There’s no place like sweet home Chicago!
Dermatology and invention join forces at the 2025 AAD Innovation Academy, July 10–13.

Things are heating up as AAD members, vendors, and staff prepare for summer and the fourth annual Innovation Academy. This year’s meeting includes an exciting lineup of speakers and events as well as state-of-the-art programming.
Looking ahead
Attendees will want to arrive ready to hit the ground running on Thursday. Three concurrent, four-hour afternoon sessions will explore the fundamentals of building and leading a dermatology practice, including planning for what’s to come.
- C001 – Navigating Practice Management in Dermatology: Insights and Innovations: Learn about relevant topics that apply to all clinicians and staff, such as technology implementation, coding updates, and coping techniques for burnout.
- E001 – Branding and the Business of Dermatology: Hear from Terrence A. Cronin Jr., MD, FAAD, who will introduce social media marketing strategies and skills to build personal and professional brands. Plus, bestselling author and business leader Stedman Graham will share his experience consulting with international brands like Microsoft, Deloitte, and Gulfstream.
- F001 – Future of Dermatology Symposium: The New Skin Frontier: Find out what’s in store for the specialty from experts who will present lectures and abstracts on groundbreaking advancements in technology, therapeutics, cosmetics, and more.
Last, but certainly not least, visionary keynote speaker Zack Kass will bring these concepts together with an in-depth analysis of artificial intelligence (AI) and health care. AAD President Susan C. Taylor, MD, FAAD, will also give a brief review of recent advancements and opportunities in her Presidential Update.
Immediately following, join friends and colleagues at the Welcome Reception in the Experience Hub where you can get a sneak peek at exhibits and partake in food, drinks, and entertainment. Be sure to return to the Experience Hub throughout the meeting for Industry Sessions, special events, networking, resources, refreshments, and more.
More to discover
Additional highlights of the 2025 AAD Innovation Academy include:
- N001 – Celebrating Excellence: A Duo of Distinguished Talks: The AAD will honor two dermatology leaders for their outstanding accomplishments and contributions to the field. Valerie D. Callender, MD, FAAD, will give the Kelly Award Lecture, and Robert S. Kirsner, MD, PhD, FAAD, will give the Fox Award Lecture.
- D001 – Derm Tank: On Friday, July 11, at 4 p.m., get a front-row seat to the AAD’s take on the popular reality competition, and see who is awarded with the $10,000 seed money.
- Sunrise Sessions: These learning opportunities may be early, but they’re worth it. Check out which interesting and important issues will be included.
- Posters: For the first time, Posters have been added to the summer meeting’s schedule. View the selected works Thursday, July 10, 6–7:30 p.m.; Friday, July 11, 9 a.m.–5 p.m., and Saturday, July 12, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.