Frequently Asked Questions

What is ACR Convergence?
ACR Convergence is the new name of the ACR’s annual meeting beginning in 2020.

Why is ACR Convergence 2020 going virtual only?
Due to public health/safety concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the ACR’s in-person 2020 annual meeting, originally scheduled to be held November 6-11 in Washington, D.C., will be a fully virtual meeting.

What does a fully virtual meeting mean?
The entire meeting will take place online. ACR Convergence will include oral and poster discussion presentations, track-based clinical and basic science symposia, opportunities to engage with speakers and participants, as well as an exhibition and several special events.

When will ACR Convergence 2020 be held?
ACR Convergence 2020 will start on Thursday, November 5 and end on Monday, November 9. All sessions will be recorded and made available to access on demand for several months following the conclusion of the meeting.

When will the premeeting courses be held?
We are currently planning the premeeting courses, including the Basic Research Course, the Clinical Research Course, and the Review Course, and look forward to showcasing these sessions in new formats. The updated schedule will be available on our website in July.

What platform will be used?
The ACR will host ACR Convergence 2020 on a new platform, which will provide participants with new features and functionality. More information will be shared in August.

Where will ACR Convergence 2020 be held?
Online. ACR Convergence 2020 was originally scheduled to be held in Washington, D.C. However, in response to COVID-19, the meeting will be fully virtual.

How do I register for ACR Convergence 2020?
Online registration for ACR Convergence will open in August.

Is registration for ACR Convergence required?
Registration is required for all participants. Registration will open in August.

What are the registration fees for ACR Convergence?
The fee structure will be flexible; more details will be provided in August, when registration opens.

I’m from a developing country. Will the ACR offer financial assistance so I can participate in ACR Convergence 2020?
Yes. The ACR will continue to waive registration fees for participants from developing countries. Instructions will be available when registration opens in August.

I received complimentary registration for the ACR Convergence in-person meeting in Washington, D.C. Will that be transferred to the virtual meeting?
When registration opens in August, ACR staff will contact you directly and provide you with options that will allow you to participate in ACR Convergence 2020 or defer your complimentary registration until 2021.

I won a competition last year (Knowledge Bowl, Thieves Market, Image Competition, etc.) and was supposed to receive benefits for this year’s meeting. What benefits will I be eligible for now that the meeting is going virtual?
When registration opens in August, ACR staff will contact you directly and provide you with options that will allow you to participate in ACR Convergence 2020 or defer your complimentary registration until 2021.

Will ACR Convergence 2020 offer CME credit and ABIM MOC points?
CME credit and ABIM MOC points will be offered for ACR Convergence 2020.

Where can I find program information?
The planning committee is currently finalizing the virtual program, which will be available on the ACR website in July.

What is the hashtag for ACR Convergence 2020?
Follow @ACRheum on Twitter for real-time updates and use the official hashtag: #ACR20

I am an ACR volunteer and was planning to attend an ACR committee meeting during ACR Convergence 2020. How will the all-virtual format impact the committee meetings?
All in-person, ACR-hosted committee meetings and events in Washington, D.C. have been canceled for the remainder of 2020 and may be rescheduled. ACR staff liaisons will contact you directly with updated information.

I usually host an affiliate event during the annual meeting. Will the ACR offer options for my group to participate in ACR Convergence 2020?
The ACR is currently exploring how best to include affiliate events in ACR Convergence 2020. More information will be available by August.

Have the abstract submission processes changed?
On May 1, due to hardships imposed by COVID-19, abstract fees were reduced and the abstract submission deadline was extended to June 17, at noon ET. It is our hope these changes will create greater opportunity for submitters during this unprecedented time. To coincide with the virtual meeting start date, information that goes beyond that contained in the abstract (e.g., discussion of the abstract done as part of a scientific presentation or presentation of additional new information that will be available at the time of the meeting) is under embargo until November 5 at 2:00 PM ET. Review abstract guidelines

Has the embargo date changed?
To coincide with the virtual meeting start date, information that goes beyond that contained in the abstract (e.g., discussion of the abstract done as part of a scientific presentation or presentation of additional new information that will be available at the time of the meeting) is under embargo until November 5 at 2:00 PM ET.

What is the abstract submission deadline?
The abstract submission deadline was June 17, at noon ET. View submission details

Should I still plan to submit my research?
Rheumatology research is crucial for the progression of the specialty and advancement of patient care. Now more than ever, we encourage you to submit your abstract. All accepted abstracts will be published, and the virtual meeting will include oral and poster discussion presentations. Please be assured that your work will receive the attention it deserves at ACR Convergence 2020!

I have submitted an abstract. How will this impact me?
If your abstract is accepted, you will be invited to present an oral or poster presentation virtually. Accepted abstracts will be published in a special online supplement to Arthritis & Rheumatology. Upon publication, the availability of the supplement will be publicized by Wiley via a number of channels. In addition, non-ACR/ARP members will receive the 20% discount (normally reserved for members) on the ACR Open Rheumatology article publication charge for accepted articles reporting on the study that was initially described in the abstract.

Is the ACR accepting research related to COVID-19?
Yes. We encourage you to share your research. COVID-19 is now available as an abstract keyword. Please make sure you select this keyword if your abstract is related to COVID-19.

Have the rules for the Image Competition changed?
The submission guidelines and rules for the Image Competition have not changed. The submission deadline was June 16, at noon ET, and the image selected as the winner will be published in the Arthritis & Rheumatology journal. The winner will receive complimentary registration to ACR Convergence 2020. Learn more

How will the virtual ACR Convergence 2020 impact Thieves Market process/submissions?
The submission guidelines and rules for the Thieves Market Call for Cases have not changed. The submission deadline was June 16, at noon ET.

Will the Knowledge Bowl be held virtually as part of ACR Convergence 2020?
We are currently working to determine if this is possible. An update will be provided by August.

Can I still register a team for the Knowledge Bowl?
Knowledge Bowl team registration is closed. The deadline to register a team was June 16, at noon ET.

We registered a team to participate in the Knowledge Bowl. How will this impact us?
The ACR will notify all teams of their eligibility status and updated plans by August.

I have submitted a story to the Patient Perspectives Program. How will this impact me?
The submission deadline was June 16, at noon ET. If your story is accepted, you will be invited to provide an oral or poster presentation virtually.

I am a study group coordinator. Will I still be able to host my study group?
The ACR is currently working to update the 2020 schedule and will notify all study group coordinators of the updated plans by mid-July.

I was invited to provide a presentation. How will this change impact me?
We respectfully request you hold the dates of November 5-9 for your scheduled presentation. The ACR is currently working to update the 2020 program and will contact you directly in mid-July to confirm the schedule and online presentation requirements.

I was invited to moderate a session. Will I be expected to moderate virtually?
We respectfully request you hold the dates of November 5-9 for the scheduled presentation you were asked to moderate. The ACR is currently working to update the 2020 program and will contact you directly in mid-July to confirm your moderator role and the moderator requirements.

Will the ACR still provide complimentary registration for fellows in training to participate in ACR Convergence?
The Fellows Scholarship Program will continue to support registration for eligible fellows in training. Additional information and instructions will be provided in July.

Will the ACR still offer the fellows premeeting session and symposium?
Yes, the fellows premeeting activities are tentatively scheduled for November 4. As the program is finalized, additional information and instructions will be provided in July.

I am an exhibitor/sponsor for the meeting. How does this affect me?
Thank you for your support. We look forward to working with you. Updated information is available on the exhibits page.

How can I become an exhibitor or sponsor for ACR Convergence 2020?
The virtual meeting will have several new and exciting opportunities for exhibitors and sponsors. Updates will be posted on the exhibits page as they become available. If you are interested in receiving more information when it is available in July, please complete the meeting interest form.

Are there opportunities to partner with the ACR?
The ACR seeks quality education partners to help share and reinforce ACR Convergence content year-round. Review the 2020 Education Partners Program Guidelines. The deadline to apply is September 4. Apply now

I am a current Foundation awardee and was supposed to receive benefits for this year’s meeting. What benefits will I be eligible for now that the meeting is going virtual?
Foundation staff will follow up with you directly and provide you with options that will allow you to participate in ACR Convergence 2020 or defer your travel stipend and complimentary registration until 2021.

Will the Foundation still fund abstract awards for students and residents?
Updated information from Foundation-Funded ACR Convergence awards can be found here.

Will there be press conferences?
Yes, press conferences will be held. Please visit the ACR press page for more information.

I am a member of the press. How should I register?
Details will be provided as information becomes available.

Who should I contact if I have questions?

• For exhibits and sponsorships, please contact schandler@rheumatology.org
• For Innovation Theater and industry supported symposia, please contact ncabrera@rheumatology.org

For all other questions, please contact education@rheumatology.org.