The Exhibit Hall is open from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, May 20, through Tuesday, May 22.
Expanding your knowledge and network are primary objectives of the ATS 2018 International Conference, where you will find world-class educational programming as well as numerous opportunities for networking. Here are some of the opportunities. Be sure to check the program onsite for specific times and locations.
Assembly and Section Meetings
All assembly and section members and other conference attendees are invited to attend any of the 14 ATS Assembly Annual Membership Meetings on May 20 and 21 or three section meetings during the conference. These meetings will be held at the Manchester Grand Hyatt. Assembly leaders will provide updates on the assembly’s activities, and members will give input, get involved, and network during the meetings. Voting results for future Assembly leaders are also announced during this time.
ATS Foundation Donor Appreciation Suite
As a way to thank donors, the ATS Foundation will again feature its ATS Foundation Donor Appreciation Suite at ATS 2018. Conference attendees who contribute $250 or more between June 2017 and May 2018 are invited to the suite, located in the convention center’s Sails Pavilion (Upper Level) to enjoy complimentary coffee, tea, and snacks, internet access, printers, the use of Microsoft Office software, and private meeting rooms (be sure to reserve these ahead of time). Click here to learn more.
ATS Women’s and Diversity Forums
Take the opportunity to support women and diversity during two separate luncheon forums at ATS 2018. The Diversity Forum takes place Sunday, May 20, and the Women’s Forum takes place on Monday, May 21. Both forums are free and include a plated lunch. Pre-registration is required but there are usually seats available at the door on a first-come, first-served basis.
Clinicians Center
All clinicians are invited to meet, network, relax, refresh, and learn in the Clinicians Center and Learning Lab located in the Sails Pavilion (Upper Level) of the San Diego Convention Center.
On Monday, May 21, don’t miss the ATS Outstanding Clinician Award Reception from 4 to 5 p.m.
Educational programs kick off at the Center on Sunday, May 20, with a session on shark tank lung nodules and another on coding and billing. On Monday, May 21, there is a session on ICU rounds and a session on pulmonary hypertension. On Tuesday, sessions include topics on health policy and advanced disease state.
Center hours are 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, May 20, through Tuesday, May 22, and 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 23. Every morning coffee and a light breakfast will be available from 7 to 9 a.m.
Early Career Professionals
Whether you are a graduate or medical student, medical resident, clinical or postdoctoral fellow, or junior faculty member, the ATS is committed to your pursuit of a successful career in pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine. To foster career development among early career professionals, ATS has developed a number of networking opportunities.
The Networking Exchange is an annual event that follows the Opening Ceremony, on Saturday, May 19, at the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina, Pacific Ballroom Foyer. Meet and mingle with your colleagues and peers as well as ATS leaders, program directors, association program directors, and other prominent thought leaders. Cocktails and appetizers will be provided.
The Center for Career Development also provides networking opportunities, including the Trainee Educators ATS Camaraderie Hour (TEACH) Medical Educational Fellows’ Mixer, on Sunday, May 20. Each day, the CCD will serve a complimentary breakfast at 7 a.m. and offer a themed Professional Networking Hour from 4:30 to 5 p.m.
International Participants Center
All international attendees are invited to stop by the International Participants Center, located in the Sails Pavilion (upper level) of the San Diego Convention Center. The Center is open 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, May 20, through Tuesday, May 22, and 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 23.
The Center is designed to enhance the conference experience for participants from outside North America, as well as provide opportunities to become more knowledgeable about ATS international activities. Use the Center to connect with colleagues, network, or just relax while enjoying complimentary snacks, coffee, and soda.
Don’t miss the reception to recognize international attendees and honor this year’s International Trainee/MECOR award recipients from 4:15 to 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 22, at the Center. The reception is open to all international attendees, current and former International Trainee/MECOR award recipients, and their colleagues.
Science and Innovation Center
Scientists and researchers looking to network, learn, and relax should head over to the Science and Innovation Center located in the Sails Pavilion (upper level) of the San Diego Convention Center.
A complimentary breakfast will be served daily in the SIC at 7 a.m., and light refreshments will be served each day at noon. Scientists and researchers are invited to use the area for informal networking and relaxing throughout the day.
If you need to catch up on basics of a topic before attending a symposium, you can attend a SIC 101 series presentation.
10th Annual ATS Foundation Research Program Benefit
The ATS Foundation Research Program Benefit supports and celebrates the Research Program in launching the careers of young investigators dedicated to scientific discovery and better patient care. This year, the Foundation is proud to honor James F. Donohue, MD, with the Breathing for Life Award at 7 p.m. Saturday, May 19, in the Seaport Ballroom of the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego.
The Breathing for Life Award is the highest honor given by the ATS Foundation in recognition of philanthropy, scientific achievement, and commitment to mentorship. Registration is now open online. Choose individual admission or a reserved group package.
The ATS Foundation would like to thank the following corporate supporters of the 10th Annual ATS Foundation Research Program Benefit:
Sapphire Level: $100,000
Genentech
Gold Level: $25,000
AstraZeneca LP
Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Silver Level: $10,000
FREEMAN
Gilead Sciences, Inc.
Insmed
Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals
Sunovion
Theravance
Bronze Level: $5,000
Ascend Integrated Media
Circassia Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
GlaxoSmithKline
Grifols
The National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC)
Novartis Pharma AG
Vertex
List current as of April 11, 2018.