Every year the American Society of Nephrology hosts the world’s biggest nephrology conference. If you’re a kidney professional, you don’t want to miss it. Kidney Week 2019 is being held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC from Tuesday, November 5th to Sunday, November 10th.

Early programs are held on Tuesday and Wednesday and require a separate registration. These include ten one- or two-day seminars on kidney-related topics such as electrolyte balance disorders, diabetes, dialysis, and critical care.

The main meeting kicks off with a welcome reception at 6:30 PM on Thursday in the exhibit hall. The four-day conference includes a wide variety of events, talks, and workshops on the science and practice of nephrology as well as opportunities to meet and network with other professionals in the field.

The Learning Pathways page can help you find sessions and events specific to your special interests. The exhibition floor will host a variety of booths from across the nephrology profession as well as a career fair where employers and potential recruits can meet in person.

On Thursday and Friday be sure to catch the FIT Bowl, where teams of fellows-in-training compete in tests of medical knowledge and case diagnosis. There will also be a number of ancillary events such as roundtables and business meetings held in coordination with the conference at nearby hotels.

Things to Do

Downtown Washington, DC is brimming with things to do and see within a short walk of the convention center. The National Mall with its variety of monuments and the many parks along the Potomac River is just a few blocks away and make a great place for a contemplative stroll or a morning jog. A multitude of museums, including most of the Smithsonian Institution buildings, are located in the immediate area so there is sure to be at least one that caters to anyone’s interests.

For political buffs, the White House, US Capitol, and many other nearby points of interest offer tours. Activities more than a few blocks away are easily accessed by bus or subway on the DC metro system. The National Zoo, Arlington National Cemetery, and many other sites are just a short ride away.

Places to Stay

The ASN has partnered with over 30 DC hotels to provide housing at a discount rate for attendees. You must make your booking through the Society’s website or by calling the housing bureau at 866-849-8868 by October 4th to take advantage of discount rates.

There are many partner hotels in or near downtown Washington DC, including several within just a few blocks of the convention center. Grand Hyatt Washington is less than a 10-minute walk from the conference, making it easy to pop back to your luxurious room for a quick break from the action or to just freshen up a bit. There are many upscale bars and restaurants in the area for a nice meal with new friends in your evening downtime. If you want to stay even closer to the convention center, the Renaissance Washington, DC Downtown Hotel is just one Mount Vernon Square away from where Kidney Week takes place. It’s a smart, upscale accommodation.

Registration Details

Advance registration for the conference ends on October 30th, after which you can register onsite for an additional fee. Online registration is available at the ASN website. Register today and come prepared to learn a lot about the latest techniques and advances in kidney health and all the ways to support both patients and research.