Networking and Special Events

Join your colleagues at these various networking events during the conference.

It’s more than meeting people, it’s connecting with the right people for knowledge sharing, best practices, career connections…and socializing. The SHEA Spring Conference has planned many different ways for you to connect during the conference. Meet and discuss issues and strategies with others in your area of work. Spring is the place to create future opportunities for collaboration.

SHEA Spring 2024 Service Project

Wednesday, April 17-Friday, April 19

SHEA is excited to announce its first ever Service Project! Attendees can put together “Superhero Kits” which bring optimism and joy to children with chronic illnesses and their families. While a superhero cape itself may seem like a simple accessory, it carries powerful symbolism and provides several benefits to a child going through various medical treatments – empowerment, confidence, play and creativity, social interaction, and resilience. The goal of this activity is for attendees to provide support, encouragement, and a positive experience for the child as they navigate their long-term medical journey and have a positive impact on the host city. You can sign up to participate when registering for SHEA Spring 2024!


SHEA Spring 2023 Scavenger Hunt

Wednesday, April 17-Friday, April 19

We are excited to continue its Antibody Scavenger Hunt at the SHEA Spring Annual Conference in Houston, TX! Taking place Wednesday, April 17 through Friday, April 19, participants will have the opportunity play for a chance to win a FREE conference registration for SHEA Spring 2025 in Florida.

A plush antibody wearing a QR code will be hidden in a different location on all three days of the conference, so be sure to scan the QR code each day to be eligible for the prize. THREE lucky winners will be announced at the closing plenary on Friday, April 19th (note: you must be present at the closing plenary to claim your prize). Have fun and good luck!


New Member/First Time Attendee Events

Tuesday, April 16, 3:30-4:15pm
Join SHEA Staff for a SHEA Spring 2024 Welcome Tour.  Kick off the week by meeting fellow attendees, walking through the week’s agenda and venue, culminating with a brief meet and greet with the SHEA Board.  This is a great opportunity for new SHEA members and first time SHEA Spring attendees to meet one another, ask questions, and maximize your SHEA Spring experience.

Lunch, Wednesday-Friday

We also invite you to have lunch at one of our designated New Member/First Time Attendees lunch tables. Connect with fellow attendees and begin building professional relationships that will continue well after SHEA Spring concludes.


Welcome Reception

Tuesday, April 16
6:00 – 7:00 p.m.

The reception is open to all attendees. Join others to mingle, meet, network, and visit with Poster Presenters. It’s a can’t miss event as we kick off SHEA Spring 2024!


Mentorship Breakfast

Wednesday, April 17
7:00 – 8:15 a.m.

The SHEA Mentorship Program is designed to create a strong networking community while providing and enhancing the SHEA membership experience at all levels. Our goal is to form relationships that can be carried forward beyond the meeting. SHEA will still be holding a Mentorship Meet and Greet Breakfast. This will be a casual mix and mingle event with no agenda. It will be an opportunity for other mentors and mentees to meet. 

Learn more about the program and the requirements to be a mentor or mentee.


Social Media Meet Up

Wednesday, April 17
9:30 – 10:00 a.m.

Open to all social media users! We are setting up an area with a SHEA background for selfies and a spot to meet others you interact with online in person.


SHEA Foundation Event

Wednesday, April 17
6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

The SHEA Foundation Event provides a special evening during SHEA Spring where friends and colleagues come together to celebrate our shared commitment to our community. Your ticket cost for this event goes solely towards hosting expenses, making this event extraordinary!

This year, enjoy the wonders of the Houston Zoo Galápagos Islands exhibit – a groundbreaking showcase of the legendary island chain’s remarkable wildlife and unique landscapes. Immerse yourself in the archipelago’s oceanic habitats, exemplifying the delicate balance of ecosystems and pressing need for conservation action.

*Extra ticket purchase required.


SHEA Epi Project Competition Breakfast

Thursday, April 18
8:00 – 9:30 a.m.

This event will welcome and congratulate the SHEA Epi Project competition finalists. As part of the competition process this live event will showcase the finalists’ 3-5 minute presentation proposals and these, along with the Q&A portion will be scored by an anonymous panel of judges. The panelists onstage, along with the audience will ask each finalist questions about potential pitfalls to consider regarding their project submission. The winner will be announced during the Thursday plenary.


Research, Recommendations, & Refreshment 

Thursday, April 18
9:30 – 10:00 a.m.

Representatives from the SHEA Research Network, the SHEA Research Committee, the Agency for Healthcare Quality and Research (AHRQ), and authors of the SHEA Research Agenda will be available to answer questions and discuss ideas following the Epi Competition. Get your coffee or tea and mingle with SHEA research leaders and colleagues to discuss ideas and opportunities.


Women of SHEA Breakfast

Friday, April 19
7:00 – 8:15 a.m.

We invite all women and allies to join us for the “Women of SHEA” breakfast to support meaningful connections within the SHEA community. Join Maria Elena Bottazzi, PhD and Grace Lee, MD, MPH as they discuss their leadership journey and lessons learned as women with prominent roles in vaccination in the United States. In today’s highly charged public health debate, hear how they’ve showcased and leaned into their expertise. This breakfast is open to all attendees. We look forward to seeing you!


Team Up Towers: Quick Fire Challenge

Friday, April 19
9:30 – 10:00 a.m.

Team up with your fellow attendees to “build” the tallest structure. In this fun and interactive game, teams of up to six (6) will be given a mystery bag of materials and have 10 minutes to construct the tallest structure. Prizes will be given to the tallest structure and best team name. Meet with your team at the designated tables at the start of the coffee break and join in the fun!


Science Salons

Friday, April 19
12:30 -1:30 p.m.

Attendees can enjoy a relaxed and exploratory discussions of the concepts and findings of selected SHEA Spring research posters. They may choose to first retrieve the lunch in the Poster Hall and bring it to the Science Salon of their choice, which will be facilitated by an expert. Don’t miss out on this opportunity for exciting discussion on the many high-quality abstracts at this year’s conference! Indicate interest in participating when you register!