managing whistleblowers in anti-doping: the key achievements and the challenges to come

SwissTech Convention Center - Garden 2-3

In anti-doping we often find ourselves presenting on the next big thing, the newest technological development or groundbreaking investigation. Instead, to mark the 10-year anniversary of the initial launch of WADA’s Speak Up program, this presentation will revisit the past by exploring anti-doping’s record in managing whistleblowers and their information. We will then present some key improvements on how the anti-doping system is now better equipped to manage complex relationships with whistleblowers before looking to the challenges of the future. Although this subject matter is directly relevant to ADOs who work with or who aspire to work with whistleblowers, this session aims to reach a larger audience and is suitable for all anti-doping practitioners.
from 15:45 to 17:00

Session 7 - The Athlete Council: building a new voice for athletes within and outside WADA

SwissTech Convention Center - Auditorium

In this athlete-led session, participants will see firsthand the impact of the Athlete Council within WADA as well as the broader anti-doping community. Come meet Athlete Council members and learn about their 2024–2025 Action Plan and the initiatives they are championing. In this session, we will also explore ways in which WADA and the Athlete Council can collaborate with the anti-doping community to increase the athlete voice around the globe.
from 15:45 to 17:00

Session 8 - Digital Horizons in Anti-Doping: Collaboration, insights and innovations

SwissTech Convention Center - Garden 2-3

Join us to explore the future of anti-doping insights: discuss how knowledge sharing and ethical data governance can drive innovation, streamline processes, and foster fairness. This session will delve into how to advance anti-doping together through collaborative ecosystems and AI insights.

The program of the Symposium is also available in PDF:

Program - PDF

Symposium format

This year, the Symposium will be hosted exclusively in person, offering the opportunity for participants to fully immerse themselves in the sessions and benefit from direct, face-to-face interactions. All plenary and parallel sessions will take place onsite, allowing for real-time engagement and dynamic discussions.

As there will be no virtual sessions available, we encourage all participants to make the most of the in-person experience and actively contribute to the conversations that will shape the future of clean sport.

We look forward to welcoming you at the Symposium, where we can come together to share insights, discuss challenges, and advance our shared mission in anti-doping.

Presenters

Presenter and moderator biographies will be available on the Annual Symposium page on the website as well as on the mobile application.

Networking / Delegate application

We are pleased to once again provide participants with a Symposium dedicated application to support their participation at the Symposium. The application allows participants to network with all participants, access the general program, personalize agendas, as well as book one-on-one appointments via the Meeting Hub.

Download the application to visualize the floor plan before arriving and stay up to date with the latest news.

Note: the application is available to all registered and approved participants. Instructions for download and login credentials will be sent out two to three weeks prior to the start of the Symposium. Look out for the email from the Professional Conference Organiser (Kuoni Congress).

Registration

Applications for registration must be completed online.

Register now

Terms and Conditions Open Close

Please note that an electronic photo in .jpeg format (max 1MB) is required for registration. Photos are requested for security reasons and are also intended to facilitate identification of participants by other attendees through the participant application. This enables participants to network both before and during the event. The photos will be printed on the accreditation of each participant to be worn onsite at the Symposium venue.

Fees/Costs Open Close

Standard registrations

Please see below the number of complimentary registrations offered, by registration category. Complimentary registrations must be activated before the deadline of 14 February 2025. Additional registrations (up to a maximum number; see total registrations) are permitted, however a registration fee is requested for any above those offered on a complimentary basis (refer to the information provided below in the chart). To ensure all organizations have a chance to attend, the limit on total registrations will be applied.

Category	# Compl. registrations	# Total registrations
International Olympic Committee	-	-
International Paralympic Committee	-	-
International Sports Federations (Olympic)	2	4
International Sports Federations (Paralympic)	2	4
International Sports Federations (ARISF Members)	2	4
International Sports Federations (AIMS Members)	2	4
International Sports Federations (Other)	2	4
Major Event Organisations (MEO)	2	4
National Olympic Committees	2	4
National Paralympic Committees	2	4
Governments / Public Authorities (Signatories to the UNESCO Convention)	2	4
Governments / Public Authorities (Non-Signatories to the UNESCO Convention)	0	1
National Anti-Doping Organisations (NADOs)	2	4
Regional Anti-Doping Organisations (RADOs)	2	4
WADA Accredited Laboratories	2	4
WADA Approved Laboratories (Athlete Biological Passport)	1	4
WADA Social Science Research Programs - Researchers/Academics*	1	2
Researchers/Academics mandated by an ADO*	1	2
Researchers/Academics involved in Anti-Doping*	0	1
Service provider	0	3
Media	-	2
Other Organisations	2	4

Additional registrations or late registrations

If an organization or a government wishes to register more than the limit of complimentary participants indicated above, a registration fee will automatically apply to subsequent registrants (as outlined below).

Additional registrations placed before the deadline of 14 February 2025 (23:59 CET) will be charged CHF 250 per participant.

Registrations placed or not activated from the complimentary registration quota after the deadline of 14 February 2025 (23:59 CET) and before the late registration deadline of 8 March 2025 will be charged CHF 500 per participant.

No registrations will be accepted after 8 March 2025.

Participants must cover their own travel, ground transfers, hotel accommodation and miscellaneous expenses. They should also subscribe to a travel insurance to cover any medical expenses.

* Research Participants

A letter of support by the researcher’s institution will be required to confirm their involvement in anti-doping. The letter should be on the official letterhead of the institution, include the name of the researcher, and description of the research in anti-doping conducted by the researcher.

Athlete Participants Open Close

Organizations and governments listed in the registration category table are encouraged to invite one athlete to register (at no cost), in addition to their allotment of complimentary participants.

Registration Deadline Open Close

The registration deadline is 14 February 2025 (23:59 CET) for media and early-bird registrations, and 8 March 2025 (23:59 CET) for late registrations.

No registrations will be accepted after these deadlines.

For security and logistical reasons, individuals who have not registered online and who have not received an electronic confirmation of their registration will not be granted access to the Symposium.

Cancellation Policy Open Close

Registration cancellation should be made in writing to wada-ama@kuonitumlare.com.

The following cancellation policy will apply:

Before or on 14 February 2025 (23:59 CET): Registration fee will be refunded, except for CHF 20 bank charges.
As of 15 February 2025: No registration fee will be refunded.

Please note that all reimbursements, regardless of when requested, will only be made after the Symposium has concluded.

No-Show Open Close

Should plans change prior to the Symposium, please advise the Professional Conference Organiser (Kuoni Congress) in writing at wada-ama@kuonitumlare.com, as soon as possible.

WADA reserves the right to refuse admission to future Symposia to persons who register for the 2025 Annual Symposium but do not show up.

How to register Open Close

To register, please click on the link below:

If needed, you can download an invitation letter directly by logging back into the registration portal and clicking on the relevant button.

Practical information

Target audience

The Symposium is open to major stakeholders in the anti-doping movement including:
- International Federations (IFs)
- National Anti-Doping Organizations (NADOs)
- Regional Anti-Doping Organizations (RADOs)
- National Olympic Committees (NOCs)/ National Paralympic Committees (NPCs)
- Major Event Organizations (MEOs)
- Athlete representatives
- WADA-accredited laboratories and members of the WADA Laboratory Expert Group
- Sample collection agencies and related anti-doping service providers
- Government representatives involved in anti-doping
- Anti-doping researchers
- Media – on the morning of Day 1 only
Languages

All plenary sessions will be conducted in English or French, with simultaneous interpretation in English, French, and Spanish.

Concurrent sessions will be conducted in English, with simultaneous interpretation in French.
Accreditation

Participants will receive their accreditation upon their arrival at the Symposium venue.

The photo submitted during the online registration will be printed on the accreditation. For further information on the photo, please refer to the registration page.

All information is available to registered participants (except media) through the application. No printed documents (such as program or participant list) will be provided at the event.
Presentations

Following the Symposium, all registered participants will have access to the presentations from the sessions via a secure link in the registration system for a limited time. Both the presentations and recordings remain the property of WADA and are for reference and educational purposes only. They cannot be reproduced.
Meals & Cocktail Event

On each day of the Symposium, WADA will offer registered participants coffee/tea breaks and lunch. Such breaks will provide networking opportunities, enabling social exchanges and discussions amongst participants.

Immediately following the end of Day 1, on 18 March 2025, a cocktail event will be held for all participants at the Symposium venue.
Visas

Any participant requiring a visa to enter Switzerland is responsible for obtaining their visa. For the list of nationalities requiring a visa, please consult the Swiss Federal Office for Migration website.

If needed, participants can download an invitation letter directly by logging back into the registration portal and clicking on the relevant button.

If more information than is contained in the ‘Invitation to the Symposium’, is required to fulfil visa requirements, it is possible to request such information via the online registration system, after registration has been approved.

Note that due to the high demand for travel within the Schengen Area, it is strongly advised participants start their visa application as soon as possible.
Target audience

The Symposium is open to major stakeholders in the anti-doping movement including:
- International Federations (IFs)
- National Anti-Doping Organizations (NADOs)
- Regional Anti-Doping Organizations (RADOs)
- National Olympic Committees (NOCs)/ National Paralympic Committees (NPCs)
- Major Event Organizations (MEOs)
- Athlete representatives
- WADA-accredited laboratories and members of the WADA Laboratory Expert Group
- Sample collection agencies and related anti-doping service providers
- Government representatives involved in anti-doping
- Anti-doping researchers
- Media – on the morning of Day 1 only
Languages

All plenary sessions will be conducted in English or French, with simultaneous interpretation in English, French, and Spanish.

Concurrent sessions will be conducted in English, with simultaneous interpretation in French.
Accreditation

Participants will receive their accreditation upon their arrival at the Symposium venue.

The photo submitted during the online registration will be printed on the accreditation. For further information on the photo, please refer to the registration page.

All information is available to registered participants (except media) through the application. No printed documents (such as program or participant list) will be provided at the event.
Presentations

Following the Symposium, all registered participants will have access to the presentations from the sessions via a secure link in the registration system for a limited time. Both the presentations and recordings remain the property of WADA and are for reference and educational purposes only. They cannot be reproduced.
Meals & Cocktail Event

On each day of the Symposium, WADA will offer registered participants coffee/tea breaks and lunch. Such breaks will provide networking opportunities, enabling social exchanges and discussions amongst participants.

Immediately following the end of Day 1, on 18 March 2025, a cocktail event will be held for all participants at the Symposium venue.
Visas

Any participant requiring a visa to enter Switzerland is responsible for obtaining their visa. For the list of nationalities requiring a visa, please consult the Swiss Federal Office for Migration website.

If needed, participants can download an invitation letter directly by logging back into the registration portal and clicking on the relevant button.

If more information than is contained in the ‘Invitation to the Symposium’, is required to fulfil visa requirements, it is possible to request such information via the online registration system, after registration has been approved.

Note that due to the high demand for travel within the Schengen Area, it is strongly advised participants start their visa application as soon as possible.
Target audience

The Symposium is open to major stakeholders in the anti-doping movement including:
- International Federations (IFs)
- National Anti-Doping Organizations (NADOs)
- Regional Anti-Doping Organizations (RADOs)
- National Olympic Committees (NOCs)/ National Paralympic Committees (NPCs)
- Major Event Organizations (MEOs)
- Athlete representatives
- WADA-accredited laboratories and members of the WADA Laboratory Expert Group
- Sample collection agencies and related anti-doping service providers
- Government representatives involved in anti-doping
- Anti-doping researchers
- Media – on the morning of Day 1 only
Languages

All plenary sessions will be conducted in English or French, with simultaneous interpretation in English, French, and Spanish.

Concurrent sessions will be conducted in English, with simultaneous interpretation in French.
Accreditation

Participants will receive their accreditation upon their arrival at the Symposium venue.

The photo submitted during the online registration will be printed on the accreditation. For further information on the photo, please refer to the registration page.

All information is available to registered participants (except media) through the application. No printed documents (such as program or participant list) will be provided at the event.
Presentations

Following the Symposium, all registered participants will have access to the presentations from the sessions via a secure link in the registration system for a limited time. Both the presentations and recordings remain the property of WADA and are for reference and educational purposes only. They cannot be reproduced.
Meals & Cocktail Event

On each day of the Symposium, WADA will offer registered participants coffee/tea breaks and lunch. Such breaks will provide networking opportunities, enabling social exchanges and discussions amongst participants.

Immediately following the end of Day 1, on 18 March 2025, a cocktail event will be held for all participants at the Symposium venue.
Visas

Any participant requiring a visa to enter Switzerland is responsible for obtaining their visa. For the list of nationalities requiring a visa, please consult the Swiss Federal Office for Migration website.

If needed, participants can download an invitation letter directly by logging back into the registration portal and clicking on the relevant button.

If more information than is contained in the ‘Invitation to the Symposium’, is required to fulfil visa requirements, it is possible to request such information via the online registration system, after registration has been approved.

Note that due to the high demand for travel within the Schengen Area, it is strongly advised participants start their visa application as soon as possible.
Target audience

The Symposium is open to major stakeholders in the anti-doping movement including:
- International Federations (IFs)
- National Anti-Doping Organizations (NADOs)
- Regional Anti-Doping Organizations (RADOs)
- National Olympic Committees (NOCs)/ National Paralympic Committees (NPCs)
- Major Event Organizations (MEOs)
- Athlete representatives
- WADA-accredited laboratories and members of the WADA Laboratory Expert Group
- Sample collection agencies and related anti-doping service providers
- Government representatives involved in anti-doping
- Anti-doping researchers
- Media – on the morning of Day 1 only
Languages

All plenary sessions will be conducted in English or French, with simultaneous interpretation in English, French, and Spanish.

Concurrent sessions will be conducted in English, with simultaneous interpretation in French.
Accreditation

Participants will receive their accreditation upon their arrival at the Symposium venue.

The photo submitted during the online registration will be printed on the accreditation. For further information on the photo, please refer to the registration page.

All information is available to registered participants (except media) through the application. No printed documents (such as program or participant list) will be provided at the event.
Presentations

Following the Symposium, all registered participants will have access to the presentations from the sessions via a secure link in the registration system for a limited time. Both the presentations and recordings remain the property of WADA and are for reference and educational purposes only. They cannot be reproduced.
Meals & Cocktail Event

On each day of the Symposium, WADA will offer registered participants coffee/tea breaks and lunch. Such breaks will provide networking opportunities, enabling social exchanges and discussions amongst participants.

Immediately following the end of Day 1, on 18 March 2025, a cocktail event will be held for all participants at the Symposium venue.
Visas

Any participant requiring a visa to enter Switzerland is responsible for obtaining their visa. For the list of nationalities requiring a visa, please consult the Swiss Federal Office for Migration website.

If needed, participants can download an invitation letter directly by logging back into the registration portal and clicking on the relevant button.

If more information than is contained in the ‘Invitation to the Symposium’, is required to fulfil visa requirements, it is possible to request such information via the online registration system, after registration has been approved.

Note that due to the high demand for travel within the Schengen Area, it is strongly advised participants start their visa application as soon as possible.
Target audience

The Symposium is open to major stakeholders in the anti-doping movement including:
- International Federations (IFs)
- National Anti-Doping Organizations (NADOs)
- Regional Anti-Doping Organizations (RADOs)
- National Olympic Committees (NOCs)/ National Paralympic Committees (NPCs)
- Major Event Organizations (MEOs)
- Athlete representatives
- WADA-accredited laboratories and members of the WADA Laboratory Expert Group
- Sample collection agencies and related anti-doping service providers
- Government representatives involved in anti-doping
- Anti-doping researchers
- Media – on the morning of Day 1 only
Languages

All plenary sessions will be conducted in English or French, with simultaneous interpretation in English, French, and Spanish.

Concurrent sessions will be conducted in English, with simultaneous interpretation in French.
Accreditation

Participants will receive their accreditation upon their arrival at the Symposium venue.

The photo submitted during the online registration will be printed on the accreditation. For further information on the photo, please refer to the registration page.

All information is available to registered participants (except media) through the application. No printed documents (such as program or participant list) will be provided at the event.
Presentations

Following the Symposium, all registered participants will have access to the presentations from the sessions via a secure link in the registration system for a limited time. Both the presentations and recordings remain the property of WADA and are for reference and educational purposes only. They cannot be reproduced.
Meals & Cocktail Event

On each day of the Symposium, WADA will offer registered participants coffee/tea breaks and lunch. Such breaks will provide networking opportunities, enabling social exchanges and discussions amongst participants.

Immediately following the end of Day 1, on 18 March 2025, a cocktail event will be held for all participants at the Symposium venue.
Visas

Any participant requiring a visa to enter Switzerland is responsible for obtaining their visa. For the list of nationalities requiring a visa, please consult the Swiss Federal Office for Migration website.

If needed, participants can download an invitation letter directly by logging back into the registration portal and clicking on the relevant button.

If more information than is contained in the ‘Invitation to the Symposium’, is required to fulfil visa requirements, it is possible to request such information via the online registration system, after registration has been approved.

Note that due to the high demand for travel within the Schengen Area, it is strongly advised participants start their visa application as soon as possible.

Important Dates

28 November 2024

Opening of online Symposium registrations and accommodation bookings.
14 February 2025

- Deadline for early-bird registration
- Deadline for media registration
- Deadline for cancellation of registration with refund
8 March 2025

Deadline for late registration
18-19 March 2025

WADA 2025 Annual Symposium

Venue and Transportation

Venue Open Close

WADA’s 2025 Annual Symposium will be held at the SwissTech Convention Center (STCC), located at the heart of the University Campus of the world-renowned École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), one of two Swiss Federal Institutes of Technology.

SwissTech Convention Center
EPFL- STCC
Station 21
1015 Lausanne
Switzerland

Transportation Open Close

Participants arriving by air should fly into Geneva Airport and take the train to Lausanne. Train travel time from Geneva Airport to Lausanne is about 50 minutes.

Participants can also fly into Zürich Airport and take the train to Lausanne. Train travel time from Zurich to Lausanne is about 150 minutes.

You may consult the Train schedule and buy your ticket online via the CFF website or the CFF App.

Private shuttles from Geneva airport can be organized directly with private companies such as Swiss Transport Services.

When in Lausanne, public transport is recommended. Please visit the following website for more information.

How to reach the SwissTech Convention Center Open Close

Participants are strongly encouraged to come to the Symposium using public transportation as there is very limited parking onsite.

The STCC parking lot is not free and often full.

Please visit the STCC website for further information on accessing the venue via public transport.

Lausanne Transport Card Open Close

The Lausanne Transport Card (LTC) provides any guest staying at a Lausanne hotel and paying the overnight “Taxe de séjour” (City tax) with free and unrestricted access to all public transport services in the city (bus, train, metro). Upon arrival at the hotel, participants should ask for the free LTC.

The card is personalized with the hotel client’s name and it is valid for the duration of the reservation, including arrival and departure dates.

In addition, upon presentation of the LTC, some city partners offer discounts.

For more information, click here.

Accommodation

For any information concerning accommodation in Lausanne, please contact:

LAUSANNE TOURISME
Mr. Olivier MOURAUX
Avenue de Rhodanie 2
CH-1001 Lausanne
mouraux@lausanne-tourisme.ch
Phone: +41 21 613 73 15