Vienna is a wonderful city in which to celebrate the extraordinary growth of Veterinary Dermatology in the 20th Century. Early in the century, Hugo Sindelka, Professor of Internal Medicine at the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna, published his book: Hautkrankheiten bei Haustieren (Skin diseases of domestic animals). This early textbook provided a vital stimulus to the development of the new scientific and clinical field of Veterinary Dermatology. At the beginning of the 21st Century, we return to Vienna for a Congress with the most comprehensive and varied programme ever. State of the Art lectures will be presented by experts from all parts of the world. The presentation on human atopic dermatitis discusses the genetic background of atopy, the fact that 20–30% of atopics are not characterized by elevated serum IgE levels and the new nomenclature approved by the World Allergy Organization. The three phases in development of the disease are discussed in relationship to which patients may benefit by preventative measures. Canine atopic dermatitis is less well defined, but in the Supporting Review lecture, the role of epidermal lipids, cytokines and epidermotropic and dermal immune cells will be reviewed to propose a working hypothesis of the pathogenesis. This hypothesis suggests the acute phase is due to an epidermal barrier defect which facilitates the contact of environmental allergens and microbes with epidermal immune cells at skin sites of friction and trauma. In chronic canine atopic dermatitis, microbes, self-trauma and neuromediators are all suspected contributors to chronic inflammation. Self-perpetuating cutaneous inflammation is due to failure to down-regulate proinflammatory mechanisms. Mycobacterial diseases are the subject of the Infectious Disease lecture and will be discussed under three headings of host-pathogen relationship: diseases (such as tuberculosis) caused by obligate mammalian parasites, localised infections of immunocompetent hosts and disseminated infections in hosts with defective cell-mediated immunity. Treatment of infectious diseases sometimes requires enhancement of ineffective immune responses. However, immunomodulation in veterinary dermatology more commonly involves suppression of an overactive immune system. Recent refinements in drugs and more specifically targeted types of immunotherapy to manipulate the cytokine milieu will be discussed in the State of the Art lecture on Therapy. New developments in methods of delivery include carrier microbes and use of novel routes, including percutaneous and intranasal. In the lecture on the role of reactive oxygen species and antioxidants, the various protective and repair systems which cells have evolved will be discussed. Reactive oxygen species include those induced by ultraviolet radiation and antioxidants include many found in the diet. This World Congress is the first to be combined with the Veterinary Wound Healing Association and the final State of the Art lecture traces acceleration and improvement of healing from laboratory discovery to clinical practice. There will be five parallel sessions, including special programmes for nurses and technicians, for large animal dermatology, dermatopathology and wound healing (in collaboration with the Veterinary Wound Healing Association). For the first time, there will be practical laboratory procedures (‘‘wet labs’’) on otoscopy, cytology, parasitology and wound dressing. The largest ever presentation of research will include 28 original studies supporting the State of the Art lectures, 62 free communications and over 89 poster abstracts. Online abstract submission and evaluation by reviewers also makes this the most advanced Veterinary Dermatology Congress. All the clinical and scientific presentations and the commercial exhibition will take place in the magnificent meeting rooms and reception areas of the Hofburg Imperial Palace, home of the former Austro-Hungarian emperors. Situated at the heart of Vienna, the Hofburg provides views and access to historic Vienna, including the Heldenplatz, the Imperial Gardens, and the classical architecture of the Ringstrasse. An extensive social programme with traditional Viennese hospitality will enable all participants to bring themselves up-to-date whilst taking time to relax and enjoy one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Innovations in organisation include a member of the Committee specifically to care for the Sponsors – without whose generous contributions neither the Congress scientific nor the social programmes could attain their high standards. Sincere thanks to the principal sponsors: Virbac, Royal Canin, Novartis and Bayer. We look forward to hearing about both their new and traditional products. We also thank those who have taken advertising space in this special supplement including the ‘‘early birds’’ Bayer, Novartis, Janssen and Hills. The organising committee have all worked exceptionally hard to ensure this is the best Congress to date. Our thanks are also given to them for all the time, energy and expertise they have devoted to the task. Whether you are a research scientist, teacher or practitioner seeking continuing education, the programme has something of interest and use for all delegates. And where better to learn and enjoy than the elegant city of Vienna.