Affiliated Independent Events submissions are now open
Apply now for Affiliated Independent Event status to amplify your reach through promotion to the global IAS network and AIDS 2026 delegates.
Quick links:
Registration
Submissions
Conference overview
Submissions open: 4 March 2026
Submission deadline: 24 June 2026
Affiliated Independent Events, held by organizations or individuals external to the IAS, will take place around the activities of AIDS 2026. To qualify, events must address HIV-related topics, and/or issues faced by people living with and affected by HIV and/or organizations responding to the HIV pandemic. They may be population or issue specific. These events can take various shapes, including workshops, pre-meetings, forums, art exhibits or theatre. The IAS encourages event submitters to be creative when developing their events to address HIV and AIDS in new and original ways. Please note that events may be held in any location worldwide and may be conducted online or in person.
All Affiliated Independent Events will be published on the conference website and promoted on AIDS 2026 social media channels.
Your event must meet these criteria to be recognized as an AIDS 2026 Affiliated Independent Event:
- It must take place between 1 May and 3 August 2026.
It must take place outside the official AIDS 2026 programme hours. These are:
Sunday, 26 July, from 08:00 to 19:00
Monday, 27 July, from 07:30 to 18:30
Tuesday-Thursday, 28-30 July, from 08:30 to 19:00
Friday, 31 July, from 08:30 to 17:00- It must take place outside the conference venue.
Please note that the IAS is not responsible for the organization, funding or final content of any such event; these are the sole responsibility of the event organizers. There is no cost to apply for your event to be considered or approved as an Affiliated Independent Event.
Questions
If you have any questions, please email affiliatedevents@aids2026.org.
FAQs
What is an AIDS 2026 Affiliated Independent Event?
An Affiliated Independent Event is organized by individuals or organizations external to the IAS, takes place around the time of AIDS 2026, and focuses on HIV-related topics or issues affecting people living with and impacted by HIV.
Who can apply to host an Affiliated Independent Event?
Any individual, organization, network or institution can apply as long as the proposed event meets the eligibility criteria and addresses HIV-related themes.
When should Affiliated Independent Events take place?
To be eligible, events must take place between 1 May and 3 August 2026.
What topics are eligible for Affiliated Independent Events?
Events must address:
- HIV-related topics
- Issues affecting people living with HIV
- Challenges faced by communities affected by HIV
- Responses to the HIV pandemic
Events can be population specific, issue focused or interdisciplinary.
Is there a fee to apply?
No. There is no cost to apply for Affiliated Independent Event status.
What are the benefits of becoming an Affiliated Independent Event?
Approved events will:
- Be listed on the official AIDS 2026 website
- Be promoted through AIDS 2026 social media channels
- Gain visibility among the global IAS network and AIDS 2026 delegates
This helps amplify the reach and audience of your event.