Following the Australian edition, the "Fifth World Conference on Melanoma" will move back to Venice, the unique italian city where the World Conference began in 1985.As usual, the scientific programme will be designed to offer a) to the experts of different disciplines a forum to discuss the most recent findings of clinical and basic research, b) to clinicians not particularly involved in this field of research a unique opportunity to update their knowledge on the management and current status of understanding of melanoma.Venice is a city with a special atmosphere which always offers to people who have the opportunity to spend some days, also in occasion of a business travel, a pleasant stay and the possibility to enjoy its beauty and magic. Venice was chosen as site of the Conference because of its international character, where new ideas and experiences in the world of science and literature are so often debated. Venice appears, therefore, the ideal forum for the discussion of the new ideas which will be presented during the Conference and I am certain that all the participants will leave this charming city having acquired a greater knowledge of melanoma, but also with an exciting memory of the venetian culture and civilisation.