The ATS conference sessions use a standard lecture learning format accompanied by PowerPoint slide presentations. The use of an audience response system to engage the audience is available upon request for certain session types.
The pre-conference Skills-Based Postgraduate Course is the only session type that includes the live hands-on demonstration of equipment. Live hands-on equipment demonstration is not permitted for any other session type.
Any request for the incorporation of a unique learning format or additional audio-visual equipment systems must be discussed with the ATS at the time of session approval, prior to any additional planning, and reviewed for compliance with ACCME Standards, feasibility and cost. Failure to disclose additional requirements may result in the rejection of your session.
The content of proposals will be reviewed by the ATS 2025-2026 International Conference Committee, Program Committees and Subcommittees and ranked within the context of all other proposals.
- Pre-conference half- day or full-day courses held on the Friday or Saturday prior to the Conference
- Half day PG Courses should include 7 or fewer presenters.
- Full day PG Courses should include 12 or fewer presenters.
- should be a more comprehensive, organized review of knowledge, rather than of recent advances only
- learning format: includes didactic lectures and general discussions presented with the aid of PowerPoint slides
- proposers are encouraged to incorporate active learning techniques (such as ARS), panel discussions, small group discussions, and breakout sessions.
- room is set in a classroom layout
- audience response system is available upon request
- course length: half day: 4 hours including time for breaks or full day: 8 hours including time for lunch and breaks
- a separate registration and an additional fee are required of those who wish to attend
- hands-on equipment demonstrations are not permitted in Didactic PG Courses
Please read the Criteria for Postgraduate Courses prior to submitting your proposal.
- Pre-conference full-day courses held on the Friday or Saturday prior to the Conference
- should be a more comprehensive, organized review of knowledge and include equipment and procedure hands on-demonstrations
- learning format: practical skills segments providing the learner with hands-on skill learning of equipment and procedures. Over 50% of the course curriculum must be allocated to hands-on skills.
- lecture portion of the course is set in a classroom layout
- audience response system is available upon request
- course length: 8 hours including time for lunch and breaks (half-day courses are not permitted)
- for each practical skills station, the proposal must include the title/topic, number of participants per station, station rotation plan, proposed faculty assigned to each station
- proposals should not include more than 12 speakers.
- a separate registration and an additional fee are required of those who wish to attend
- For approved courses:
- course chair will be asked to provide a detailed equipment and possible vendor list and a floor plan for the demonstration portion of the course
- chairs and faculty will be expected to attend a pre-course orientation on the day before the course
Please read the Criteria for Postgraduate Courses prior to submitting your proposal.
- didactic sessions in a lecture format in all areas
- audience response system is available upon request
- session length: 90 minutes
- it is recommended that proposals include 3-4 speakers each speaking for 15-20 minutes depending on the topic
- It is also recommended that some time be allotted to questions from the audience
- hands-on equipment demonstrations are not permitted
The Meet the Expert offer a platform for direct interaction with recognized leaders in specific fields.
- one-hour sessions in all areas
- no more than 1-2 speakers in a seminar
- the presentation should have a real-world focus, either clinical or research, that can be a basis to stimulate interchange with the audience.
- the presentation will take place at the beginning of the seminar and should not run loner than 20-30 minutes. The remainder of the hour should be for interchange between the speaker(s) and the audience.
- usually presented by one speaker but a maximum of one-two speakers can be considered if they constitute an integrated team that is necessary to meet seminar objectives.
- Speaker Criteria: speakers may be recognized experts in specific fields or emerging independent academics, researchers, clinicians, and technology or procedural experts. You will need to identify your proposed speaker(s) in the proposal:
- established, peer-recognized experts at or above the level of assistant professor (or equivalent). These seminars typically feature one speaker, but a maximum of two speakers can be considered. Note that the ATS acknowledges that position titles can differ between institutions, countries as well as disciplines. For this reason, these definitions should be treated as a guide.
- emerging independent academics, researchers, clinicians, and technology or procedural experts. Though fellows and trainees can participate as co-speakers, an early career independent professional, including technology or procedural experts, should lead the seminar.
- a separate registration and an additional fee are required of those who wish to attend
- registration is limited to 30 attendees
- hands-on equipment demonstrations are not permitted
