Scientific Sessions

Networking and Special Events

The American Diabetes Association offers several networking and social opportunities to engage in throughout the 85th Scientific Sessions. Be sure to leave time in your schedules for these exciting events!

Networking Reception—Friday, June 20 (6:30 pm–8:30 pm CT)

Join us for a Networking Reception on Friday evening in the Exhibit Hall of the McCormick Place Convention Center. Get first access to exhibitors and a preview of the Poster Hall. This is a great opportunity to renew connections with friends and colleagues from across the country and around the world. Light hors d’oeuvres and refreshments will be provided.

WIN ADA Networking Reception—Friday, June 20 (6:30 pm–8:30 pm CT)

The Women's Interprofessional Network of the American Diabetes Association (WIN ADA) is our network for female clinicians, scientists, educators, and other health professionals in diabetes. Join the WIN ADA Advisory Group as they present the Lois Jovanovic Transformative Woman in Diabetes Award and recognize several researchers with WIN ADA Abstract awards. Stay for the event discussion about WIN ADA activities and networking with fellow members. Light hors d'oeuvres and refreshments will be provided.

Professional Membership Networking Events—June 21–23

The ADA will host exclusive, member-only networking events over the course of the conference at the McCormick Place Convention Center. Members can now sign up when they register for Scientific Sessions. The following Interest Groups will host networking events during these specific days:

  • Saturday, June 21—Diabetes & Cardiovascular Disease, Diabetes in Primary Care, Diabetes Self-Management Education & Support, Exercise Physiology, Foot Care, Health Care Delivery & Quality Improvement
  • Sunday, June 22—Diabetes in Youth, Diabetes Technology, Eye Health, Immunology, Immunogenetics, & Transplantation, Islet Biology, Development, & Function, Public Health & Epidemiology
  • Monday, June 23—Behavioral Medicine & Psychology, Clinical Centers & Programs, Nutritional Science & Metabolism, and Pregnancy & Reproductive Health

ADA Scholars 

The ADA Scholars program offers a series of in-person career development sessions and workshops specifically geared for early-career professionals who treat and/or research diabetes and its complications. As a part of the program, active participants may be eligible to receive complimentary registration to Scientific Sessions and the ADA's Clinical Update Conference, and a complimentary one-year ADA Professional Membership. By invitation only, this year’s ADA Scholars program will take place in advance of the 85th Scientific Sessions on June 19–20 at the McCormick Place Convention Center in Room W190 B. For more information, visit professional.diabetes.org/scholars.

Innovation Challenge

The Innovation Challenge returns to Scientific Sessions! At the American Diabetes Association (ADA), we are dedicated to advancing care that will improve the lives of everyone affected by diabetes—until the day we find a cure. To that end, we’re on the lookout for game-changing ideas from developing companies that will transform care. If you think your startup’s business proposal fits this bill, join us for the Innovation Challenge happening on stage at the ADA’s Scientific Sessions—the world’s largest diabetes conference—to pitch your ideas and gain exposure in front of the thought-leaders and diabetes care experts. 

To learn more and apply, please visit our 2025 Innovation Challenge.