While the ATS International Conference is renowned for providing attendees with the latest clinical insights and research advancements, it’s also a unique opportunity to forge and strengthen connections with colleagues. To bolster this aspect of the conference, the ATS will offer multiple dedicated networking spaces within the Orange County Convention Center, such as the ATS Networking Super Center, ATS Conference Center, and the International Participants Center (IPC).

“In an increasingly virtual, digital world, the International Conference offers a rare forum for the ATS community to come together and strengthen connections among the global respiratory health community,” said ATS President Raed Dweik, MD, MBA, ATSF.

The ATS Networking Super Center is open to all ATS 2026 Orlando attendees and will be open in the Orange County Convention Center from 7 a.m.–5 p.m. ET from Sunday, May 17, to Tuesday, May 19, and from 7 a.m.–1 p.m. on Wednesday, May 20.

The Networking Super Center Learning Studio offers a career development center and a dynamic networking space for professionals at early and mid-career stages — from students and trainees to faculty, allied health professionals, and industry partners. The space is designed to foster mentorship, meaningful connections, and cross-sector collaboration.

The Learning Studio also provides specialized programming, including studio talks, panel discussions, and networking opportunities. Segmented studio talks will explore topics ranging from the needs of clinicians and interprofessional specialists to interpersonal career considerations. This space will also feature live daily informational panel discussions presented by leaders in pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine.

A networking and career-building space for basic and translational scientists to collaborate and learn about emerging technologies that could enhance the efficiency of their research will also be available at the Networking Super Center. More details will be available on ATSConference365 as the conference nears.

During the evenings of Sunday, May 17, and Monday, May 18, a section of the Networking Super Center will transform into a “Speakeasy” for the ATS Storytelling Series presentations designed for mid-career members. This time in one’s career can take unforeseen turns and feel like a tumultuous period riddled with ups and downs, including new opportunities and unanticipated challenges, both professionally and personally. The ATS Storytelling Series is meant to provide a space for these individuals to listen and reflect on their own professional journey as they navigate the various pathways of life.

Each Storytelling Series session will begin with an introduction, followed by approximately 20 minutes of speaking time for the presenter. An audience Q&A session will follow the presentation. Although each session may have similar underlying themes, these meetings are meant to be spontaneous and intentionally unstructured to spark audience participation that may not be conducive in different formats.

On Tuesday evening, the Speakeasy space will also host a dedicated inclusive forum held in partnership with the International Conference Committee and the ATS Health Equity and Diversity Committee (HEDC). This session will offer members a supportive environment to come together, speak openly about the current climate in the U.S., share concerns, and learn how institutions are responding and supporting their communities.

“The concept of an ‘Inclusive Space’ at the ATS International Conference started last year as a way of acknowledging that we as conference attendees and ATS members come from so many diverse backgrounds, disciplines, institutions, etc. ATS leadership wanted people attending the conference to know that every single person was an important contributor to the work and the mission that ATS supports,” said Stephanie Lovinsky-Desir, MD, MS, assistant professor at Columbia University Irving Medical Center and chair of the ATS HEDC. “This year, the HEDC plans to evolve that initial concept with the Health Equity and Diversity Hub. The Hub will feature engaging programming and networking opportunities that focus on health equity and inclusion for all ATS members.”

The Networking Super Center will also include a lounge for continuing conversations among conference attendees or resting between sessions.

The ATS Center will be another networking hub at ATS 2026 Orlando. This is an area for attendees to host informal meetings, ask questions, or participate in Ask-Me-Anything sessions to learn about all the benefits associated with ATS membership, at the conference and year-round. Certificates of Attendance will also be available. Don’t forget to visit the selfie wall to commemorate the experience.

The International Participants Center is another area for conference connections, specifically among the many attendees interested in learning more about ATS efforts dedicated to global health initiatives. The International Participants Center acknowledges and enhances the interconnectedness of respiratory medicine by uniting diverse, distinguished professionals to collaborate on mutual challenges that affect communities around the globe.