The American Diabetes Association offers several networking and social opportunities to engage in throughout the 2026 Scientific Sessions. Be sure to leave time in your schedules for these exciting events!
Networking Reception—Friday, June 5 (6:30 pm–8:30 pm CT)
Join us for a Networking Reception on Friday evening in the Exhibit Hall of the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial 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 5 (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 6–8 (12:30 pm–1:30 pm CT)
The ADA will host exclusive, member-only networking events over the course of the conference at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Light hors d'oeuvres and refreshments will be provided. 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 6: Exercise Physiology, Clinical Centers and Programs; Diabetes in Primary Care; Pregnancy and Reproductive Health; Health Care Delivery & Quality Improvement; Behavioral Medicine & Psychology
- Sunday, June 7: Diabetes Self-Management Education & Support; Diabetes & Cardiovascular Disease; Public Health & Epidemiology; Islet Biology, Development, & Function; Eye Health; Diabetes In Youth
- Monday, June 8: Nutritional Science & Metabolism; Diabetes Technology; Foot Care; Immunology, Immunogenetics, & Transplantation
Obesity Association Network Breakfast—Saturday, June 6 (7:30 am–9:00 am CT)
Please join the Obesity Association Network at the Scientific Sessions for a member-exclusive breakfast. Meet the ADA team and network with health care professionals, researchers, and advocates dedicated to advancing evidence-based care.
The ADA Global Advisory Networking Session—Saturday, June 6 (6:00 pm–9:00 pm CT)
This dynamic meeting will bring together leading experts from over 12 countries for a global discussion.
The networking event will feature two sessions:
- Session 1: Diabetes Care—Amplifying the Voice of China. Prof. Enrique Caballero and Prof. Linong Ji will lead this discussion.
- Session 2: Obesity Care. Experts including Prof. Enrique Caballero, Prof. Linong Ji, Prof. Cynthia Valerio, and Dr. Amit Gupta will participate in the discussion on this topic.
For more information, view the agenda.
ADA Scholars
By invitation only, 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. This year’s ADA Scholars program will take place in advance of the 2026 Scientific Sessions with the Networking Reception on Thursday, June 4. For more information, visit professional.diabetes.org/scholars.
Innovation Challenge
The Innovation Challenge returns to the Scientific Sessions! At the ADA, we are committed to advancing care that improves the lives of everyone affected by diabetes—until the day we find a cure. We’re seeking game-changing ideas from emerging companies that have the potential to transform diabetes care.
Each year, the Innovation Challenge invites emerging companies in diabetes research and care to pitch novel solutions that address real-world needs for people with diabetes, their families, and caregivers. Apply for the chance to take the big stage at the ADA’s 2026 Scientific Sessions—the world’s largest diabetes conference—and showcase your ideas and gain exposure in front of thought leaders, diabetes care experts, and an audience of professionals, including primary care doctors, researchers, nurses, pharmacists, diabetes educators, endocrinologists, and pharmaceutical industry leaders.
To learn more and apply, please visit 2026 Innovation Challenge.
