Jun 22, 2026
New York state of mind
Dermatologists will convene July 16–19 for the 2026 AAD Innovation Academy.
Join colleagues, industry leaders, and exhibitors from across the country and globe to explore the future of dermatology at the AAD’s fifth annual Innovation Academy.
Start to finish
The meeting begins Thursday, July 16, with three high-impact afternoon symposiums and an exciting evening program.
- E001 – Branding and the Business of Dermatology: Panelists will address the latest marketing and social media tactics that can help put a face to your name or business. Guest speaker Kaplan Mobray brings a dynamic, real-world approach to building influence, advancing careers, and leading with purpose.
- C001 – Navigating Practice Management in Dermatology: Insights and Innovations: This popular course examines common obstacles and real-world opportunities to improve your practice and patient care.
- F001 – Future of Dermatology: Dermatology Beyond 2040: Wonder what the specialty could look like as AI and the next generation of imaging devices integrate into practice? Featured lecturers and selected speakers will examine the possibilities and present strategies to navigate the path forward.
- K001 – Keynote: Lisa Bodell, a global expert on how simplification leads to innovation, will deliver the keynote presentation. Beforehand, AAD President Murad Alam, MD, MSCI, MBA, FAAD, will provide a presidential update. The Welcome Reception will occur in the Experience Hub immediately following the keynote session.
Innovate, collaborate, accelerate
There are numerous opportunities throughout the meeting to learn and connect, whether through educational programming, Experience Hub presentations, the AAD Resource Center, or member events.
Highlights include:
- N001 – Celebrating Excellence: A Duo of Distinguished Talks: On Friday morning, the AAD will honor two dermatology leaders for their outstanding accomplishments and contributions to the field: John J. Zone, MD, FAAD, recipient of the Everett C. Fox, MD, Award and Lectureship, and Seemal R. Desai, MD, FAAD, recipient of the A. Paul Kelly, MD, Research Award and Lectureship.
- D001 – Derm Tank: Don’t miss the chance to hear finalists pitch their products at this popular event. Attendees will see who is awarded with $10,000 seed money and hear updates from past Derm Tank winners.
- Posters: See what your peers have been working on by viewing the scientific posters on display at the Experience Hub.
- Exhibits: Also located in the Experience Hub, the technical exhibits showcase the latest products, services, devices, and equipment from leading companies. Take advantage of dedicated, unopposed exhibit hours on Friday and Saturday from noon-1 p.m. to explore the newest dermatology solutions without missing a session.
Register today for the 2026 AAD Innovation Academy and explore curated session recommendations tailored to your professional goals or practice specialty.
