The IX International Symposium on Thysanoptera and Tospoviruses was held at the SeaWorld Resort, Gold Coast, Queensland, from August 31 to September 4, 2009. There were 112 delegates from 20 countries, providing an excellent opportunity to interact, share issues and solutions and foster future collaborations. The objectives of this Symposium were to review and discuss current work and progress on all aspects of the biology and management of thrips and the viruses which they transmit.