What conferences does the NLA host?
The NLA hosts two signature educational conferences each year:
- Scientific Sessions — the NLA’s flagship annual meeting, bringing together the broader lipidology community for several days of cutting-edge science, clinical education, and networking.
- Fall Clinical Lipid Update — a more focused clinical meeting held later in the year, designed to give practicing clinicians a practical, up-to-date review of lipid management topics they can apply directly in patient care.
Together, the two meetings give members and non-members opportunities to engage with the field’s latest research and clinical guidance throughout the year.
What’s the difference between Scientific Sessions and the Fall Clinical Lipid Update?
Scientific Sessions is the NLA’s larger annual meeting, with a broad agenda spanning original research presentations, late-breaking science, guideline updates, networking events, and programming for researchers, clinicians, and trainees alike.
Fall Clinical Lipid Update is a smaller, clinically-focused meeting. It emphasizes practical, case-based education aimed at helping frontline clinicians translate current evidence and guidelines into everyday patient management.
In short: Scientific Sessions covers the full breadth of the field; Fall Clinical Lipid Update zooms in on clinical application.
Who should attend Scientific Sessions?
Scientific Sessions is designed for the full range of healthcare professionals working in lipid management and cardiovascular prevention, including physicians, advanced practice providers, pharmacists, dietitians, nurses, researchers, and trainees. Anyone looking to stay current on the latest lipid science and network with colleagues across the field will find value in attending.
Who should attend the Fall Clinical Lipid Update?
The Fall Clinical Lipid Update is geared toward practicing clinicians — physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, pharmacists, and other providers — who want a concentrated, practice-ready update on managing lipid disorders, rather than a full scientific research agenda.
What kind of content is presented at these conferences?
Attendees can expect:
- Sessions led by leading experts in lipidology and cardiovascular prevention
- Updates on clinical guidelines and emerging therapies
- Original research presentations and abstracts (particularly at Scientific Sessions)
- Case-based, practice-oriented discussions (particularly at the Fall Clinical Lipid Update)
- Opportunities for Q&A and direct engagement with faculty
- Networking with peers across specialties
Can I earn continuing education (CE/CME) credit at NLA conferences?
Yes. Both Scientific Sessions and the Fall Clinical Lipid Update offer continuing education credit for eligible healthcare professionals. Specific credit types and hours are listed in each conference’s program materials.
Do I need to be an NLA member to attend?
No — both conferences are open to non-members. However, NLA members typically receive discounted registration rates, along with early access to registration in some years.
Can I present research at an NLA conference?
Yes. Scientific Sessions includes opportunities to submit abstracts for poster or oral presentation, giving researchers and clinicians a platform to share original work with the lipidology community. Abstract submission deadlines and guidelines are announced ahead of each meeting.
Are the conferences held in person, virtually, or both?
Format details vary by year and by meeting. Check the current conference page on lipid.org for the most up-to-date information on format, dates, and location.
Where can I find more information?
Visit the conference page for the latest agenda, faculty list, registration details, and continuing education information.