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. Assembly leaders will provide updates on the assembly’s activities, and members will give input, get involved, and network during the meetings.

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.)

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 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, topics include health policy and advanced disease state.

Center hours are 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. 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 Center for Career Development also provides networking opportunities, including the Trainee Educators ATS Camaraderie Hour 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.

Also plan to attend the educational opportunities available at the Center. These include an interactive session on global health careers in pulmonary and critical care medicine from 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. on Sunday, May 20, and a discussion on grant writing for beginners from 12 to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, May 22.

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.

If you need to catch up on basics of a topic before attending a symposium, you can attend a SIC 101 series presentation.