SCHOLARLY SESSIONS

Timeline:
Call for Proposals: Aug. 6-Oct. 2, 2019
Proposal Review and Selection: Oct. 2-23, 2019
Notification sent by email: Nov. 8, 2019

Basic-Clinical-Translational Round Tables

Encourages collaboration between basic scientists, translational researchers, and clinicians who have addressed and advanced a pediatric healthcare challenge. Speakers will outline the clinical challenge and investigative approach to solution(s) that have improved/may improve care. Roundtables should provide an overview of new therapeutic applications and discuss related emerging mechanisms and biological effects being discovered. The overall aim is to identify areas that require further exploration to optimize therapies and develop novel directions for a particular disease focus. Length: 1.5 or 2 hours

Clubs (Limited to those that met during PAS 2019 Meeting)

Complete scientific and/or program content must be submitted to the Program Committee by the deadline. Length: various

Debate/Pro-Con Discussions

Designed to address a variety of controversies across pediatrics—diagnostics, medical management, therapeutics, research strategies, policy, and more—thereby creating opportunities for robust debate and audience participation through Q&A or technology-assisted live polling. It is expected 2-3 topics relevant to the target audience will be debated. Length: 1.5 or 2 hours

Hot Topic/Topic Symposia

Addresses issues and controversies around topics of interest to more specialized audiences, e.g., subspecialists, general pediatricians, educators, etc. As such, these symposia focus on more specific topics than State of the Art Plenary sessions. Hot Topic/Topic Symposia generally include 3-4 presentations with time for active audience discussion. Audience size varies; sessions are typically smaller than State of the Art Plenary sessions. Length: 1.5 or 2 hours

Industry Sponsored Symposia (ISS)

Educational programs planned by sponsoring companies/organizations; must be scheduled during time slots that do not compete with PAS programs or exhibit hours.  Symposia are required to meet ACCME Guidelines and Standards for Commercial Support and the content is free of commercial bias for or against any product. More Information about ISS.
Pre-registration is required. Host companies send separate invitations and on-site registration is available at the door. 

Meet the Professor Breakfast Sessions

Informal, interactive group discussions provide trainees and junior faculty a chance to meet senior academic physicians who can provide career guidance in their field. At PAS 2020, these sessions will be part of the Table Topics Networking Breakfast on Sunday morning. Pre-enrollment is not required. Length: 1.5 hours.   

Panel Discussions

Lead by experts on timely pediatric issues with broad appeal provide an interesting and engaging learning opportunity for attendees. A good panel discussion is expected to be a well-choreographed performance with spontaneous audience participation. A moderator with subject area expertise, who is not a panelist, should be identified to effectively lead the discussion. Proposed panelists (typically 3-5) should synergize with the moderator’s expertise to develop a list of discussion questions and learning objectives for the session. Length: 1.5 or 2 hours

State of the Art Plenary

Sessions that present seminal advances in pediatrics that are of interest to the broadest possible number of attendees, typically drawing a large audience in excess of 500 attendees. Advances in biomedical research that are likely to have a major impact on the health of children are often highlighted, but other topics, e.g., health policy issues, that affect a large number of academic pediatricians may also be appropriate for this forum. State of the Art Plenary sessions usually consist of invited lectures from one to three recognized leaders. Opportunities for significant interaction are typically limited due to the large audience size. Length: 1.5 or 2 hours

WORKSHOPS AND SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS

Timeline:
New this year – Call for workshops is open at the same time as Scholarly Sessions
Call for Proposals: Aug. 6-Oct. 2, 2019
Proposal Review and Selection: Oct. 10-Nov. 18, 2019
Notification sent by email: Dec. 5, 2019

Workshops

The most successful workshops are highly interactive and address innovative ideas and learner-centered needs. Major criteria for workshop selection include:

  • A topic that is timely and important for the intended audience;
  • The innovativeness of the proposal;
  • Learning objectives that are clear and appropriate;
  • The skill and expertise of the leaders;
  • A format that is likely to be interactive and attractive for participants;
  • The appropriateness of the topic to academic pediatricians and pediatricians-in-training.

While the format may vary, workshops should be designed to facilitate discussions between workshop leaders and participants. The workshop may include a short didactic presentation, but the overall intention of these sessions is to actively involve the attendees in the learning process. Workshop leaders and participants should be prepared to jointly dive into this cooperative venture! The average workshop size is 30 to 50 participants.

Workshop submissions are extremely competitive every year; on average, only about 28% of submissions are accepted. To maximize the diversity of topics and leaders, preference may be given to workshops that have not been presented in both of the past two years. We also encourage the development of workshops that appeal to more senior faculty as well as trainees. Workshops will be selected to maximize audience participation and ensure a broad diversity of topics. Length: 2-3 hours. Sessions are small and seating is on a first-come, first served basis.  Pre-enrollment is not required.

Click here for 2019 Workshop step-by-step instructions.
2020 step-by-step instructions coming soon.

Special Interest Groups (SIG)

SIGs are informal sessions coordinated by the Academic Pediatric Association and are organized around specific areas of interest to academic and community pediatricians. Each session is planned by the SIG Chair and in format from informal discussions to guest speakers to research presentations. Length: 2-3 hours. Sessions are small and seating is on a first-come, first serve basis.

Core Curriculum Series (Three 90 to 120 minute sessions will be presented in each of three tracks)

A comprehensive core curriculum for fellows that address areas of academic development identified in the guidelines summarized in the American Board of Pediatrics Guidelines for Fellowship Training. Workshops focus on skill and knowledge acquisition that are appropriate for individuals at the fellowship level of training and provide a foundation for those who may not have had exposure to some required topics, as well as those who wish to pursue a topic in greater depth in the future. It is intended that these themes will repeat each year so individual curriculum’s can be created to complement education provided by local fellowship training programs. Certificates of completion will be distributed to participants in attendance who have signed in and provided their email address.
Exception: Fee required for Core Curriculum Fellows’ Series

ORIGINAL SCIENCE

Timeline:
Call for Abstracts: Oct. 30, 2019 to Jan. 6, 2020
Proposal Review and Selection: Jan. 10-Feb. 8, 2020
Notification sent by email: Feb. 14, 2020

All authors cited in abstracts must log in to the PAS Program and Events Center (PPEC) and complete Conflict of Interest Disclosures (COI). The abstract’s submitting author should alert her/his colleagues about this requirement.

Click here for 2019 Abstract step-by-step guidelines. 
2020 step-by-step guidelines coming soon.

Abstract Presentations

Presentation formats (platform, poster or poster symposium) are determined in February by the PAS Program Committee.

  • Platform sessions are two hours in length. Presentations are 15-minutes (10 minute/presentation; 5 minute/discussion).
  • Poster symposium sessions are two hours in length and consist of a poster viewing period followed by a formal presentation or discussion period. Session moderators determine the presentation or discussion format for poster symposium sessions.
  • Poster sessions are two-three hours in length and consist of a general viewing and author attendance period. Detailed instructions for the preparation of slides and posters, as well as scheduling notices, will be provided to the contact author with the presentation notification in February. The complete schedule of all abstract presentations will be finalized by February.

General Policies

  • Character count is 2600 – includes spaces and title; excludes author’s name, institution and upload of tables and images. The PAS Program and Events Center will not allow submission if you exceed the maximum number of characters.
  • $75.00 per abstract for submissions payable by credit card ONLY.
    Sponsorship is NOT required to submit an abstract.
  • There is no limit on the number of abstracts submitted by each author, but the submission of multiple, similar abstracts from the same investigator(s) or laboratory is strongly discouraged.
  • Abstracts submitted and/or presented at other societies or national meetings are allowed.
  • NEW THIS YEAR: All authors cited in abstracts must log in to the PAS Program and Events Center (PPEC) and complete Conflict of Interest Disclosures (COI). The abstract’s submitting author should alert her/his colleagues about this requirement.
    • Work submitted for presentation must include an acknowledgment of funding sources of commercial nature and/or consulting or holding of significant equity in a company that could be affected by the results of the study. Even if indicated elsewhere in the abstract, this must appear as the last sentence of the abstract and read “funded by…” and/or “equity in…” if pertinent. (See Step 5 – Disclosure Info.)
  • Submitting author verifies upon submission, that All Authors have agreed to the submission of the abstract.
  • If the abstract is selected, the presentation must include the methods used for study and any other information relevant to research.
  • Reviewer scores and comments are confidential and are not available to anyone (including authors) outside of the review process.
  • The decision of the Program Committee to accept or decline an abstract is final. The decision on which format the abstract will be presented is also the decision of the Program Committee.

How to Submit an Abstract

Below is the step-by-step process you will go through when submitting an abstract. To save time, gather all the information you need before you begin.

  • “Create New Submission”
  • Select “Abstract Submitter” and click “Continue”
  • Confirm your Selection by clicking “Continue with this Type”
  1. Enter Title
    • Enter text using upper and lowercase as it should be published.  Only use additional capital letters as appropriate. Do not type your title in all caps.
  2. Enter Background; Objective (if applicable), Design/Methods; Results; Conclusion
    • Research published in manuscript form prior to the submission of the abstract is not appropriate and should not be submitted.
    • If data contained in the abstract is published after submission of the abstract, the PAS Program Office must be notified immediately for determination concerning presentation.
    • Abstracts should not be submitted if there is knowledge and confirmation of an upcoming publication prior to the annual meeting or submission deadline.
  3. Content Type – check all that apply
  4. APA SIG, Committee or Region – If your abstract is not selected for presentation, would you want it considered for an APA SIG, Committee or Region. Select one.
  5. Tables – Create Table – note that the table will look different in all formats (abstract proof, pdf, online).
  6. Images – select image first, then click on “upload image”. PNG and JPEG file formats work best.
  7. Click “Save & Continue”
  1. Role Type* – Select Abstract
  2. Category* – Select One
  3. Keywords – Select Up to Three Keywords
    • You will be asked to enter up to three (3) keywords in order of importance. You do not have to fill all 3 fields.
  4. Awards
    • Select “apply” to be considered for an award and complete the drop down application form.
    • See “Awards Consideration and Selection” section below for additional information.
    • Upload the required supplemental materials.
  5. Click “Save & Continue” once all questions are answered.
  1. The name of the person submitting the proposal will be automatically loaded as the first Author . Click “Remove” this name if incorrect.
  2. Click “+Add Author” and enter either First Name, Last Name, or Email Address, then click “Search”.
    • If that person is in the database, their name will be pulled up. Click “+Add” on the left side of the name.
    • If the correct name does not appear, click “Create an Author” and enter all required information. Click “Submit Created Author”.
  3. For each Author, select “Affiliation” (with Institution) from the drop-down menu.
    • If the correct Institution name does not appear, select “Create New Institution” and complete the required fields (denoted with a *) and click “Submit Created Institution”.
    • Click the circle (radio button) under the “Presenter” heading in order for the Author to be uploaded as a Presenter.
  4. To add more Authors, click “Add Author” and repeat the steps until all authors have been listed.
  5. Sabbath Conflict
    • Select what days (if any) there might be a Sabbath conflict for the abstract presentation.
  6. Trainee Type
    • If the first author is a trainee, select from the choices listed.
  7. Click “Save & Continue” once all questions are answered.

Review & Submit

  • Review all the information provided and make edits as needed. Click “Complete Payment”.

Abstract Payment – $75/abstract

  • Enter all credit card payment information on the “2019 Meeting Abstracts” site. Once complete, click “Pay Now”.  Payment is made via PayPal.

Notification of Receipt and Acceptance

  • Notification of receipt will be automatically emailed to the contact author upon submission of the abstract.
  • Notification of Abstract Decision (accept/reject) status will be emailed to the contact author listed on the abstract on February 14, 2020.

Award Consideration and Selection

Information regarding the awards for 2020, their eligibility criteria, and the award process can be found on the Awards page. Only abstracts accepted for presentation are considered for awards.

Steps to apply for an award:

  1. Submitting an abstract electronically, as detailed above.
  2. Complete the Award Application Form online for the respective award.
  3. Upload all required supplemental materials (as indicated in the award information and on the Application Form).

PAS Travel Grants – PAS will award travel grants for $500 plus complimentary meeting registration to attend the PAS 2020 Meeting.

  • Travel grants are possible for runners-up among the SPR Fellow Basic and Clinical Research Award categories.
  • To be considered for a travel award, check the appropriate box in the “Awards” part of the submission program and in the online award application form. *Candidates must be the first and presenting author.
  • Please note: This program is only for those abstracts submitted to the PAS 2020 Meeting. Notification of acceptance occurs in early March 2020.

While you are welcome to apply for more than one award, an online Award Application Form is required for EACH award for which you have indicated an interest (by clicking the button on the “Award” page).

Poster Printing

PAS has arranged with Learners Digest International to provide poster authors with the opportunity to create their poster entirely online by using the Call4Posters® service. This optional service allows authors to have their poster shipped directly to the meeting for on-site pick-up! Further details will be included in the abstract acceptance information.

Publication of Abstracts

ALL abstracts, if accepted for presentation, will be on-line.

Questions about abstract submission should be emailed to info@pasmeeting.org.  If you need technical assistance, contact ts.acsupport@thomson.com.

Browser Compatibility:  Since some computer/browser combinations do not support display of the full variety of special characters often needed for abstract submission, you may find it necessary to use a different browser or computer. The abstract submission form requires a minimum (or higher) Web browser of Microsoft Internet Explorer 8.0, Mozilla Firefox 3.6, Apple Safari 4, Google Chrome 10, or any other Web browser that is fully compatible with these browsers.

Manuscript Publication

Research published in manuscript form prior to the submission of the abstract is not appropriate and should not be submitted. If data contained in the abstract is published after submission of the abstract, the PAS Program Office must be notified regardless of timing as soon as publication is recognized. At that time a member of the program committee will make a determination concerning presentation. Abstracts should not be submitted if there is knowledge and confirmation of an upcoming publication prior to the annual meeting or submission deadline.

Citation of Abstracts

Abstracts are published in electronic format only. For purposes of citation, please use E-PAS2020:Publication number/Final ID.

Example: E-PAS2020:5555.

  • 2020 example citation: E-PAS2020:5555.543

VOLUNTEER

Volunteer as a Reviewer, Moderator, Poster Facilitator or Discussant

The energy, enthusiasm, and wisdom of volunteers is crucial to the success of the PAS Meeting. They help review and influence selection of scientific content, provide context to discussions, and make connections between participants. Volunteering presents an invaluable opportunity to contribute to the success of the meeting, while building professional connections and visibility.

Call for Volunteers: Sept. 4-Oct. 7, 2019
Full Instructions on how to submit to be a volunteer.

After Oct. 7, Program Committee members review and select volunteers in the various roles.

Workshop Reviewers

  • Active period , Oct. 10-Oct. 24, 2019
  • Historically, 10-60 submissions are submitted per domain. Each reviewer will be assigned 5-15 proposals to review.
  • Notification of selection as a Workshop Reviewer occurs in late October-November 2019.
  • Additional instructions concerning the review process are provided to confirmed volunteers.

Abstract Reviewers

  • Active period Jan. 10-22, 2020
  • Reviewing for PAS is a great way to build skills as an abstract writer and critical reviewer of research.
  • Volunteer applicants select up to five categories to review, in order of preference.
  • Notification of selection as a Reviewer occurs in November-December, 2019.
  • Abstracts assigned for review typically range from 25 to 50, depending on the category.
  • Additional instructions concerning the review process are provided to confirmed volunteers.

Moderator/Discussants

  • Active period: the PAS 2020 Meeting—conference dates are May 2-May 5, 2020—plus some time prior to the meeting to review abstracts and speakers.
  • Volunteer applicants select up to five categories to moderate, in order of preference.
  • Notification of selection as a Moderator/Discussant occurs in February; scheduling details are provided at the same time.
  • For more information about moderating a PAS Platform Session (6-8 abstracts presented) click here.
  • For more information about being a moderator or discussant for a PAS Poster Symposium (12 abstracts discussed), click here.

Poster Facilitators

  • Active period: the PAS 2020 Meeting—conference dates are May 2-May 5, 2020—plus some time prior to the meeting to review abstracts.
  • Volunteer applicants select up to five categories of expertise, in order of preference.
  • Notification of selection as a Poster Facilitator occurs in February; scheduling details are provided at the same time.
  • Poster facilitators attend the poster session during the author viewing time and foster discussion among the authors and the attendees.
  • Each facilitator will be assigned 7-10 abstracts by the coordinating chair of that topic. All abstracts to be reviewed during the session will be sent to the discussion facilitators prior to the conference, or they can be viewed in the mobile app or online program guide.
  • For more information about serving as a PAS Poster Facilitator, click here.

ANCILLARY EVENTS

Timeline:
Call for Proposals: Aug. 6-Oct. 2, 2019
Proposal Review and Selection: Oct. 3-Nov. 8, 2019
Notification sent by email: Nov. 8, 2019
Call for Late Ancillary Events: Jan. 15-March 2, 2020

Submit a request at the PAS Program and Events Center.
Step by step guidelines on how to submit a proposal.

Functions held adjunct to the PAS Meeting and coordinated by a group other than PAS is considered an ancillary event. Educational and scientific programming, organized outside of PAS yet directed at the same audience, may not be offered over the official dates of the PAS Annual Meeting within 100 miles of the PAS meeting location.
Event types include:

  • Alumni Event
  • Breakfast
  • Business Meeting
  • Committee (includes Council and Society meetings)
  • Conference
  • Dinner
  • Luncheon
  • Reception

PAS charges a one-time $350.00 administration fee for all ancillary events.  This excludes PAS Partner and Alliance Organizations business meetings, committee meetings or special sessions.

Rules & Guidelines

Pre-conference Space Availability

  • Wednesday – Limited space available for hotel hosted events.  Request accepted upon availability.
  • Thursday – Limited space available for hotel hosted events.  Request accepted upon availability.
  • Friday – Limited space available for convention center and hotel events.  Request accepted upon availability.

Post-conference Space Availability

  • Tuesday – Limited space available from 2:45pm – 5:45pm
  • Wednesday – Limited space available from 8:00am – 12 noon

Black Out Dates/Times

Organizations may not hold functions during the PAS scientific program schedule. These times include:

  • Saturday, 8am-6:45pm
  • Sunday, 8am-11:45am and 1pm-7:30pm
  • Monday, 8am-11:45am and 1pm-7:30pm
  • Tuesday, 8am-11:45am and 1pm-7:30pm

Key Planning Timeline – Ancillary Event

August 6 Call Opens for all Ancillary Events
October 2 Call Closes for all Ancillary Events
November 8 Ancillary Event Notifications Emailed.  This will include hotel assignment, day/time of the event and contact information for A/V and catering needs.
January 15 Call Opens for Late Ancillary Events
March 2 All Late Ancillary Events Requests close.
March 9 Late Ancillary Event Notifications Emailed.  This will include hotel assignment, day/time of the event and contact information for A/V and catering needs.
March 14 Administrative fees due to prevent Ancillary Event cancellation.
  • All activities are restricted to the official PAS hotels or the Convention Center, assigned at the discretion of PAS.  Please note, per hotel policy, no outside food and beverages are allowed in any meeting function.
  • Space is assigned upon submission of your event to the PAS Program and Events Center.
  • PAS accepts no financial or organizational responsibility for ancillary or exhibitor education events. Room rental, catering, A/V equipment, labor and other charges are the sole responsibility of the organizer. (PAS and the co-headquarter hotels have the right to move an event if PAS or the hotels determine the space assigned is needed for an official function or is not best suited to the event).

Cancellations

  • Space cancellations must be received by February 21, 2020.
  • Cancellations received on or before February 21, 2020, will be removed from publication announcements.
    Note:  Your assigned contact person is responsible for informing your event attendees of the cancellation.
  • A full refund for the administrative fee will be given to cancellations received on or before February 21, 2020.

Marketing Guideline

  • Additional promotions or notifications will be your responsibility. Marketing pieces, advertisements, invitations, etc. may not use the PAS logo or name—inferring or implying that the event was endorsed by PAS.
  • Bulletin boards are available at the Convention Center to publicize meetings and gatherings; notices are limited to a size of 8.5” x 11”.
  • Distribution of invitations, tickets, etc., promoting an ancillary event is strictly prohibited in all other public spaces of the event venue, convention center or other hotels.

Signage

  • One (1) sign may be placed at the door, but only during the scheduled time of the session. Signage at the door may not exceed 24” x 36”. Marketing guidelines apply.
  • Additional signs are not permitted. Signage scattered throughout the hotels or convention center is not permitted and will be removed.

Contact Information

PAS Program Office
9303 New Trails Drive, Suite 350
The Woodlands, TX 77381
info@pasmeeting.org

AWARDS

American Pediatric Society

Society for Pediatric Research

American Pediatric Society / Society for Pediatric Research Joint Award

American Academy of Pediatrics

  • AAP William A. Silverman Lecture*

American Society of Pediatric Nephrology

Academic Pediatric Association

Federation of Pediatric Organizations

March of Dimes

PAS Travel Grants

  • PAS Travel Grant Program

Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society

*   Application process separate from abstract submission