The SNMMI Mid-Winter Conference in Orlando, Florida, from February 1st to 3rd, 2024, convened over 700 experts in nuclear medicine and molecular imaging. Through educational tracks, sessions, and symposia, attendees explored the latest advancements in diagnostic imaging, cancer therapies, and artificial intelligence (AI) applications. The conference facilitated networking opportunities and showcased innovative technologies from industry leaders, while also recognizing notable contributions to the field through awards and presentations.
The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) Mid-Winter Conference, which took place from February 1st to 3rd, 2024, in Orlando, Florida, served as a convergence point for over 700 global experts in the fields of diagnostic and molecular imaging, cancer therapies, clinical trials, and theranostics. This annual event, held alongside the American College of Nuclear Medicine Annual Meeting (ACNM 2024), facilitated a rich exchange of insights and innovations aimed at enhancing patient care.
The conference comprised three distinct educational tracks, each catering to different aspects of nuclear medicine and molecular imaging. The ACNM Annual Meeting track focused on molecular imaging, providing attendees with comprehensive insights into this rapidly evolving field. Meanwhile, the radiopharmaceutical therapy specialty track delved into various therapeutic modalities, including operational strategies for therapy centers. Additionally, the general nuclear medicine track featured sessions covering diagnostic imaging innovations, clinical trials, dosimetry, and other critical topics.
One highlight of the SNMMI Mid-Winter Conference was the Therapy Specialty Track, which explored the establishment and operation of theranostic centers, dosimetry considerations, and advancements in theranostics. Another significant focus was on AI’s potential in nuclear medicine, with sessions discussing its role in revolutionizing instrumentation, clinical tasks, and non-clinical functions.
Notable sessions within the General Nuclear Medicine Track included discussions on pediatric imaging optimization, becoming a clinical trial site, and the clinical implementation of cutting-edge therapeutic research. Furthermore, satellite symposia covered topics such as brain and prostate cancer imaging, ushering attendees into a new era of molecular imaging.
Radiation oncology challenges were also addressed, with sessions highlighting focused imaging areas like breast, prostate, lung, and brain cancers, as well as the impact of therapies on imaging young cancer patients for cardiovascular risks.
The conference provided a platform for more than 40 nuclear medicine and molecular imaging companies to showcase their latest technologies and products in a sold-out exhibit hall, allowing attendees to engage directly with industry professionals.
Moreover, the ACNM Annual Meeting served as a forum for researchers to present new findings, with 107 abstracts accepted for presentation. The event also recognized outstanding contributions to the field through prestigious awards, including the ACNM Gold Medal and Lifetime Achievement Award.
Heather Jacene, MD, Chair of the SNMMI Scientific Program Committee, lauded the meeting’s success and emphasized its value as a networking opportunity. Looking ahead, she anticipated continued collaboration and knowledge exchange at the upcoming SNMMI Annual Meeting in June.
As an international scientific and medical organization, SNMMI is committed to advancing nuclear medicine and molecular imaging, pivotal components of precision medicine. Through guideline development, knowledge dissemination, and advocacy efforts, SNMMI members strive to set the standard for molecular imaging and nuclear medicine practice, ultimately improving patient outcomes worldwide.
The 2024 SNMMI Annual Meeting, scheduled for June 8th to 11th in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, promises to further advance these goals by fostering collaboration, innovation, and excellence in the field.
The SNMMI Mid-Winter Conference served as a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange and professional development within the nuclear medicine and molecular imaging community. By highlighting advancements in theranostics, AI, diagnostic imaging, and clinical trials, the conference underscored the field’s ongoing evolution and its crucial role in precision medicine. As attendees depart with newfound insights and connections, the momentum generated at the conference will continue to drive innovation and excellence in patient care.
