When and where will the conference take place?
The AADA Legislative Conference is held annually in the fall within the Washington, D.C., metro area.
What is the AADA Legislative Conference?
The AADA Legislative Conference is the specialty’s foremost meeting focused on state and federal legislative, regulatory and political issues impacting dermatology. More than 100 dermatologists, patient group leaders, practice administrators/managers, and political insiders are expected to attend the conference.
The conference is a unique opportunity to hear from health policy experts, learn how to be an advocate from D.C. insiders, discuss dermatology issues with colleagues, and become the trusted and influential voice your members of Congress rely on.
What are the goals of the conference?
The legislative conference aims to provide you with a unique opportunity to learn about the advocacy process, the AADA’s advocacy agenda, and how health policy impacts dermatology practices and patients every day. In addition, you have the opportunity to meet with your members of Congress to inform them about issues that are important to the specialty.
How do I register?
You can register on the Legislative Conference registration page beginning in the spring. Space is limited, so register early.
What are the costs associated with attending?
A summary of travel and lodging costs is provided on the conference Web page.
What is the schedule for the conference?
The complete agenda will be emailed to all registered participants and posted on the conference Web page prior to the conference. The copies of the agenda will also be available upon arrival at the registration desk.
How much do I need to know about policy, legislative process and the legislators before coming?
You don’t need to be an expert on policy, the legislative process, or the legislators. You are coming to D.C. as an expert in dermatology and patient care. At the conference, we will provide you with background materials on your legislators, a copy of the AADA legislative priorities, and a brief training on advocacy.
How do the meetings with my members of Congress work?
The AADA works with our partners to schedule all Capitol Hill meetings for attendees. We use your home address to determine who your members of Congress are and then contact their offices to schedule meetings for you. If you have an existing relationship with your elected official(s) this will help expedite the process, and could potentially lead to meeting with the senators or congressman in addition to their staff. If this is the case, please contact Blake McDonald, AADA grassroots advocacy staff, via email at bmcdonald@aad.org.
Before meeting with your members of Congress and their staffers, the AADA will provide you with specific information about legislative priorities, talking points and other resources. Remember to bring plenty of business cards!
Because of the constantly changing congressional schedule, your meeting times will not be available until the conference.
When do I receive materials for the conference?
Materials for the conference will be emailed to attendees a week prior to the event. In addition, the Legislative Conference Web page will be constantly updated with the agenda and other informational documents.
Is CME offered?
No, there are no CME credits offered as part of the Legislative Conference.
What should I wear?
For the conference, business or business casual attire is appropriate. Business attire is recommended for Capitol Hill visits.
I have additional questions about the conference. Where do I go for more information?
Please email Blake McDonald at bmcdonald@aad.org or call (202) 712-2606.