Innovation will drive discussions at ACR Convergence 2026 when thousands of rheumatologists, scientists, and other healthcare professionals gather in Orlando, Florida, for six days of science and engagement this November.
“ACR Convergence is a place to learn about the latest from the greatest in our field,” said ACR President William F. Harvey, MD, MSc, FACR. “Gathering in Orlando in November also represents an opportunity for those of us from colder climates to enjoy a little sun and warmth while we collaborate and network with friends and colleagues. We will be in a city associated with imagination and ingenuity, and I’m very excited that our Annual Meeting Planning Committee (AMPC) has chosen a theme of innovation to weave through the meeting.”
Innovation comes in many forms, several of which will be in the spotlight Friday–Wednesday, November 6–11, at the Orange County Convention Center.
“There will be significant programming around the latest science involving cell-based therapies like CAR-T,” Dr. Harvey said. Sessions include CAR-T Cell Therapy in 2026 at 10 a.m. on Sunday and Driving CAR(T)s to New Directions: Targets Beyond CD19 at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, as well as the three-part Cellular Immunotherapy series offered at 1 p.m. on Sunday–Tuesday.
“We also will see how artificial intelligence (AI) is shaping how we conduct research and deliver patient care in the future,” Dr. Harvey continued. Among those sessions are the Medical Education Great Debate: AI for Evil, AI for Good at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, Journal Club with the Editors: Effective and Appropriate Use of Big Datasets and AI in Research Publishing at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, and Reimagining Rheumatology Care with Artificial Intelligence and Virtual Reality at 2 p.m. on Monday. The preconference Basic & Clinical Research Conference (BCRC) also has an AI focus. Attendees registering for the In Person Plus pass have access to the BCRC.
ACR Convergence 2026 also will see the return of the Practice Innovation Summit. This preconference programming, taking place Friday and Saturday, requires a separate registration and will address the needs of the independent and private practice community.
“Both are an essential part of who we are as a specialty,” Dr. Harvey said. “Independent practices are under threat even more so now than the rest of our community. If we don’t help them survive and thrive, the gap felt by our patients may never be repaired.”
The official 50th anniversary of pediatric rheumatology will be another common thread throughout multiple sessions. Speakers will highlight the history of the specialty and look to what the future might hold for this “small but mighty” field, Dr. Harvey said. On Sunday at 8:30 a.m. is Mastering the Field of Pediatric Rheumatology: Pioneers and Progress, 50th Anniversary. The Pediatric Year in Review will follow at 1 p.m. On Tuesday, Moving Towards Competence: Building Flexible Pediatric Rheumatology Training Pathways for Fellows will be at 8 a.m., Preparing Pediatric Rheumatology for CAR Based Therapies in Rare Disease will be at 10 a.m., and 50 Years of Pediatric Rheumatology will be at 1 p.m. Additional pediatric sessions can be found in the full online program.
While the ACR Convergence program has sessions on a wide array of topics to appeal to a broad range of attendees, Dr. Harvey recommends everyone attend three types of sessions:
- Year in Review—This year’s offerings include the Year in Review at 7:30 a.m. on Sunday, the Pediatric Year in Review at 1 p.m. on Sunday, the Medical Education Year in Review at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, and the ARP Year in Review at 3 p.m. on Tuesday. “The Year in Review is an exciting tour de force review of the science, both basic and clinical, that is most likely to change science or change practice,” Dr. Harvey said.
- Plenaries—Featuring the highest-rated scientific abstracts of the year, the three Plenary sessions take place at 10 a.m. daily Sunday–Tuesday.
- Great Debates—There are also three Great Debates for 2026. The Medical Education Great Debate will examine the role of AI in education at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, the Pediatric Great Debate will address the best way to dose methotrexate in children at 10 a.m. on Monday, and the Adult Great Debate will consider the value of lip biopsies in Sjögren’s disease at 8 a.m. on Tuesday.
“ACR Convergence has something for everyone,” Dr. Harvey said. “The AMPC and the ACR have worked hard to provide opportunities for learning, networking, and mentorship throughout the meeting for attendees of all backgrounds. I want to especially encourage and welcome our trainees. ACR Convergence historically attracts medical students, residents, and a large number of fellows from around the globe. There is no better way to glimpse at your future career than immersing yourself in our community, who will welcome you with open arms.”
Dr. Harvey hopes the global rheumatology community sees ACR Convergence as a time for unity and collaboration.
“I would like to send a special message to our international colleagues and to everyone considering joining us in Florida,” he said. “Our community is at its strongest and most vibrant when we come together to celebrate, learn, and advance the specialty we love. The word ‘convergence’ is special; it means moving toward union, toward familiarity, and, I think, toward home. Sometimes the very thing we need to do is go somewhere where everybody knows your name. Cheers, and hope to see you in Orlando!”
JOIN US IN ORLANDO
If you haven’t registered for ACR Convergence 2026, register today to participate in this year’s premier rheumatology experience, November 6–11 in Orlando, Florida. All registered participants receive on-demand access to scientific sessions after the meeting through October 31, 2027.
