Blog – AAIC 2025, Big, Busy and Worth It

Later this month I’ll be heading to Toronto for the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC). If you work in dementia research, there’s a good chance you already know about it, it’s one of the biggest events in the field, with thousands of people coming together from all over the world.

I’ve been a few times now, and I thought it might be worth writing something ahead of this year’s meeting. Not a full guide or anything too clever, just a bit of perspective, and some advice that might help if you’re going for the first time.

The AAIC isn’t like most conferences. It’s big, really BIG! Not just in size, but in scope. There are presentations, posters, panels, exhibits, satellite events, networking receptions, you name it, they have it, and it get bigger every year. Some days it feels like there’s more going on than you can keep up with, and on other days you get into a rhythm and find yourself in the right place at the right time (honestly just navigating the building and finding the right rooms can be a challenge).

The main conference runs over five days, but there are two extra days of ‘pre-conference’ sessions if you want to go early. Topics cover everything, from molecules and imaging through to care, prevention, and policy. It’s all in there. And while the science is central, you’ll also find career development sessions, public engagement events, and spaces just to meet and talk.

It’s a lot. But in a good way.

It’s that variety that I think sets this conference apart from all the rest. You could go to a big plenary in the morning, then wander into a skills workshop or a quiet poster session in the afternoon. There’s space for early career researchers, for clinicians, for industry people, and somehow it all holds together.

There’s also a certain energy to the week. It’s busy (I think I already mentioned that more than once), yes, but it’s also a reminder of how much is happening across the field.

The scale makes you feel part of something. You hear about work you didn’t know existed. You see ideas taking shape. And if you’re lucky, you get to be part of a few of those conversations too.

If this is your first time attending AAIC, a few things might help – I know you will have heard all this before, but I hope it’s a good reminder:

• It’s okay to feel a bit lost – Everyone does at first. Just turn up, take a breath, and pick something that sounds interesting. Let the rest follow.
• Use the first-timer sessions – There are orientation events and quieter lounges. Good places to get your bearings and meet people who are in the same boat.
• Don’t try to do everything – You’ll see posters, panels, workshops, and coffee queues full of people you’d love to talk to. You can’t do it all. Pick what matters, then give yourself permission to skip the rest.
• Talk to people – Even if it’s just one or two. You’re not the only person standing at the edge of a room wondering who to speak to. Start with a question about their work. That usually does the trick.
• Take breaks – Honestly, it matters. Grab a seat, go for a walk, step outside. It’s a long week with early morning starts, late finishes (and lots of social events).

The conference takes place at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, but if you’re reading this and thinking it’s too late (or too expensive) to get to Canada, don’t worry. You can attend online, and it’s well worth it.

If you’re an ISTAART member, online attendance is included free of charge. And if you’re not already a member, it’s still very accessible:

• Students can join ISTAART for free – and that gets you free online access to AAIC.
• If you’re in a low- or middle-income country, membership and conference access are also free.
• Postdocs pay somewhere between $65 and $125, depending on country income tier, which covers both membership and the full online conference.

It’s good value. You get access to live sessions, posters, networking spaces, and session recordings too. If you’re not able to attend in person, it’s still a great way to take part. Sadly, a lot of the ISTAART careers sessions are not part of the online programme, but if you’re going in-person, book those in early too – they tend to fill up.

I’ll be there all week. If you spot me, come say hello. Or don’t – totally up to you. I’m hoping to also feature some of you on the Dementia Researcher YouTube channel, through our ‘SixtySecond Spotlight’, so if you want to talk about your research, talk or poster, grab me… of if you see me wondering toward you with a microphone… and don’t want to… run away!

PS.. We will also be recording podcasts all week to share highlights, so if you really can’t make it, be sure to tune-in to get a few of the best bits.

Adam Smith

Author

Adam Smith was born in the north, a long time ago. He wanted to write books, but ended up working in the NHS, and at the Department of Health.  He is now Programme Director at University College London (which probably sounds more important than it is – his words). He has led a number of initiatives to improve dementia research (including this website, Join Dementia Research & ENRICH), as well as pursuing his own research interests. In his spare time, he grows vegetables, builds Lego, likes rockets & spends most of his time drinking too much coffee and squeezing technology into his house.

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