Mentoring in IBD
Mentoring in IBD XXVII is the flagship educational symposium within the 2026 Meeting of the Minds conference organized by Crohn's and Colitis Canada. Designed primarily for Canadian gastroenterologists and other IBD healthcare professionals, the program focuses on the latest advances in the diagnosis, treatment, and long-term management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The symposium aims to increase awareness of emerging evidence, promote collaboration among specialists, and improve patient outcomes through evidence-based clinical practice.
The 27th annual edition, taking place on November 6, 2026, follows a "master class" format that combines state-of-the-art lectures on current and emerging IBD topics with expert-led, case-based workshops and interactive discussions. Rather than focusing solely on research findings, the curriculum emphasizes practical clinical decision-making, allowing participants to apply new evidence to complex real-world patient scenarios. The event is chaired by Alain Bitton and John K. Marshall and forms part of a broader national continuing medical education initiative.
Beyond the annual symposium itself, Mentoring in IBD is a year-round educational curriculum that includes newsletters, online learning resources, electronic research updates, and regional satellite meetings across Canada. Over its 27-year history, it has evolved into one of Canada's leading professional development programs in IBD, helping specialists stay current with rapidly changing therapies, share best practices, and build a national network of expertise focused on improving care for people living with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
Learn more
Canada Future Directions in IBD
Canada Future Directions in IBD is Crohn’s and Colitis Canada’s premier research-focused symposium for healthcare professionals, scientists, and clinician-researchers involved in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Held as part of the annual Meeting of the Minds conference, the program is designed to showcase the most important emerging scientific discoveries in Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis and to accelerate the translation of research findings into clinical practice. The event reflects the organization's mission to improve quality of life for people living with IBD while advancing the search for cures.
The conference emphasizes cutting-edge research, innovation, and future directions in the field, bringing together leading Canadian and international experts to discuss advances in disease mechanisms, therapeutics, precision medicine, clinical trials, and health outcomes. Unlike the more clinically oriented Mentoring in IBD program, Canada Future Directions focuses on where the science is heading and how new discoveries can shape the next generation of patient care. The symposium serves as a forum for researchers and clinicians to exchange ideas, evaluate emerging evidence, and identify priorities for future investigation.
Now in its twelfth year, the program has become one of Canada’s leading knowledge-translation initiatives in IBD, helping bridge the gap between laboratory discoveries and bedside care. Co-chaired in 2026 by Remo Panaccione and A. Hillary Steinhart, the symposium highlights significant progress from Canadian and international research programs while fostering collaboration among gastroenterologists, researchers, allied health professionals, and trainees. Its overarching goal is to ensure that scientific advances are rapidly translated into better outcomes for patients living with IBD.
Learn more
2025 CANIBD Conference
Canadian IBD Nurses 2026 conferenc is a national educational program within Crohn’s and Colitis Canada’s Meeting of the Minds Symposium that is specifically designed for nurses and allied health professionals involved in the care of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The program recognizes the increasingly important role that specialized IBD nurses play in patient education, disease monitoring, treatment optimization, and multidisciplinary care coordination. Its objective is to provide participants with the latest evidence, practical skills, and professional development opportunities needed to support patients living with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
The 2026 program focuses on both the clinical and human aspects of IBD care. Sessions address evolving treatment strategies, patient management challenges, communication skills, and the integration of new therapies into practice. The agenda also highlights topics such as patient engagement, quality-of-life considerations, and collaborative care models, reflecting the growing complexity of IBD management and the central role nurses play in helping patients navigate treatment decisions and long-term disease management.
Beyond clinical education, Canadian IBD Nurses serves as a forum for networking, mentorship, and knowledge sharing among nurses from across the country. The program fosters a national community of practice where participants can exchange experiences, discuss best practices, and develop leadership skills within the specialty. By combining expert presentations with practical discussions and peer learning opportunities, the conference aims to strengthen nursing expertise and ultimately improve outcomes for Canadians living with IBD.
Learn more
Nutrition and IBD Symposium
Nutrition and IBD Symposium 2026 is a specialized educational program within the Meeting of the Minds conference that focuses on the critical role of nutrition in the management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The symposium brings together dietitians, gastroenterologists, nurses, researchers, and other healthcare professionals to explore how nutrition influences disease activity, symptom control, patient well-being, and long-term health outcomes. Its goal is to provide participants with practical, evidence-based guidance that can be integrated into everyday clinical care for people living with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
The 2026 agenda emphasizes both emerging research and real-world application. Sessions examine current evidence on dietary interventions, nutritional assessment, micronutrient deficiencies, and the management of complex nutritional challenges across different stages of IBD. The program also explores how dietary strategies can be used alongside medical therapies, highlighting the growing interest in personalized nutrition and multidisciplinary approaches to patient care. Through expert presentations and case-based discussions, attendees gain insight into translating nutritional science into effective patient-centered recommendations.
Beyond reviewing the latest evidence, the symposium serves as a collaborative forum for healthcare professionals who are interested in optimizing nutrition care in IBD. By bringing together experts from multiple disciplines, the event encourages the exchange of best practices and the development of consistent, evidence-informed approaches to nutritional management. The overall focus is on improving quality of life, supporting disease management, and enhancing outcomes for patients through a deeper understanding of the relationship between nutrition and IBD.
Learn more