Respiratory health professionals will reconnect at the ATS 2022 International Conference in San Francisco over the next four days, and the return to an in-person format allows for an array of networking opportunities, including a number of receptions, symposia, and sessions.

Meeting face to face after two years of virtual conferences is vitally important, said ATS President Lynn M. Schnapp, MD, ATSF. She emphasized how much the ATS membership loves talking to each other in person. 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.

In-person networking provides a valuable outlet that medical professionals have not always had during the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Schnapp noted.

ATS 2022 features several areas for networking between sessions, including the Clinicians Center, International Participants Center, Center for Career Development, and Science and Innovation Center. All centers will be located in Rooms 153-156 (South Building, Upper Mezzanine) in the Moscone Center and will be open 7 a.m.-5 p.m. PT, Sunday to Tuesday, May 15-17.

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

The following events also will serve as places to meet and reconnect with colleagues.

Reception for PhDs and Other Basic Science Researchers

3-5 p.m. PT | Sunday, May 15
Science and Innovation Center, Room 155 (South Building, Upper Mezzanine), Moscone Center
This reception, presented by the ATS Science and Innovation Center working group and the PhD working group, is a place for PhDs and basic science researchers to mingle. Register online.

Pediatric Resident Development Scholarship Awards

9-10 a.m. PT | Sunday, May 15
Science and Innovation Center, Room 155 (South Building, Upper Mezzanine), Moscone Center
Awardees will be presented with a certificate, conference registration waiver, and a one-year trainee membership to the Society.

Minority Trainee Development Scholarship Awards

11:45 a.m.-1:15 p.m. PT | Sunday, May 15
San Francisco Marriott Marquis
Presentation of certificates and ATS membership will take place during the Diversity Forum.

More Than Making Up for Lost Time: Career Development After COVID-19

2:15-3:45 p.m. PT | Tuesday, May 17
Room 2014/2016 (West Building, Level 2), Moscone Center
This Scientific Symposium will discuss pre-existing challenges facing early career individuals and how the pandemic exacerbated them, as identified through research. The speakers will present evidence-based strategies for addressing these consequences.