Feature Story

How the AAAAI Annual Meeting Comes Together Each Year

A behind-the-scenes look at how AAAAI members shape the premier event in allergy/immunology.

The 2026 AAAAI Annual Meeting is nearly here, and this premier event is made possible through the collective expertise and dedication of AAAAI members. Through individual and committee-led education proposals, abstract submissions, the development of the education program and more, the Annual Meeting reflects the strength and collaboration of our community. It is truly created for allergist/immunologists, by allergist/immunologists.

How Member Ideas Shape the Annual Meeting

Karla E. Adams, MD, FAAAAI

One of the largest contributions to the Annual Meeting is education session proposals, which are submitted by individual members and through collaborative work within AAAAI committees. Karla E. Adams, MD, FAAAAI, Co-Chair of the Adverse Reactions to Drugs, Biologics & Vaccines Committee, provided some background on how their committee comes together to propose sessions. “We identify priority topics by integrating emerging science, evolving clinical practice needs and member-identified gaps, all in alignment with AAAAI strategic priorities,” Dr. Adams said. “Input is gathered from across the committee, often through focused discussions or smaller working groups, which allows us to identify key themes and areas of interest. This helps ensure that proposals reflect both innovation and relevance across the diverse domains represented within our committee.”

Dr. Adams also explained that while proposals are typically submitted by individual members or small groups, the committee plays an active role in shaping and refining ideas. “The leadership team has developed proposals informed by committee discussion and we also routinely review and provide input on proposals submitted by committee members. Creating smaller focus groups within the larger committee has been particularly effective in fostering collaboration and helping members refine ideas,” she said.

The AAAAI receives far more proposals than space available, which means many difficult decisions must be made when it comes to choosing what is programmed. This highly selective process is central to maintaining the quality and relevance of the Annual Meeting. “Our interest section leaders carefully and thoughtfully review every submission, using them as the foundation for a rigorous deliberative process that ultimately shapes the final program,” said Julie Wang, MD, FAAAAI, Annual Meeting Program Committee Chair, who is responsible for overseeing the overall program planning process. “Throughout this process, we are attentive to ensuring that each session features outstanding speakers and moderators, presents current and relevant content and addresses the evolving needs of our membership.”

Michelle L. Hernandez, MD, FAAAAI

Michelle L. Hernandez, MD, FAAAAI, Chair of the Environmental & Occupational Respiratory Diseases (EORD) Interest Section, provided additional context. “When we plan EORD sessions, we want attendees to walk away with education that feels relevant and practical. We start by focusing on the most pressing issues in environmental and occupational respiratory health and design sessions that blend cutting-edge science with real-world application. When it comes to speakers, we’re intentional about pairing junior faculty with more senior experts. This not only gives attendees a range of perspectives but also helps showcase emerging voices in the field. Diversity, whether in career stage, background or expertise, makes the conversation richer and ensures our sessions reflect the complexity of the challenges we face as a community.”

Groundbreaking Research

Another highlight of the Annual Meeting is the groundbreaking research presented throughout the weekend. “Patients look to us as experts on allergic disease and the immune mechanisms that cause them. One of the most effective ways that we stay experts is by learning from each other,” said Edwin Kim, MD, FAAAAI, a researcher who frequently presents his research at the Annual Meeting. “I submit abstracts each year to share our discoveries, and to play my part in teaching each other and pushing our field forward to provide the best care possible for our patients.”

Edwin Kim, MD, FAAAAI

New discoveries presented at the Annual Meeting are beneficial for both researchers and practicing healthcare professionals. “Clinical advances can provide invaluable clinical context for scientists to move their research from bench to bedside. Basic science highlights the immune mechanisms that can inform clinical decision-making and the art of medicine in clinical practice. Allergy/immunology is practiced best when we learn from each other and the AAAAI Annual Meeting provides the perfect venue for this,” Dr. Kim added.

Many Disciplines, One Specialty

Dr. Wang also emphasized the importance of meeting the various needs of the A/I community throughout the entire Annual Meeting.

“Our goal is to offer a program that serves the full breadth of our community, from clinicians to basic science researchers, and from our newest members to those who have attended the Annual Meeting for decades."

Julie Wang, MD, FAAAAI

Beyond the transformative education offerings and groundbreaking research, the AAAAI Annual Meeting also plays a critical role in allowing healthcare professionals to connect. “We recognize many attendees use the AAAAI Annual Meeting to reconnect with long-standing colleagues, build new professional relationships and engage in committee and educational activities,” Dr. Wang said. “These connections foster community, facilitate networking and often lead to future research collaborations. As we plan the program we also consider how educational and social activities are scheduled throughout the meeting to foster these interactions.”

Together, these elements—member-driven education, innovative research and meaningful connection—define what makes the AAAAI Annual Meeting a cornerstone event for the specialty.

Click through to the next page for your guide to making the most of the 2026 AAAAI Annual Meeting!