On behalf of the Korean Pancreatobiliary Association (KPBA), it is a great honor and pleasure to invite you to the "International PancreatoBiliary Meeting 2023 (IPBM 2023)" which will be held in Incheon, Korea on April 21 and 22, 2023.

"IPBM" is the new name of the "International Conference of Korean Pancreatobiliary Association (IC-KPBA)" which has been held by KPBA since 2015. Based on the support of local and international attendees, IC-KPBA has rapidly grown as an important hub for international academic exchanges in the field of pancreatobiliary system. For further development of IC-KPBA, the society aims to step up into an international conference that leads the cutting-edge symposium focusing on up-to-date topics. And, we hope to provide an enhanced network of experts to advance, share, and globalize new research and technology. To achieve these goals, KPBA decided to change the official name of the international conference to "IPBM" and hold it every year.

The board of KPBA and the organizing committee of IPBM are preparing various programs to discuss recent progress in many aspects of the pancreatobiliary system, integrating both clinical and basic research. With the aim to provide quality care beyond borders, various programs have been prepared including live demonstrations, symposia covering the latest advancements, experiences and updates on current knowledge, and lively discussions on the future of the pancreatobiliary system. We expect that IPBM 2023 will be a historical turning point to guide future directions in the field of pancreatobiliary system and also serve to encourage international cooperation between members of KPBA and all participants.

Leaving lockdown times after COVID-19 pandemic, the global situation is getting better and the travel conditions are expected to improve further in 2023. However, the future situation cannot yet be guaranteed. Therefore, after much deliberation, the organizing committee has decided to hold the IPBM 2023 as both an offline and online conference.

Even though the IPBM 2023 is to be carried out in a hybrid format, we look forward to welcoming as many in person-participation as possible, which shall offer precious and rewarding experiences for each and every one of you and celebrating IPBM’s new start together.

With warm regards,