Along with the newest discoveries and advances in diabetes research and care, attendees of the 83rd ADA Scientific Sessions in San Diego will also notice a number of new program changes, new educational offerings, and new networking opportunities—all intended to enhance the overall Scientific Sessions experience.

The 83rd Scientific Sessions begins this year on Friday, June 23, with an exciting Keynote Address to be delivered by Francis Collins, MD, PhD, former director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and a pioneer in human genome research. After his address, Dr. Collins will participate in a panel discussion led by ADA Chief Scientific and Medical Officer Robert Gabbay, MD, PhD, including Griffin Rodgers, MD, MACP, Director of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive Diseases (NIDDK) and William Cefalu, MD, Director of the NIDDK Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases (DEM).

“We want to set the stage for the next four days by bringing everyone together to celebrate our common mission, recognize the entire diabetes care community—clinicians and other caregivers, researchers, patients, advocates—and highlight partnerships and collaborations that drive the many advances we have seen in diabetes over the last year,” said Marlon Pragnell, PhD, ADA Vice President of Research & Science.

Also new this year, the Networking Reception on Friday evening will take place in the Exhibit Hall with access to exhibitors and a preview of the Poster Hall, offering attendees a great opportunity to renew connections with friends and colleagues from across the country and around the world.

Another special event new to Scientific Sessions this year is the Innovation Challenge competition on Saturday afternoon, June 24, where five startup/emerging companies will pitch innovative ideas in support of improving the lives of people living with diabetes to an expert panel of judges and a live audience.

When it comes to the Scientific Sessions educational program, Dr. Pragnell said the Meeting Planning Committee has made a number of changes this year, including a wider variety of session formats, all designed to facilitate attendee engagement and promote interactivity.

“We will have more panel discussions and more debate sessions this year, more time during sessions for attendees to ask questions, and more opportunities for interaction using audience polling technology,” he said. “Importantly, we’re also shortening the length of most sessions from two hours to one-and-a-half hours and including more protected time in the schedule for people to attend oral abstract and poster presentations.”

Overall, the goal is to provide more opportunities for attendees to interact with not only session speakers and presenters, but also with each other.

“The Scientific Sessions is all about community and collaboration,” Dr. Pragnell said. “We want people to come away with more than just a great learning experience, but also the great reward of meeting up with longtime friends and colleagues, making new connections, and creating lasting memories.”

Curated lists of sessions that may be of interest to Professional Groups are available through the online planner. Session lists are available for the following six groups: Behavioral and Mental Health Professionals, Diabetes Educator CDCES, Diabetic Foot Professionals, Pharmacists, Nutrition and Dietitian Professionals, and Primary Care Practitioners.

Registration for the 83rd Scientific Sessions should be completed via the ADA’s secure online registration portal, which features special pricing for three categories of attendees: ADA members, non-members, and students/residents/fellows.