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

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
Practical
Date: Tue 3 - Thu 5 March 2026
Location:
ITM Campus Rochus
Sint-Rochusstraat 43
2000 Antwerp
Contact
✉ chemsexconference2026@itg.be
Tickets
Registration and tickets
Early bird
Early bird - €170.00
Early bird NGO / Student / LMIC participant - €135.00
Buy your ticket before 15 December 2025 to benefit from the early bird rates.
Standard
Standard - €200.00
NGO / Student / LMIC participant - €160.00
Sponsorship
Showcase your organisation's commitment
By supporting, your organisation demonstrates a strong dedication to tackling important health and social challenges. Beyond the core benefits of social responsibility and enhanced visibility, sponsorship provides:
Access to cutting-edge research and insights
Exclusive networking: engage directly with an international community of healthcare professionals, policymakers and researchers
Brand differentiaton: stand out as a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to addressing complex challenges

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 |
16:00-18:00 | Opening session: local and regional chemsex response
|
18:00 | Reception |
Wednesday 4 March
Timing | Activity |
09:00-10:30 | Plenary session 1: Defining and understanding 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: Integration of chemsex care
|
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: Chemsex, community and public health: Principles and practices
|
10:30-11:00 | Coffee break |
11:00-12:30 | Closing panel: Synthesis of conference findings and take-home messages
|
12:30-13:30 | Lunch |
14:00-16:00 | Special social activity: something unique, festive, and not to be missed! |
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