2026 IAFMHS Conference

Helsinki, Finland | June 16 - 18

We are excited to announce our 2026 in-person conference will be held at  Helsinki Congress Paasitorni. The conference will run June 16 to 18, 2026, with pre-conference workshops held on June 15, 2026. Conference registration includes catered lunch on June 17 and June 18,  daily coffee breaks, as well as a welcome reception on the first evening. 

2026 Conference Registration Rates

**To access our member rates, register for IAFMHS membership HERE! 

**Members from emerging and developing countries who face financial barriers attending the conference may be eligible for reduced fees. Email iafmhs@sfu.ca to find out more.

Register for the 2026 IAFMHS Conference HERE.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Initiative 

In line with IAFMHS’s ongoing commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and international engagement, the Association will be piloting a brief set of optional, self-identified demographic questions as part of the 2026 conference registration process. These questions are intended to help us better understand who is participating in our Association and conferences, and to inform future initiatives aimed at fostering inclusivity and global representation. All responses are strictly confidential, will be analyzed and reported only in aggregate form, and will never be shared at the individual level. 

Importantly, this information will not be used for conference abstract review, award adjudication, or any selection processes. Its sole purpose is to support IAFMHS’s equity, diversity, and inclusion objectives. While all questions are entirely optional, participation will assist the Association in building a more inclusive and globally responsive professional community.

Conference Banquet Dinner       

Conference attendees and their guests are invited to join us for a fun evening and delicious food at our annual banquet dinner on June 17. The cost per person is $165 CAD. The conference dinner this year will be hosted at Sofia Helsinki. Seating is limited, so make sure to purchase your tickets early when registering for the conference on our website, by emailing iafmhs@sfu.ca, or in person at the conference (pending availability)!  

5km Fun Run

The IAFMHS Student Section is pleased to organize another annual 5km Fun Run, which will take place the morning of Wednesday, June 17. Participants may register for $30 CAD per person (run only) or $50 CAD per person (run and commemorative T-shirt). To ensure preferred sizing, T-shirt sizes can only be guaranteed for registrations completed by May 15. Fun Run proceeds go to student awards and initiatives. Registration can be completed when registering for the conference on our website.

Student Volunteers

 IAFMHS student members can volunteer a few hours at the conference in exchange for complimentary conference registration.  This is a great way to network with other student members and get involve with the Association. For more details about this opportunity, please contact students@iafmhs.org.

Student Social

The IAFMHS Student Section hosts a free student social, with appies and drinks, on June 17. Students members are guaranteed drink tickets, although all students are welcome to attend.

Seeking Donations - Derek Eaves Student Research Grant

We are seeking donations to support The Derek Eaves Student Research Grant. This Grant was set up in 2017 to honour Dr. Derek Eaves’ bursary and academic contributions to the International Association of Forensic Mental Health Services. Grants are awarded twice per academic year to deserving students to aid them in their research. You can choose to include a small donation with your registration. Please contact iafmhs@sfu.ca for further information or if you wish to donate other amounts. 

Have questions about the 2026 conference? Contact us at conference@iafmhs.org

Cancellation and Refund Policy

Cancellation up to May 15, 2026 – full refund

Cancellation between May 15 and June 15, 2026 - 50% refund*

Cancellation from June 16, 2026 onwards – no refund*

IAFMHS reserves the right to make changes to the programme and if necessary cancel the conference or any associated event at its sole discretion. In the unlikely event of such a cancellation, IAFMHS will refund the full value of the conference registration sold upon proof of purchase. IAFMHS expressly excludes any liability for any direct or indirect losses or damages howsoever arising as a result of such cancellation and will not, for example, be responsible for any travel or accommodation costs incurred. In the event of cancellation, the IAFMHS will use reasonable endeavours to publicize the cancellation and details will be posted on the website associated with the conference or event. Attendees are responsible for checking this information prior to the event. Wherever possible, IAFMHS will endeavour to contact delegates by email in the event of cancellation.

To cancel your conference registration and process your refund, please contact iafmhs@sfu.ca