“This event has opened doors to collaborative work among notorious researchers who have expressed their needs to exchange their findings on a regular basis among themselves. It is for all these reasons that the ISST Board of Directors has agreed to reiterate the second ISST, May 12-15, 2004 in Montreal. The United States, Ireland and Sweden have expressed their interest in hosting the 2006 ISST,” concluded Dr. Gaboriault.

“Comments from participants confirm that this symposium answered an urgent need to network, exchange and share on a scientific as well as on a human level,” stated Dr. Marcus Wenner, Director of the CTRC.

Some of the comments include:

“A well organized event that made a great impact on science of touch and massage therapy now and in the future. I'm looking forward to the next symposium!”
Rolf Elmström, chiropractor, Axelsons Institute, Sweden

"This event signals a historic change in the international networking of researchers, educators, and clinicians. Each day brought forth new answers to old questions and motivated each of us to think beyond the constraints of past assumptions."
George P. Kousaleos, LMT, NCTMB
Founder & President of CORE Institute USA

"It was an honor and a privilege to be a part of the first International Symposium on the Science of Touch--a very powerful learning experience! Professionals gathering from all around the world to share research, experiences, and discuss ideas for the future. Dr. Real Gaboriault has made a significant contribution to the field of massage therapy. His passion, dreams, and hard work will shape tomorrow’s destiny!"
Patricia Cadolino LMT, CIMI- Stony Brook University Hospital in New York

“My deep appreciation is extended to you…Thank you for the dedication you brought to manifesting a private dream that has now impacted many of us in the field of massage and other touch therapies. I believe this will become a significant tradition and provide a needed forum for the industry of touch therapies well into the future. May the future of the event continue to support, inform, nurture and engage all those who touch with love and care throughout the world.”
Robert Clavert, Founder & CEO Massage Magazine.

“The conference marks an important step forward for the profession of massage and bodywork. It was an innovative meeting bringing together clinician/practitioners with scientists to learn from one another about what has already been done in the area of program development and research, and to open a rich dialogue to inform future work. Our colleagues in Montreal gracefully provided an environment in which many new professional relationships were formed that will lead to collaborative, enriched research efforts. I look forward to collecting data to present at the next meeting two years from now!”
Cynthia D. Myers, Ph.D., L.M.T.
Pediatric Pain Program UCLA School of Medicine

"To have all the renowned researchers and supporting cast in a single setting, will do nothing short of increasing the credibility for the entire market of touch therapy. And, by increasing that said credibility with research, it will only increase the mainstream exposure of massage worldwide."
Greg Holt
Golden Ratio Education Services

"Quality research on the basic value of touch has never been more needed in our increasingly touch-phobic society. Skilled touch (massage) is the only apparent antidote we have to the societal anxieties around the touch of priests, parents, teachers, and neighbors. The Symposium has allowed us to begin shifting our professional focus toward creating a credible foundation that will allow the bodywork professions to become the cultural experts on touch."
David Palmer
TouchPro Institute of Chair Massage

“Congratulations to all our colleagues who envisioned and created the first International Symposium on the Science of Touch. It was a huge success, providing valuable research/information and opportunities to network internationally. It was an excellent venue to establish credibility of massage therapy within the mainstream medical model/health care system from a research-based foundation. I hope this beginning establishes future ISSTs we can all look forward to as a 'gold standard' for touch research.”
Anne Moseley, MS, LMT
Cape Coral, Florida

“The First International Symposium on the Science of Touch was a refreshing mix of practitioners and researchers from all over the world. The event showed to be a grand Internationally networking opportunity for all that attended. I witness many doors open to encourage collaborating work among massage therapists and researchers on Touch and Massage Therapy. The warm welcome and hard work from everyone at The Canadian Touch Research Centre made this an event to remember. I look forward to returning to Montreal in May of 2004.”
Lynda Solien-Wolfe LMT, NCTMB
PR/Marketing Consultant
Merritt Island, Florida

“The International Symposium on the Science of Touch held recently in Montreal was an enriching and exciting experience. There was so much information shared during the duration that it felt as though there was a more universal understanding towards a common goal in only a few days time. Boundaries between techniques seemed to melt away .The results given us by the scientific researchers concluded what the hands on people have known for centuries, but the ability to now scientifically proof the positive affects of bodywork is wonderfully astounding! And to hear about the growing implication of the medical community is thrilling! With the "crème de la crème" giving conferences, the days flew by, an extremely well-organized event. I look forward to the next Symposium in 2004!”
BetsyAnn Baron- Massage Therapist
Centre de Sante Baron, Montreal