Respiratory health professionals will reconnect at the ATS 2022 International Conference in San Francisco this May, and the return to an in-person format allows for an array of networking opportunities, including formal activities in Networking Centers and informal chats in hallways.

The importance of in-person networking after two years of virtual conferences cannot be overstated, said ATS President Lynn Schnapp, MD, ATSF. She emphasized how much the ATS membership loves talking to each other face-to-face. Conference organizers have trimmed the scientific sessions down to 90 minutes each from the traditional 120 minutes in part to provide additional flexibility in attendee schedules to facilitate these conversations and connections.

Networking Centers also will be set up as places where people can find colleagues with like-minded interests Sunday through Tuesday, May 15-17. In addition to the Center for Career Development, the ATS plans workshops in the Science and Innovation Center, the Clinicians Center, and the International Participants Center, as well as informal networking in the ATS Center.

In-person networking provides a valuable outlet that medical professionals have not always had during the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Schnapp noted. Being onsite in San Francisco, conference attendees will be able to gather side by side with colleagues who have experienced similar strain during the past two years.

“Burnout is real,” she said. “Being with other colleagues who understand helps us all push past it.”

Among the popular activities for networking during the conference is The Networking Exchange for Early Career Professionals, a one-hour event beginning at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 14, following the Opening Ceremony.

“Networking is a vital part of professional advancement. It helps us develop relationships that last a lifetime and fosters professional confidence. And most importantly, it helps early career professionals advance their careers and gain access to more job opportunities,” Dr. Schnapp said.

A relaxed event with light food and beverages, The Networking Exchange for Early Career Professionals usually draws several hundred medical students, residents, fellows, post-doctorate students, and junior faculty.

Another popular event, The PhD and Basic Science Reception, from 3-5 p.m. on Sunday, May 15, in the Science and Innovation Center, shines a light on researchers and the work they do to help advance treatments in the field.

Networking also will be a big part of ticketed events such as the Annual ATS Research Program Benefit, a fundraiser from 6-7:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 14, at the Marriott Marquis San Francisco, and the receptions and meals during the two-day Respiratory Innovation Summit, which opens Friday, May 13.

Throughout the International Conference, the Exhibit Hall will feature Coffee & Connections booths that offer opportunities to chat over coffee in a lounge-like setting.