In its thirteenth year, and endorsed by leading professional societies and organisations, the Congress is the premier global event in the field, encompassing malignancies affecting every component of the gastrointestinal tract and aspects related to the care of patients with gastrointestinal cancer, including screening, diagnosis, and the latest management options for common and uncommon tumours. With the focus on personalised therapy, multidisciplinary management and unravelling molecular mechanisms, this event will educate and update the broad range of experts who participate in the treatment of gastrointestinal cancers, providing a clear overview for treatment. Over 70 expert specialists will lead the sessions and meet with participants in small targeted groups, making the scientific agenda the most comprehensive and most effective in addressing the educational needs of physicians. Specialised sessions for nurses, surgeons, and young medical oncologists provide enhanced educational opportunities. Presentation of cutting-edge research is one of the highlights of the World Congress, offering opportunities for researchers worldwide to interact with colleagues and share their endeavours with the healthcare community. In 2010, more than 400 abstracts were accepted for presentation and publication in a special supplement to the Annals of Oncology.