AAPM SIG Networking Breakfast

AAPM SIG Networking Breakfast is a new event this year and one of the most anticipated at PainConnect 2026 in Salt Lake City. Scheduled for Sunday, March 8, 2026, from 7:00 am to 8:00 am, this dynamic session invites clinicians, researchers, and pain medicine professionals to engage with their peers in a collaborative setting designed to foster both personal connections and professional growth.

The AAPM SIG Networking Breakfast isn’t just another morning meet-and-greet. It is a part working session where real outcomes are generated, innovative thinking is encouraged, and AAPM’s commitment to advancing pain medicine is put into action. It is part open-ended networking

What Are SIGs (Shared Interest Groups)?

The American Academy of Pain Medicine (AAPM) offers a variety of Shared Interest Groups, known as SIGs, which enable members and stakeholders to connect based on specific topics or areas of focus related to the specialty of Pain Medicine. SIGs promote ongoing dialogue, knowledge sharing, and professional development across a range of specialties from neuromodulation and interventional pain management to primary care and behavioral medicine. Learn more about AAPM SIGs at painmed.org/shared-interest-groups.

The AAPM SIG Networking Breakfast is the live embodiment of this commitment. It’s where SIG members meet in person, break into group discussions, and work on deliverables that will shape the Academy’s broader impact. Want to make more of an impact? Join AAPM and save on registration.

What Makes the AAPM SIG Networking Breakfast Unique?

Facilitated by Kate M. Nicholson, JD, Executive Director of the National Pain Advocacy Center, this year’s session brings a strategic communications lens to the work of SIGs. Nicholson will lead a workshop-style activity where each table (organized by SIG) will address a real-world case study.

Participants will explore how to respond persuasively to public and policy-based challenges in the field of pain medicine. From addressing clinical misinformation to advocating for policy reform, the session equips attendees with practical tools to communicate the evidence and patient stories with impact.

Why This Matters:

Pain medicine professionals are increasingly called to explain, defend, and advocate for evidence-based treatment amidst a changing healthcare and policy landscape. Clear, confident communication is not optional—it’s critical. The SIG Networking Breakfast builds these skills collaboratively, giving you a platform to learn, contribute, lead, and most importantly, make new like-minded connections in Pain Medicine.

AAPM SIG Networking Breakfast Goals

In addition to our most important goal, networking, the AAPM SIG Networking Breakfast is a launch pad for three core 2026 activities for each SIG:

1. Blog Post Outline(s): SIGs will draft a comprehensive blog post outline, including a lede and three key points, to help elevate expert voices and address current issues. Authors will be credited, and their submissions will be published on painmed.org and promoted through the Academy’s social media channels.
2. Pain Medicine Policy Committee Liaison: Each SIG will identify a liaison to the AAPM Policy Committee to ensure coordinated advocacy and representation.
3. Subject-Matter Expert List: Groups will provide a list of vetted experts who can respond to media or policy inquiries on behalf of their SIG.

SIG note-takers will record all outputs, and AAPM will compile a proceedings white paper to be shared with participants after the meeting.

Structure and Accessibility

• Open to all, please be sure to add the AAPM SIG Networking Breakfast to your registration. It’s under “meal plans,” and there is no additonal fee to attend.
• Attendees will receive an email in advance with their table assignments.
• A room map with SIG table locations will also be posted outside the breakfast venue
• Walk-ins are welcome, and attendees may switch tables the morning of the event.
• The breakfast will be eligible for 1 CME, ACA, or ACPE CEU credit.
• All meeting attendees will receive additional information via email prior to PainConnect 2026 in Salt Lake City.

Why You Should Attend the AAPM SIG Networking Breakfast

Attending the AAPM SIG Networking Breakfast at PainConnect 2026 is more than checking a box on your itinerary. It’s about:

• Building meaningful professional relationships.
• Shaping future content and policy for your area of practice.
• Gaining hands-on experience with strategic communication.
• Ensuring your voice and your specialty have a seat at the table.

Whether you’re a longtime AAPM member or new to the APPM PainConnect community, this session offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to collaborate, learn, and lead. 

Don’t miss the AAPM SIG Networking Breakfast at PainConnect 2026. Join us Sunday, March 8, at 7:00 AM to connect with your peers, tackle timely challenges, and help shape the future of pain medicine. This isn’t just breakfast, it’s where tomorrow’s leaders gather to take action.