Submit a Proposal to the Networking Super Center Learning Studio

Do you have an innovative idea for a networking event, interactive workshop, presentation, or small group discussion relevant to early or mid-career professionals, clinicians, and/or clinical or non-clinical (PhD) scientists? The ATS Networking Super Center “Call for Input” period is NOW open for submission of session proposals for the Learning Studio at ATS 2027 in New Orleans!

The Networking Super Center offers a variety of daily presentations, panel discussions, networking events, and other opportunities focused on professional and scientific development to take careers in pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine to the next level. Presentations are limited to 55 minutes, including the question-and-answer period. The goal of these sessions is to leverage the Networking Super Center’s unique setting to foster interactivity, experiential learning, and thought-provoking conversations around topics pertinent to private practice clinicians, clinician educators, and clinician and non-clinician (PhD) scientists.

Successful proposals will be relevant to members looking to enhance their clinical and scientific careers, will be designed to promote interactivity and engagement, and will support ATS’s broader goals to ensure diversity and inclusion across its programs. Submissions that feature early career members as speakers or panelists are strongly encouraged.

1. Log into the site using your ATS username and password.
2. Read through the instructions, scroll down to "Networking Learning Studio Proposal," and click on +Add New.
3. Edit your proposal as often as you want; all information that you enter in your proposal will be retained when you click “Save.”
4. Review your proposal for accuracy prior to submission. When all required fields are complete and you are satisfied with your proposal, submit it by clicking “Save and Finalize.”
5. Following submission, you will receive an email confirming receipt of your proposal. If you do not receive an email, please contact Liz Guzman at lguzman@thoracic.org.
6. Proposals received after Sept. 23 will NOT be considered. Proposals received on paper form or through e-mail will not be considered.

Your proposal will be reviewed by members of the Networking Super Center Subcommittee and ranked relative to the other proposals received. Because the Networking Super Center is designed to serve the diverse ATS membership, you will be asked to indicate which audience(s) would benefit most from your proposed session. Each proposal will be evaluated based on:

• Mission: Does your proposal address professional and scientific career development for early or mid-career professionals, clinicians, and/or clinician or non-clinician (PhD) scientists?
• Novelty and Innovation: Does your session fill a critical gap relevant to ATS International Conference attendees that other sessions at the International Conference overlook? If your proposal is suitable for another International Conference format (i.e., Meet-the-Experts Seminar), it may not be the ideal fit for the Networking Super Center.
• Career and Professional Development: How will your session promote career and advancement and professional skill building for attendees? This can include networking opportunities, discussion of novel research or clinical techniques, or related topics. Examples may include networking opportunities, exposure to emerging research methods or clinical approaches, grantsmanship, leadership development, or other activities that enhance career advancement.
• Interactivity: Does the session design encourage audience participation, discussion, and engagement with both the speakers and the subject matter?
• Panel Diversity: Does your proposed panel include representation across race, ethnicity, age, geography, gender, career stage, discipline, background, institution, and perspective?
• Feasibility and Appropriateness: Is the session feasible and appropriate for the time and space allotted?

Please feel free to reach out to the Networking Super Center Chairs for input, if you feel this would benefit the strength of your proposal.

If your session is selected for programming, you will be notified in late December of 2026. At that time, you will be asked to confirm the session details, including the speakers and moderators. If you have any questions about the call for input, proposal evaluation process, or general questions concerning the Networking Super Center’s Learning Studio, please feel free to contact Liz Guzman at lguzman@thoracic.org.