Relocation of IASP Headquarters to Washington, D.C.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where is the new location?

The new office will be located on the sixth floor of a nine-story office building near 15th and H streets in central Washington, D.C.  < Close Answer

Q: When will the move take place?

We anticipate that the Seattle office will be closed by the end of 2012 and that the Washington, D.C., office will be fully operational at that time.  < Close Answer

Q: Why is IASP moving to Washington, D.C.?

As IASP grows and adds additional services and programs, it will benefit from the large number of professionals in the Washington, D.C., area with international health and association expertise. Washington, D.C., is a natural location for a professional organization, providing the opportunity to collaborate and network with the many other health organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), international associations, and policy makers located there. Washington, D.C., also offers IASP greater opportunity for growth and more effective advocacy efforts to raise the visibility of the Association.  < Close Answer

Q: How was the decision made?

After reviewing various options for the IASP offices and receiving feedback from recent member surveys, the Executive Committee decided at the conclusion of the December 2011 Council meeting to prepare a recommendation to move to Washington, D.C.  < Close Answer

Q: How was the building selected?

Several members of the Executive Committee and the Council along with the IASP Executive Director visited several locations in and near Washington, D.C., in February 2012 and selected an office location in the heart of the city. The Finance Committee reviewed and prepared recommendations for a financing package to purchase the property in February. The IASP Council approved the purchase on March 13, 2012.  < Close Answer

Q: Was an office outside of the US considered?

Yes. The Executive Committee considered locations outside the US where other international health associations have their offices. These locations proved to be more expensive and there would be legal complexities to make such a move.  < Close Answer

Q: How will the members benefit from the move?

The new location is more convenient and accessible to members, which will allow members to increase their interaction with staff. By becoming a more effective organization, IASP will be able to provide enhanced and improved services to the membership.  < Close Answer

Q: How will this affect operations?

The move is expected to make a positive impact on operations. Three international airports, national train service, and an extensive subway system serve the new location. Many international organizations and health associations located in Washington, D.C., create a large talent pool for future employees. The Association will benefit from increased accessibility to vendors. Interaction with colleagues at other associations, professional development opportunities and conferences, and access to other international organizations will help boost staff knowledge and performance.  < Close Answer

Q: Will there be a disruption in service?

No. There may be brief temporary disruptions around the time of the physical move, but a detailed transition plan will help to maintain present operations.  < Close Answer

Q: How will the move affect the Congress in Milan?

The Congress in Milan will not be affected. The move will not take place until after the 14th World Congress on Pain, August 27-31, 2012.  < Close Answer

Q: Will dues and fees increase as a result of the move?

No. IASP's policy to keep dues, Congress registration fees, and other costs at a low rate for its members will not change as a result of the move.  < Close Answer

Q: How much will the relocation cost?

The office was purchased for US$3.6 million. This amount is being moved from cash reserves to an investment in real estate property, and therefore represents no expenditure for the Association. The non-recoverable expenses related to the move, such as re-establishing operations at a new location and personnel-related expenses, will be around $700,000.  < Close Answer

Q: What is the financial impact of the move?

The move will enhance IASP's strong financial position. Currently IASP's cash surplus is invested in low-risk financial instruments. While the conservative composition of its investment portfolio is aimed at preserving the value of IASP's assets, it also results in a very low rate of return. In addition, even low-risk financial instruments are still susceptible to market fluctuation and may potentially lose value in the event of general market decline. Investing a portion of IASP's assets in real estate will diversify its investment portfolio, which lowers the risk of an overall value decrease and will potentially lead to higher returns since real estate properties in the Washington, D.C., area have historically exhibited strong appreciation trends.  < Close Answer

Q: What is the cost of annual operations in Washington, D.C., compared to Seattle?

The cost of labor in the Washington, D.C., area is slightly higher than in Seattle, but IASP expects to offset it with significant savings resulting from owning the office space. In fact, total operating expenses in Washington, D.C., estimated by the Finance Committee, are lower than those of comparable space in Seattle.  < Close Answer

Q: Will the relocation affect member benefits and current programs?

No. All current programs will be maintained at the current level or enhanced.  < Close Answer

Q: What will happen to the current staff?

Every member of the staff has been invited to move to Washington, D.C. For those who chose not to relocate, IASP has offered a generous separation package that includes placement services and incentives to stay with the Association until the Seattle office closes. Those who elected to move will be given a relocation package that will help pay for their move and higher living expenses.  < Close Answer

Q: What will be the new contact information for IASP staff?

Contact information will remain the same until the move occurs. IASP will announce the new telephone and address prior to the move. Email addresses will remain the same.  < Close Answer

Q: I have more questions about the move. Who can best answer them for me?

Please send any additional questions you may have to IASP Executive Director Kathy Kreiter. Her email address is: kreiter@iasp-pain.org.  < Close Answer