Event overview

International Chemsex Conference: Optimising Support and Care for People Engaging in Chemsex

Join us from 3 to 5 March 2026 in Antwerp for a global, transdisciplinary conference dedicated to the complex and multifactorial phenomenon of chemsex. Registration is scheduled to open in September.
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Campus Rochus, Sint-Rochusstraat 43, 2000 Antwerp

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About the event

We warmly invite you to the Institute of Tropical Medicine (ITM) in Antwerp, Belgium, for a transdisciplinary conference dedicated to exploring the complex and multifaceted phenomenon of chemsex.

Building on the experience of previous international gatherings, this conference brings together a multidisciplinary group of experts to address the complex issues surrounding chemsex. Grounded in scientific evidence and focused on real-world impact, the event aims to strengthen care and support by promoting the practical implementation of research into everyday practice. Participants will engage in meaningful dialogue and knowledge exchange with people who engage in chemsex, community representatives, researchers, healthcare providers, therapists, social workers, and policymakers from around the world.

For whom?

We aim to bring together a large group of experienced experts who may share their experiences in supporting people who engage in chemsex, from a therapeutic, health-care facility or community-based, or peer support setting. The purpose is to facilitate, expand and improve the response to chemsex in all its complexity.

What can you expect?

  • Global insights from leading experts and first responders

  • Panel discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities

  • A focus on health, harm reduction, and human rights

More details and registration information will follow in September.

Practical

Contact

chemsexconference2026@itg.be

Registration

Registration is scheduled to open in September 2025.

Polyclinic-resized Polyclinic of ITM

Optimising support and care for people engaging in chemsex

As a leading centre for HIV care, sexual health, and public health research, ITM is deeply engaged with the challenges that chemsex presents across these domains. Through our clinical practice and research, we have developed multidisciplinary expertise in infectious diseases, mental health, and harm reduction. Our work involves direct engagement with individuals who use chems in sexual contexts, always grounded in a strong commitment to inclusive, stigma-free care for key populations. We also advocate for and implement community-based approaches to HIV prevention and support.

Through ongoing collaborations with organisations, care providers, and institutions in Belgium and internationally, we recognise the value of shared knowledge and diverse perspectives. With this conference, we aim to bring together experts and practitioners to exchange experiences, insights, and strategies, and in doing so, strengthen our collective capacity to provide responsive, evidence-informed, and compassionate care for people who engage in chemsex.

Preliminary programme

This programme is preliminary and subject to change.

Tuesday 3 March

Timing

Activity

13:30-16:00

Registration

16:00-18:15

Opening session: local and regional response

18:15

Reception

Wednesday 4 March

Timing

Activity

09:00-10:30

Plenary session 1: Understanding motivations for chemsex

10:30-11:00

Coffee break

11:00-12:30

Plenary session 2: Prevention of (problematic) chemsex

12:30-13:30

Lunch

13:30-15:00

Plenary session 3: Chemsex care and support from a community perspective

15:00-15:30

Coffee break

15:30-17:00

Plenary session 4: Chemsex care and support from a healthcare perspective

20:00

Conference dinner

Thursday 5 March

Timing

Activity

09:00-10:30

Plenary session 5: Innovative and integrated chemsex care

10:30-11:00

Coffee break

11:00-11:30

Prizes

11:30-12:30

Closing panel: Round-up and moving forward

12:30-13:30

Lunch

14:00-16:00

Special social activity: something unique, festive, and not to be missed!

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