Dear colleagues and friends,

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It is my great pleasure to welcome you to the European Speech and Language Therapy Congress 2027 in Porto, Portugal.

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Our congress motto, “Bridging innovation and care for the future of SLT,” speaks directly to where we are as a profession. Speech and language therapy is changing rapidly. New knowledge, new technologies, and new models of care are opening important possibilities. But our responsibility is clear: innovation must serve people. It must strengthen communication, participation, health, equity, and quality of life.

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As the European Speech and Language Therapy Association, we have a vital role to play in shaping this future. We must lead with evidence, with courage, and with a strong commitment to person-centred care. We must create space for dialogue across countries, disciplines, services, and generations. And we must ensure that the voice of our profession is heard in the decisions that affect the people and communities we serve.

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ESLA Congress 2027 will be a place to do exactly that. It will bring together researchers, clinicians, educators, students and service leaders to share ideas, challenge assumptions, and build stronger connections across Europe and beyond.

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The programme will reflect the breadth of speech and language therapy, from clinical practice and research to education, innovation, inclusion, leadership, and the future of our profession.

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Porto will be more than our congress venue. It will be a meeting point for ambition, collaboration, and action. Together, we will explore how innovation can strengthen care, how evidence can shape better services, and how our profession can respond with confidence to the needs of tomorrow.

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I warmly invite you to join us in May 2027. Let us come together in Porto to learn, to lead, and to shape the future of speech and language therapy.

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All the best,
Sahra Mengal,
ESLA Chair

Dear colleagues and friends,

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It is with enormous enthusiasm, pride, and a strong sense of commitment that the Portuguese Association of Speech and Language Therapists (APTF) welcomes you to the ESLA Congress 2027 in Porto, Portugal.

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For APTF, hosting this congress represents a very special milestone. Nearly ten years after Portugal last welcomed the European speech and language therapy community, we are truly delighted to once again open our doors to colleagues from across Europe and beyond for what promises to be an inspiring and unforgettable event.

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Together with ESLA, we are deeply committed to creating a congress that reflects the strength, diversity, and future of our profession, a space where clinicians, researchers, educators, and students can come together to share knowledge, discuss innovation, strengthen collaborations, and build new ideas for the future of speech and language therapy.

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But ESLA Congress 2027 will be much more than an outstanding scientific meeting.

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Porto is a truly magnificent city: vibrant, authentic, welcoming, and filled with history, culture, and life. We hope every participant will have the opportunity not only to engage in a rich scientific programme, but also to enjoy unique social experiences, meaningful professional connections, and memorable moments throughout the city.

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From the Douro riverside to its historic streets, from its gastronomy to its cultural heritage, Porto offers a unique atmosphere that we believe will make this congress a very special experience. Scientifically, professionally, socially, and personally.

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We are working with great dedication to ensure that ESLA Congress 2027 becomes a landmark event for our community, and we very much look forward to welcoming you all to Portugal in May 2027.

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Warm regards

João Mira Torres

APTF President