With hundreds of sessions, posters, abstracts, activities and special events, IDWeek offers a wealth of educational and networking opportunities. To help attendees make the most of the experience, we turned to the experts — the IDWeek Program Committee — for a preview of what’s in store and what to expect in Atlanta, Oct. 19-22.
Each of the IDWeek partner societies has a program chair and vice-chair, with the Society of Infectious Diseases Pharmacists having a representative. Together, these volunteers ensure that the program includes symposia and other activities that reflect the variety of specialties and interests of today’s infectious diseases field.
Celebrating Diversity and Discovery
Diversity of opportunities is key, said Aadia Rana, MD, FIDSA, IDWeek chair representing the HIV Medicine Association. “I always look forward to learning the state-of-the-art clinical management of infectious disease overall,” Dr. Rana said. “That is what I think of when I think of IDWeek: ‘I’m going to learn the latest and greatest in diagnosis, treatment and management of infectious disease.’”
Clinicians can’t read all the latest research, Dr. Rana said. Consequently, she makes time for sessions that cover research “that will change your practice.”
Lisa Dumkow, PharmD, BCIDP, SIDP’s representative, is especially energized by the diversity of this year’s sessions. “We’ve worked hard to make sure the programming is inclusive — not just for pharmacists, but for stewards, front-line providers, infection control nurses and others,” she said. “It’s important that everyone sees themselves reflected in the content.”
Among several sessions on her must-attend list, Ruth Lynfield, MD, FIDSA, IDWeek vice-chair representing the Infectious Diseases Society of America, highlighted “Infectious Diseases 2026: Charting the Path Forward,” (3:15 p.m. ET, Wednesday, Oct. 22), which “has a fantastic group of speakers.”
“They are doing innovative, effective work during these very challenging times,” she said. “It will be fantastic to hear their thoughts about approaching new ways of moving public health and ID forward.”
The conference schedule includes popular sessions and returning topics, but Yohei Doi, MD, PhD, FIDSA, IDWeek chair representing IDSA, also suggested exploring new offerings that take on artificial intelligence and sustainability.
“We have this dogma where we do strict precautions, gowns, gloves; they’re all disposable,” he said. “It’s all medically justified, but we’ve been doing that as a given practice. In this day and age, should we be thinking broader that what we do, while well-intended, may impact the environment?”
Danielle Zerr, MD, MPH, FPIDS, IDWeek chair representing the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America, noted how the topics of AI and sustainability cross disciplines. “It’s exciting to see how these topics intersect with infection control and antimicrobial resistance,” Dr. Zerr said. “That kind of cross-pollination gives you a new perspective on familiar challenges.”
Sessions discussing new ideas on the length of antibiotic treatment and the response to emerging infections like Lassa fever also are on tap at IDWeek this year. Dr. Rana, HIVMA’s IDWeek chair, highlighted the return of interactive cases for HIV and sexually transmitted infections, as well as “HIV for the Non-HIV Specialist” (10:30 a.m. ET, Wednesday, Oct. 22), which is traditionally a “very well attended session.”
Reconnecting With Colleagues, Expanding Horizons
Beyond the scientific sessions, Dr. Dumkow sees IDWeek as a prime opportunity for connection and networking. “There’s so much great research in the poster hall and exhibit space,” she said. “The late-breaking abstracts and pipeline sessions — especially those focused on diagnostics and drug development — are always popular and packed with new insights.”
Dr. Zerr also encouraged attendees to explore beyond their usual scope. “Some of the most impactful sessions are the ones that aren’t directly tied to your day-to-day work,” she said. “There are sessions on emerging pathogens like avian influenza and infection prevention on farms. Even if it’s not your specialty, it can spark new ideas.”