First-Time Attendees Guide
Welcome to the 2026 SID Annual Meeting! Whether you’re a trainee presenting your first poster, a faculty member new to SID, or an industry partner exploring investigative dermatology, this guide will help you feel prepared, connected, and excited to engage fully with the program and the community.
This guide was created by the SID Trainee Committee, an ad hoc group of SID members who are early in their careers and remember what it’s like to attend their first meeting. The committee’s purpose is to serve as a peer resource for developing opportunities for trainees throughout SID’s programming, including first-time attendees to the Annual Meeting.
Whether you’re navigating the poster hall for the first time, wondering which sessions to attend, or just looking for a friendly face, the Trainee Committee is here to help. You’ll find committee members staffing the welcome table near registration throughout the meeting—stop by to say hello, ask questions, or pick up your printed guide.
2026 Trainee Committee Members
Welcome to the 2026 SID Annual Meeting! Whether you’re a trainee presenting your first poster, a faculty member new to SID, or an industry partner exploring investigative dermatology, this guide will help you feel prepared, connected, and excited to engage fully with the program and the community.
Jessica Ayers
University of Washington
Khalid Garman, MD, PhD, MS
Dermatology Branch, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, National Institutes of Health
Kala Mahen, MPH, PhD
Cleveland Clinic
Raji Nagalla, MD, PhD
University of Miami
Want to be a part of the Trainee Committee?
Any SID member who is a trainee can get involved. The committee meets virtually throughout the year to plan programming, share resources, and support the trainee community. It’s a great way to shape the future of SID while building connections with peers across institutions.
Contact sid@sidnet.org to get connected to the committee.
Registration & Logistics
Everything you need to know about reserving your place and getting to the meeting
Register for the Meeting
Register based on your training level and make sure to purchase your ticket to the Trainee Networking Mixer if you’re eligible.
This dedicated event for residents, fellows, students, and early-career investigators takes place Thursday, May 14, from 6:30 pm–9:00 PM at Buddy Guy’s Legends. Tickets are $25 and typically sell out well before the meeting begins.
The venue is one block walk from the Hilton Chicago (Meeting venue).
Book Your Hotel and Travel
The SID room block at the Hilton Chicago offers preferred rates for meeting attendees, but rooms are limited. Once the block sells out, you may need to pay higher rates or need to find lodging elsewhere. Book early to secure your sleeping arrangements.
The Hilton Chicago is accessible from both O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and Midway International Airport (MDW). Information about airport transit, ground transportation, and wayfinding is available on the Travel Information page.
Pack Smart
- Check the weather: Chicago in mid-May can be unpredictable. Bring layers and comfortable walking shoes.
- Conference essentials: Notebook, business cards (or be ready to share your LinkedIn QR code), phone charger, comfortable clothes for long days.
- Poster (if applicable): If you didn’t order through the onsite printing partner, pack your poster in a protective tube. See further below for additional information and links.
- Business casual attire: SID’s dress code is comfortably professional. Lab sneakers are absolutely acceptable.
Plan Your Goals
What do you want to accomplish at SID 2026? Consider:
- Learning goals: What techniques, methods, or research areas do you want to explore?
- Networking goals: Who do you want to meet? (Potential mentors, collaborators, future colleagues, industry contacts?)
- Career goals: Are you looking for postdoc opportunities, faculty positions, or industry connections?
If there are specific people you’d like to meet, consider reaching out via email before the meeting to introduce yourself and express interest in their work. You can also see if they are presenting a poster. If so, plan to visit them during their assigned session.
Getting Connected Before You Arrive
Being a first-time attendee might feel intimidating, but there are many things you can do to connect with colleagues before you ever set foot at the venue.
Download the SID Meeting App
The official SID meeting app is your essential tool for navigating the program. Use it to:
- Browse the full schedule and abstracts
- Bookmark sessions you don’t want to miss
- View poster session assignments and locations
- Access interactive maps of the Hilton Chicago notifications for program updates
Stay tuned for announcements and be sure to get the app when it becomes available a few weeks ahead of the meeting.
Join the SID Slack Community
Connect with others before you arrive! The SID Slack workspace has channels for first-time attendees, graduate students, medical students, residents, new PIs, and more.
Follow SID on Social Media
Stay connected and see what’s happening in real time during the meeting. SID is active on LinkedIn, Facebook, Bluesky, and X.
Add sid@sidnet.org to your safe senders list so you don’t miss any meeting updates.
Connect with an SID Ambassador
New to SID? You don’t have to walk in as a stranger. When you register for the meeting, you can opt in to be matched with an SID Ambassador—an experienced member who can answer questions, offer advice, and help you feel prepared.
How it works:
A few weeks before the meeting, you’ll receive an email with contact information for the ambassador you’ve been matched with. Feel free to reach out, introduce yourself, and ask any questions. Ambassadors are also available throughout the meeting to help first-time attendees navigate. They’ll wear special badges on their nametags.
Stop by the Ambassadors area at the Welcome Reception or connect with ambassadors throughout the week. You’re welcome to arrange to meet your matched ambassador in person, but there’s no pressure to do so.
First-Time Presenters Guide
All presenters—including those selected for oral presentations—are required to bring a physical poster and staff their assigned Poster Session. Review the complete guidelines on the Presenter Information page, including:
Poster Specifications
- Maximum size: 44″ wide × 42″ long
- Installation window: Wednesday, May 13, 12:00–6:00 PM
- Poster Sessions: Thursday (odd-numbered abstracts) and Friday (even-numbered abstracts), 4:30–6:00 PM
- Removal deadline: Saturday, May 16, by 12:00 PM (posters left after this time will be discarded)
Poster Printing Options
SID has partnered with KiKo Poster Printing Service to offer onsite delivery and setup for $75. Your poster will be printed, shipped directly to the venue, and hung on your assigned board—hassle-free. Search your email for “Kiko Posters” for your custom ordering link.
Alternatively, you can print your poster locally and bring it with you.
Prepare Your Elevator Pitch
You’ll be asked “What’s your poster about?” dozens of times during your session. Prepare a clear, enthusiastic 30-second summary of your work that’s accessible to people outside your specific subfield. Practice it out loud before you arrive.
For Oral Presenters
If you’ve been selected for a Plenary, Concurrent Minisymposium, or ePoster Talk, you’ll need to upload your slides at the Speaker Ready Room (Buckingham Room, Main Level) no later than 6 hours before your scheduled talk. Review full requirements for oral presentations, including CME disclosure requirements and time limits.
When You Arrive
Pick Up Your Badge Early
Registration lines can be long on the first day. Pick up your badge as early as possible to avoid delays. The registration desk is located at 8th Street South, Lobby Level.
Registration hours:
Wednesday, May 13: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Thursday, May 14: 6:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday, May 15: 6:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday, May 16: 6:30 AM – 11:00 AM
Stop by the SID Trainee Committee Welcome Table
The SID Trainee Committee will staff a welcome table near registration throughout the meeting. Stop by to say hello, pick up your First-Time Attendees Guide, ask questions, and connect with other trainees. While the table may not be staffed at all times, committee members and ambassadors will be available periodically.
Get Oriented to the Venue
Take a few minutes early in the day to scope out key locations:
- Main lecture hall: International Ballroom North (plenary sessions)
- Concurrent session rooms: Continental Ballrooms A/B/C, and Waldorf
- Poster hall: Salons B, C, D (Lower Level)
- Speaker Ready Room: Buckingham Room (Main Level) – for oral presenters
- Restrooms, coffee stations, and quiet spaces
The meeting app includes an interactive venue map.
Navigating Sessions
With so much happening each day, a little planning can help you make the most of your time!
Plan Your Schedule (But Stay Flexible)
Review the full schedule in advance and bookmark your “can’t-miss” sessions. But don’t over-schedule yourself—some of the best moments at SID happen spontaneously.
Consider attending sessions outside your primary research area. Unexpected connections across disciplines often lead to the most valuable insights and collaborations.
Understanding Session Types
The SID Annual Meeting features several session formats:
Plenary Talks are high-impact presentations selected for broad relevance across the field (10 minutes + 2 minutes Q&A). These happen Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday mornings in the International Ballroom North.
Concurrent Minisymposia are category-based oral sessions running in parallel throughout Thursday, Friday, and Saturday mornings (8 minutes + 2 minutes Q&A). Choose sessions aligned with your research interests—or explore something completely new.
ePoster Talks are brief oral summaries (3 minutes + 2 minutes discussion) held in lecture rooms during the poster sessions. If your abstract was selected for this format, you’ll give a short talk before heading to your poster board.
Named Lectures feature distinguished speakers presenting keynote addresses on major topics in skin biology. Don’t miss these—they’re often the most memorable talks of the meeting.
Educational Programming Sessions cover topics like AI, regenerative medicine, clinical trials, and entrepreneurship. These are designed to be accessible across career stages and research areas.
Making the Most of Poster Sessions
Poster sessions are the heart of the SID Annual Meeting—where ideas are exchanged, collaborations begin, and early-career investigators shine.
If you’re presenting:
- Arrive early to confirm your poster is properly mounted (or hang it during the installation window)
- Stay at your poster for the full session duration
- Be ready to give your elevator pitch clearly and enthusiastically
- Don’t be defensive if someone asks tough questions—it’s a sign they’re engaged
If you’re attending:
- Take a walk through the hall at the start to identify posters you want to visit
- Don’t just stick to your research area—explore posters outside your field
- Ask questions! Presenters appreciate engaged audiences
- Exchange contact information if you want to follow up later
- Take notes for later:
- Jot down ideas, techniques, or concepts you want to explore further
- Write down names of people you met and brief notes about your conversations (this helps when you follow up)
- Snap photos of slides or posters only with the presenter’s permission—and respect “DO NOT POST” watermarks
Social Events
Many of the most valuable connections at SID happen outside formal sessions:
- Welcome Reception/Social Event/Comedy Show: Wednesday, May 13, 6:00–9:00 PM (open to all attendees)
- Trainee Networking Mixer: Thursday, May 14, 6:30–9:00 PM (ticketed event at Buddy Guy’s Legends)
- Poster Happy Hours: Thursday and Friday, 4:30–6:00 PM (held concurrently with poster sessions)
Bring your name badge to all official events.
Self-Care During the Meeting
Long conference days can be exhausting. Remember to:
- Stay hydrated and eat regular meals
- Take breaks between sessions to recharge
- Step outside for fresh air if you need a mental reset
- Don’t try to attend every session—it’s okay (and smart) to pace yourself
Making Introductions
You’ll meet a lot of people at SID, and most conversations start the same way: name, institution, and what you’re working on. Keep your introduction concise and conversational—think 30 seconds, not 3 minutes.
A simple formula that works:
“Hi, I’m [name], a [your role] at [institution]. I’m working on [brief research focus]—what brings you to SID?”
If someone asks follow-up questions, that’s your cue to say more. If not, move the conversation forward by asking about their work.
Engaging with Senior Scientists and Potential Mentors
Conferences are one of the few times you can have direct, informal access to leaders in the field. Most senior scientists genuinely enjoy talking with trainees and early-career investigators—that’s why they’re here.
Tips for approaching senior scientists:
- Introduce yourself briefly after a session if you have a thoughtful question or comment about their talk
- Mention your research interest and how it connects to their work (be specific but concise)
- Collect business cards or connect on LinkedIn using your profile’s QR code (here’s how)
- Don’t monopolize their time, especially if others are waiting to speak with them
- Follow up via email within a week if you want to continue the conversation
If you’re nervous about approaching someone “important”: Remember that they were once in your shoes. A genuine compliment about their work or a well-thought-out question is almost always appreciated.
Meeting Etiquette (the Unwritten Rules)
Etiquette is all about consideration for fellow attendees and presenters. Here are some tips (some of which may seem obvious!) to help you confidently navigate meeting norms:
During sessions:
- Silence your phone (or at least turn off sound and vibration)
- Arrive on time; if you’re late, slip in quietly and sit near the back
- If you need to leave early, sit near an exit and leave discreetly between speakers
- Laptop use is fine for note-taking, but be mindful—if you’re checking email or scrolling social media, it’s noticeable and can be distracting to speakers
At poster sessions:
- Don’t crowd around a popular poster—give others space to engage
- If a presenter is mid-conversation, wait for a natural pause before jumping in
- Don’t eat messy food while standing at someone’s poster
- If you take a photo, ask permission first (and respect “DO NOT POST” watermarks)
General networking:
- Put your phone away during conversations—it signals you’re present and engaged
- If someone introduces themselves, reciprocate with your name and a handshake (or whatever feels natural)
- If you promised to send someone a paper, your poster, or a follow-up email—actually do it
Social Events: Have Fun, Stay Sharp
The Welcome Reception Social, Trainee Mixer, and Poster Happy Hours are some of the best networking opportunities at SID. People are more relaxed, conversations flow more naturally, and you’ll make connections that wouldn’t happen in a lecture hall.
That said, these events are still professional settings. You’re building your reputation in a small field where people remember faces, names, and first impressions.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Pace yourself. Conference schedules are long, and you’ll have more meaningful conversations—and retain more information—if you’re feeling sharp. Social events often include alcohol, but no one’s going to be impressed if you overdo it. You know your limits; just remember that nerves, travel fatigue, and an empty stomach can all affect how alcohol hits you.
- Stay safe. Keep an eye on your drink, stick with people you trust, and know how you’re getting back to your hotel. Chicago is a big city, and conferences draw large crowds—be smart.
- You don’t have to stay for the whole event. If you’re exhausted or need to prep for your talk the next day, it’s completely fine to make an appearance and then head out.
The goal is to have fun, meet people, and feel good about how you showed up. That’s a lot easier to do when you’re taking care of yourself.
Following Up After the Meeting
The connections you made at SID are only as strong as your follow-through. Within a week of returning home:
- Send connection requests on LinkedIn to people you met
- Email a brief thank-you to mentors, collaborators, or senior scientists you spoke with
- Share your poster PDF or a link to your lab’s website with anyone who expressed interest in your work
Keep it short and specific. A good follow-up email might say:
“Hi [Name], it was great to meet you at SID and hear about your work on [specific topic]. I’m attaching my poster on [your research]—I’d be happy to share more details if you’re interested. Thanks again for the conversation!”
After the Meeting
Stay Engaged with SID Year-Round
Your SID membership includes access to valuable resources beyond the Annual Meeting:
- Travel grants and fellowship opportunities (watch for announcements)
- Access to the Journal of Investigative Dermatology and JID Innovations
- Exclusive member resources, webinars, and networking events
- Opportunities to serve on committees or get involved in leadership
- Don’t be afraid to reach out to the Administrative Offices. They are there to help too!
Reflect and Apply What You Learned
Take some time to reflect:
- What were the most valuable sessions or conversations?
- What ideas or techniques can you apply to your research?
- Did you identify potential collaborators or mentors to stay in touch with?
- What will you do differently at next year’s meeting?
Join the SID Trainee Committee
Want to help shape the trainee experience at future meetings? The SID Trainee Committee is an ad-hoc committee composed of SID members early in their careers, serving as a peer resource for developing opportunities for trainees.
Any SID member who is a trainee can participate – contact sid@sidnet.org to get started.
Submit for SID 2027
Start planning for next year! Abstract submissions typically open in November. Mark your calendar and consider submitting as your research progresses.
Questions?
If you have questions about the meeting or need assistance, contact sid@sidnet.org or stop by the registration desk during the meeting.
We’re glad you’re here. Welcome to the SID community!