The ISDE is an international, multispecialty society founded in 1979 for the study of the esophagus in disease and in health. The goal of the congress is to promote the exchange of scientific and medical knowledge among specialists in the field, to maintain interchange with organizations and industries, and to encourage basic and clinical research in fields related to the esophagus. 

In order to promote the professional and educational development of individuals interested in the esophagus, the ISDE sponsors its own journal, international congresses, and other educational programs. The ISDE is managed under the auspices of International Conferences Service, Ltd.

The ISDE accepts applications from destinations and their local/regional tourism/business support group to host the annual World Congress for Esophageal Diseases. The ISDE Congresses rotate among three global regions: Eastern (Asia/Pacific/Middle East), Europe/Africa, and Western (Americas).

An active ISDE member may support the Bid Proposal as a Regional Organization Committee (ROC) Chair, however, this is not a mandatory requirement. ISDE will coordinate introductions with members upon invitation to submit a full bid.