The new virtual AAP National Conference & Exhibition, Oct. 2-5, is gearing up to be the biggest and best. Registration opens in early August at https://www.aapexperience.org, where you also can browse program sessions and special events.
In its 90 years, the AAP missed just two in-person conferences — both during World War II. In fact, the conference has soared steadily upward in popularity and continues to draw record crowds and a growing number of international attendees.
“In the midst of an incredibly challenging year for pediatricians, children and families, we are excited to host a new virtual National Conference,” said AAP President Sara “Sally” H. Goza, M.D., FAAP. “We know that now more than ever, pediatricians need flexibility, but they also crave the ability to learn the latest important information for their practice. By holding the conference virtually, pediatricians still can connect, collaborate and gather without having to step away from pressing needs of their patients.”
With so much happening at the AAP National Conference, attendees usually make tough choices and miss out on at least a few simultaneous events. Not this time. The new virtual conference format allows attendees to view one virtual session now and see others later, on demand. The conference also will include live virtual sessions, the AAP President’s Address, keynote speaker presentations, section/council programs, exhibit and poster halls, special events, and technology and health/wellness sessions. The schedule provides flexibility so attendees can participate in sessions in which they are interested, when they want. The live educational sessions will be recorded for future viewing, too.
Following are answers to some frequently asked questions.
What will my learning experience be like? What will I need to do to plan my day?
Attendees should review the Conference Schedule at https://www.aapexperience.org startingin early August to determine which sessions to attend during the meeting itself or view later. Many sessions will be available for on-demand viewing, while others are scheduled at specific times.
There also will be ample breaks. This will allow time to participate in the exhibit hall to meet with company representatives about pediatric-related products and services, attend the poster hall to learn about important research underway in pediatrics and attend special events and activities, such as the AAP Annual Business Meeting, to interact with AAP leaders and other attendees.
In this new virtual National Conference, attendees will hear from expert faculty and receive timely and important pediatric information as they have when participating in past AAP educational activities. In this format, there is greater flexibility to engage in more sessions than ever before.
What new sessions do you recommend?
Sessions will address a broad range of pediatric topics that are important to general pediatricians, medical and surgical subspecialists, non-physician clinicians and trainees. The Pediatrics for the 21st Century sessions are focused on Transforming Care for Child Health Equity (https://aapexperience.org/peds-21/). Content in the live virtual sessions will provide the latest updates on important topics, such as COVID-19 and addressing racism.
Will there be special events?
Attendees still can participate in health and wellness sessions, tech sessions and even a virtual fun run. You also can tour the virtual exhibit hall and chat with vendors.
How long will I be able to access the meeting sessions on demand?
Content from the on-demand and recorded sessions will be available after the virtual conference concludes in October.
“This type of meeting, with its variety and flexibility, reflects the future on continuing education,” said Hilary Haftel, M.D., M.H.P.E., FAAP, AAP senior vice president of Education. “While in-person meetings will always have an important place in our educational portfolio, virtual opportunities such as the new National Conference provide us with a space for innovation and creativity that will only enhance the excellence of education at the AAP.”
For more information, call 800-433-9016 (option 3) or email [email protected].
