2026 AAD Innovation Academy: Schedule at-a-glance
Experience the energy of dermatology’s latest advancements in New York this summer!
2026 AAD Innovation Academy arrives in New York City with just as much momentum and energy as the city itself. Explore a future focused program featuring high-impact sessions, standout speakers, and immersive learning experiences designed to keep you inspired from start to finish. Get a first look at what makes this one of the most exciting events of the year by previewing the schedule below.
Thursday, July 17 | 1:00 p.m. - 5:45 p.m.
The meeting opens Thursday afternoon with a slate of in-depth, four-hour sessions that set the tone for the days ahead.
Choose the topic that fits your interests or split your time between:
Branding and the Business of Dermatology
Navigating Practice Management in Dermatology: Insights and Strategies
The Future of Dermatology
Close out the day with our keynote speaker, followed by a lively Welcome Reception featuring food, cocktails, entertainment, and time to connect with colleagues and browse exhibits.
Friday, July 18 - Saturday, July 19 | 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
and Sunday, July 20 | 7:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Dive into today’s most relevant areas — from cosmetics and therapeutics to pediatric dermatology, cutaneous disorders, melanoma, and much more. Our unique program helps you get more out of every minute with reduced session overlap. Pearl Sessions deliver quick, high-impact insights, and Power Hour Sessions let you squeeze in meaningful discussions around a specific, focused topic.
On Friday evening, don’t miss DermTank, where new contestants compete for $10,000 in seed funding, past winners share their journeys, and refreshments keep the energy high.
The schedule is designed with minimal concurrent sessions so you can focus on what matters without feeling like you’re missing out.
Experience Hub
Plan time to explore the Experience Hub — the central space for connection, discovery, and conversation. Browse exhibits, attend curated micro-sessions, meet industry partners, and enjoy a vibrant atmosphere throughout the meeting.
Scientific Posters are back after their standout success last year. Browse groundbreaking work from your peers in the Experience Hub and consider submitting your own by April 30 for a chance to be featured.
Hours:
Thursday, July 17 | 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. (Welcome Reception)
Friday, July 18 | 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, July 19 | 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
