Shaping the Future of Respiratory Medicine, Together

Thank you for joining us at the ATS 2026 International Conference, where more than 14,000 attendees representing 88 countries came together in Orlando for the world’s most important respiratory medicine meeting.

While the conference may have wrapped, the conversations, discoveries, and connections continue through ATS NOW — the American Thoracic Society’s new on-demand learning platform featuring personalized content from the world’s most important respiratory medicine conference, including session highlights, podcasts, webinars, video content, and more.

Attendees of ATS 2026 receive complimentary access to select recorded sessions through Dec. 31, 2026, including popular presentations such as the Clinical Year-in-Review and additional conference programming. ATS NOW extends the experience beyond Orlando, allowing the global respiratory community to revisit important sessions and continue engaging with the latest developments in pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine.

Missed this year’s conference? ATS members who were unable to attend can access ATS NOW for $50 USD, also through the end of this year!

This year’s conference showcased the latest advances shaping the future of respiratory health, from emerging clinical research and artificial intelligence applications to innovations in patient care, advocacy, health equity, and scientific discovery. The conference also introduced attendees to ATS NOW, as well as the ATS AI Lab, reflecting the Society’s continued focus on innovation, digital learning, and the evolving role of technology in medicine.

Throughout the week, attendees participated in hundreds of educational sessions, scientific symposia, abstract presentations, networking events, and specialty programming designed to foster collaboration and inspire new ideas across disciplines.

ATS 2026 kicked off with a powerful Opening Ceremony keynote from Robert M. Wachter, MD, author of “A Giant Leap: How AI is Transforming Healthcare and What That Means for Our Future,” who explored the opportunities and challenges artificial intelligence presents for medicine and patient care. ATS thanks Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., for their generous support of the ATS 2026 Opening Ceremony.

The conference concluded with an inspiring Plenary Session featuring Rana Awdish, MD, whose presentation emphasized the redemptive power of hope, compassion, and human connection in health care. ATS thanks GSK for their generous support of the ATS 2026 Plenary Session.

Attendees also engaged with a dynamic Keynote Speaker Series and high-profile sessions throughout the week that examined emerging scientific discoveries, clinical innovation, public health challenges, leadership, advocacy, and the future of respiratory medicine.

ATS 2026 highlighted the Society’s ongoing commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging through several signature events and discussions held throughout the conference. The Diversity Forum, themed “Resilience in a Time of Challenge,” brought attendees together for important conversations about representation, equity, and advancing inclusive excellence within respiratory health. ATS thanks Genentech for their generous support of the ATS 2026 Diversity Forum.
 

The Women’s Forum provided another opportunity for attendees to connect, share experiences, and discuss leadership, mentorship, and career advancement across pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine. ATS thanks United Therapeutics and Genentech for their generous support of the AST 2026 Women's Forum.

The Society was also proud to give back to the host city of Orlando by supporting local community partners throughout ATS 2026. From youth programs at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida to outreach efforts benefiting the LGBTQ+ organization, The Center Orlando, these initiatives helped create a lasting impact beyond the meeting and strengthened our connection to the local community.

These programs reflected the broader spirit of ATS 2026 – a conference centered not only on scientific advancement, but also on strengthening community, supporting one another, and improving care for patients worldwide.

ATS 2026 also continued the Society’s commitment to sustainability and environmentally responsible meetings through a successful conference composting initiative. Thanks to the generous support of ATS 2026 Sustainability Sponsor Boehringer Ingelheim and O-Town Compost, ATS 2026 diverted 5,950 pounds of food waste from Orlando landfills. Through composting efforts implemented during the International Conference, the initiative helped reduce methane emissions – a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change – while supporting ATS’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and environmentally responsible meetings.

As part of the International Conference, the ATS also recognized recipients of the 2026 Respiratory Health Awards. Presented annually, the awards honor outstanding contributions and achievements in pulmonary disease, critical care, and sleep medicine, with special emphasis on efforts that advance health equity and help eliminate disparities in care. This year’s recipients were recognized for excellence in research, clinical care, education, mentorship, advocacy, innovation, and public service – reflecting the breadth of leadership shaping the future of respiratory health worldwide.

Thank you to all attendees, presenters, exhibitors, sponsors, supporters, volunteers, and ATS staff who helped make ATS 2026 such a memorable and impactful experience. We hope you leave inspired by the latest breakthroughs in respiratory medicine and with professional relationships and collaborations that continue long after the meeting. We look forward to continuing the conversation through ATS NOW, so be sure to sign up today.