The Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC) announced that it will be welcoming about 2,000 of the world's heart failure experts at the 12th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Heart Failure Society of America (HFSA), September 21-24, 2008.

The HFSA's Scientific Meeting is the only forum for heart failure specialists to discuss and present the latest research findings, share new ideas and explore new strategies in prevention and treatment of heart failure. Attendees will include physicians, basic scientists, nurses and allied health professionals from Canada, the U.S., and around the world.

"This year's conference will highlight interesting studies focusing on causes and treatment of heart failure, and the important socio-economic issues surrounding this condition," said Dr. Barry Greenberg, HFSA President, and Professor of Medicine, and Director, Advanced Heart Failure Treatment Program, University of California, San Diego.

"We are very pleased to be hosting this group of heart failure professionals from around the world. Heart failure is a serious health problem on the rise," said Barry Smith, CEO of the MTCC.

"We anticipate that this major convention will produce significant revenue for Toronto's hotels, restaurants, shops and entertainment venues. We estimate the overall economic impact of the HFSA gathering to be in the range of $4.3 million in direct spending", he added.