On behalf of the Local Organising Committee it is a great pleasure for me to invite you to attend and participate in the 45th EASD Annual Meeting in Vienna, Austria. Once again, you will have the opportunity to meet colleagues, friends and members of the EASD family to discuss the latest developments in scientific research and clinical practice. Vienna, “the music capital of the world”, was once home to the Austro-Hungarian Empire and many masters of classical music. It is situated on the Blue Danube and history, art, beauty and culture ooze from its alley-ways and street corners. So come and discover St. Stephen’s Cathedral, take a stroll through the Vienna Woods or sit down and enjoy a coffee on one of the narrow streets of this unforgettable city. The Messezentrum Wien is the ideal setting for the 45th EASD Annual Meeting which promises to be an enriching experience. Located at the edge of the city, in the heart of the “Prater” recreational area, it is a mere 30 minutes from Vienna International Airport and just 20 minutes from the wonderfully historic city centre. The official Opening Ceremony will take place in the morning of Wednesday, 30 September 2009. The Programme will end on Friday, 2 October 2009. We hope that you will enjoy this opportunity to interact with your colleagues from all over the world and that this forum for a creative exchange of ideas will be personally rewarding to you. We also hope and trust that you will enjoy your visit to the very beautiful and exciting city of Vienna.