Session Types

In addition to abstract sessions, the conference offers invited speaker sessions that address a variety of current viewpoints and issues. The format and focus of these sessions vary.

Plenary sessions

The daily plenary sessions bring all conference delegates together at the first session of every morning and feature some of the world’s most distinguished HIV scientists, policy specialists and community leaders.

Special sessions

Special sessions are 60-minute lunchtime sessions and feature presentations by some of the world’s key leaders in research and implementation, high-level leaders from the political sphere, international ambassadors for HIV and AIDS, and policy specialists. These sessions represent key moments during the conference and provide an opportunity for high-level speakers to give unique insights into the HIV response and their field of work.

Bridging sessions

Bridging sessions connect the four tracks to provide an opportunity for multi-disciplinary, multi-perspective dialogues on cutting-edge topics of common interest. Through interactive formats, speakers share knowledge and perspectives on the particular issue selected. Speakers highlight linkages and synergies between different areas of expertise.

Symposia sessions

Symposia sessions address critical issues that defy simple solutions. Focusing on a single, clearly defined topic or issue, speakers and delegates share experiences, contribute relevant research findings, and brainstorm ideas to identify possible ways forward. Sessions also report on new results, and announce forthcoming research and new initiatives.

Rapporteur summary session

A rapporteur summary session is held immediately before the closing session. The Lead Rapporteurs synthesize the highlights of the week, focusing on important results presented and key recommendations put forward. In addition, rapporteur teams publish daily reports and session summaries on the conference website and the online programme.

The abstract driven component of the conference programme offers the highest caliber of state-of-the-art knowledge and peer-reviewed research. Abstract driven sessions are either specific to one of the four tracks (A-D), or composed of abstracts from different tracks that focus on one theme.

Submitted abstracts go through a blind peer-review process, carried out by a panel of international reviewers, who are selected by members of the Scientific Programme Committee. Abstracts are presented by scientists, activists, policy makers, people living with HIV and others working in the field.

All abstracts selected for oral presentation are published as a supplement of the Journal of the International AIDS Society (JIAS), which is indexed in Pubmed, Medline and Google scholar amongst others.

The JIAS is an open access journal that creates a platform for the dissemination of essential and innovative HIV and AIDS research. With an impact factor of 6.256*, it ranks among the top 10 infectious diseases journals and the top 25 immunology journals. Its content is free for anybody to access online, to read and download, as well as to copy and disseminate for educational purposes.

*2015 Journal Citations Reports® Science Edition - a Thomson Reuters product.

Session types

• Oral Abstract Sessions are organized into themes that address new developments in each of the four scientific tracks, or focused on a topic that crosses various tracks. Oral abstract sessions are 90-minute sessions that consist of five to six 10-minute oral presentations, each followed by a five-minute question and answer session. An interactive moderated discussion, facilitated by the co-chairs, is held at the end of the session, time permitting.
• Poster Discussion Sessions, held daily from 13:00 – 14:00, are 60-minute sessions that consist of four to six five-minute oral presentations. An interactive moderated discussion, facilitated by the co-chairs, is held at the end of the session. Abstracts discussed at these sessions are on display for the duration of the conference outside the session rooms.
• The Poster Exhibition includes approximately 1500 posters; it is organized by track and covers a wide variety of topics. Posters are displayed for the duration of the conference (Monday to Wednesday) and authors will stand by their posters at scheduled times to answer questions and provide further information on their study results.

Satellite symposia take place in the conference centre, but are fully organized and coordinated by the organization hosting the satellite. Conference organizers make satellite slots available for a fee, based on the room capacity and the time slot, and allocate slots based on the overall conference programme.

Submissions for satellites open on 1 December 2016.

The workshops are designed by the Conference Advisory Committee (CAC) and selected facilitators. The workshop programme aims to increase the capacity of delegates to implement and advocate for effective, evidence-informed HIV policies and interventions in their respective communities and countries. Workshops cover all tracks and include several cross-cutting issues and themes.

Workshops are 90 or 180-minutes in duration and held concurrently with abstract and non-abstract driven sessions.

Workshops have a limited participant capacity. Seating is granted on a first-come, first-served basis. Participants are encouraged to arrive 15-20 minutes prior to the start time.