AAP 2025 National Conference kicks off in Denver with focus on connection, innovation, and child health

AAP 2025 National Conference kicks off in Denver with focus on connection, innovation, and child health | Image Credit: © Anton Gvozdikov - stock.adobe.com.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) officially kicked off its 2025 National Conference & Exhibition today at the Colorado Convention Center, marking the first time the event is being held in Denver.

Spanning Friday, September 26, through Tuesday, September 30, the conference brings together more than 10,000 pediatric professionals from 71 countries for five days of education, innovation, and collaboration.

"Community is critical and the energizing spirit created at the National Conference is what we all need right now,” said Elizabeth Murray, DO, FAAP, chair of the National Conference & Exhibition Planning Group. “The conference offers an opportunity each year for pediatricians to gather as one group to discuss how to best care for our patients, plus it gives us the opportunity to fill our own cups."

Kressly to open event with call to action

AAP President Susan Kressly, MD, FAAP, plans to open the event by addressing the mounting challenges facing pediatricians, including systemic strain, legislative hurdles, and growing needs among pediatric populations. She plans to emphasize the importance of the Academy’s role in shaping the future of children’s health.

Her remarks will set the tone for a conference centered around innovation, equity, and empowerment in pediatric care.

Humor with heart: Dr. Glaucomflecken to deliver keynote

Headlining this year’s keynote is Will Flanary, MD—better known as Dr. Glaucomflecken—a physician-comedian whose viral skits highlight the quirks and struggles of life in medicine.

Drawing from his experiences as a testicular cancer and cardiac arrest survivor, Flanary will bring both humor and humanity to the conference stage. His comedy, once a personal coping mechanism, has grown into an incisive critique of the US health care system, academic publishing, and clinician burnout.

260+ sessions tackle the biggest topics in pediatrics

This year’s conference features more than 260 educational sessions addressing critical and emerging issues in pediatric medicine. Highlights include:

• Artificial Intelligence in practice – how AI can support diagnosis, workflows, and patient communication
• Mental health and social media – examining the digital lives of children and teens and their impact on well-being
• Special education needs – strategies to help patients access the tools and services required to succeed
• Core clinical areas – including injury prevention, chronic disease management, nutrition, and care equity

The conference also features a robust exhibit hall showcasing hundreds of booths with the latest technologies, resources, and innovations in pediatric care.

Stay tuned for on-site coverage

Contemporary Pediatrics will be reporting live throughout the conference with interviews, session highlights, and expert insights. Be sure to visit ContemporaryPediatrics.com for continuous coverage from Denver.