Recognizing the importance of supporting TOS researchers and clinicians bringing about progress in obesity medicine—the ObesityWeek 2026 program features a variety of special events that will facilitate professional connections, personal growth, and moments of relaxation and enjoyment.

“These are all opportunities for people to gather and chat, to find out what sessions other people are attending, to coordinate schedules, or to set up meetings,” said Travis Masterson, PhD, co-chair of The Obesity Society Communications Committee. “We hope that these events also facilitate crosstalk between disciplines, that they allow people to meet colleagues in the field who they don’t regularly see or engage with in their work.”

A listing of special events is included at the end of this article, and conference attendees can visit the online program guide or search through the conference app for updated information.

Different events will appeal to different people, but Dr. Masterson suggested that all attendees should prioritize the Opening Reception, the Closing Reception, and the poster sessions.

“The poster sessions highlight cutting-edge science in the pipeline in a compact time format that is ideal for exploring themes that are not necessarily in your field,” Dr. Masterson said. “The poster sessions are also great ways to network, to bump into colleagues and have opportunities to talk with them about their work, about project ideas, and possibly about new collaborations.”

Dr. Masterson advised early career professionals to not miss Morning Buzz: Coffee With the Experts.

“This is a great chance for early career professionals to meet with leaders in the field in an informal setting and to talk about science, as well as about career progression, salaries, job opportunities and other aspects of professional life behind the science,” Dr. Masterson said.

Dr. Masterson will spend some of his downtime interviewing conference attendees behind a camera with his colleague, Communications Committee Chair Renee Rogers, PhD, FTOS as part of TOS Live! at Obesity Week. “We’re interested in talking with people, to see how ObesityWeek is going for them and to hear what they have been excited about so we can share that with other attendees,” Dr. Masterson said. “If you see us, please feel free to come over and talk!”

Dr. Masterson urged all attendees to look over the range of options and to consider the special events opportunities to relax while remaining engaged.

“It isn’t realistic to be in sessions every hour of every day, so you need to provide yourself some downtime,” Dr. Masterson said. “These events offer you downtime while still being involved in the conference and able to meet other people within the field. For example, instead of saying: ‘I am going to head back to my hotel for an hour,’ you could take a break by heading to the Exhibit Hall and meeting some puppies and colleagues at the Bark Park.”

Special Events During ObesityWeek 2026

All times are ET. These listings are complete as of Oct. 15, 2026. Check the conference app or the online conference program listings for the latest updates.

Saturday, Nov. 14

• Registration opening–Monday, 1 pm | Various locations
  ObesityWeek BINGO! | Grab a game card during registration and submit by the Monday deadline to be eligible for prizes including the grand prize of free registration and accommodation for 2027 ObesityWeek (with up to a $500 airfare voucher) and more.
• Registration opening–Close | Various locations
  Mouse Escape Alert! | Look for rubber mice figures hidden throughout the conference venues. If you spot one, it’s yours to take home. No IRB approval required.
• Registration opening–Close | Registration area
  Coloring wall | Help make ObesityWeek 2026 brighter by contributing to the coloring wall, a great way to relax and share your artistic side!
• 9 am–5 pm | Registration area
  Membership Hut | Look for this octagonal structure and its prize wheel for TOS members near the registration desks.
• 7–9 pm | Exhibit Hall BCD
  Welcome Reception | Immediately following the Presidential Plenary, this networking event is open to all. Refreshments and appetizers served.
• 7:30–8:30 pm | Exhibit Hall BCD
  Poster Session 1 | Talk directly with researchers about their work. This event repeats at different times and with different posters on Sunday and Monday. Look for more information about guided poster tours during the poster sessions.

Monday, Nov. 16

• Hours TBA | Exhibit Hall, Booth 621
  The Best of ObesityWeek® Live! | Day two of in-depth discussions with obesity medicine experts. Limited seating.
• 7–8 am | Potomac Terrace (outside between atrium and pool)
  Runners and Walkers Meetup | Gather at 7:00 am with other ObesityWeek attendees for a morning walk or run. Repeats on Tuesday.
• 7–8 am | Potomac Ballroom Foyer
  Sunrise Yoga (ticketed event) | Renee Rogers, PhD, FTOS, leads a morning yoga session. Mats provided. Tickets can be purchased during registration. Sign up early as space is limited.
• 9:30–10 am | Exhibit Hall BCD
  Coffee Break in Exhibit Hall | Open to all attendees.
• 9:30 am–4 pm | Exhibit Hall
  Central Park | Look for the park benches, picnic tables, giant Jenga games, and more as a spot of relaxation and networking in the middle of the Exhibit Hall.
• 11 am–3:30 pm | Exhibit Hall
  Bark Park | The puppy meet-and-greet continues for a second day in the Exhibit Hall’s Central Park.
• 2:30–3:30 pm | Exhibit Hall BCD
  Poster Session 3 | Talk directly with researchers about their work. Look for more information about guided poster tours during the poster sessions.
• 2:30–3:30 pm | Exhibit Hall BCD
  Coffee Break in Exhibit Hall | Open to all attendees.
• 8:30–11:30 pm | River Ballroom
  Closing Party: Back to the ’80s Bash | Neon, pop-tunes, light snacks and refreshments, and time for networking and celebration. Wear your favorite ’80s attire and don’t forget the hair!