On behalf of the North Central Section Program Committee and Executive Board, I would like to extend an invitation to all AUA members across the country to join us in Chicago for the 95th Annual Meeting of the North Central Section. In-person meetings are back for 2021 and the 95th Annual Meeting of the North Central Section of the AUA is no exception. This year’s meeting will take place in the Windy City of Chicago, Illinois, which itself is enjoying a grand reopening. The luxurious Fairmont Chicago-Millennium Park Hotel will host the Section from October 6 through 9, 2021. The hotel is wonderfully suited for our group, having many on-site amenities such as large meeting spaces, a friendly helpful staff, a full-service spa and a gastropub. Situated in the Millennium Park District, The Fairmont is within walking distance of many Chicago attractions. Members and guests will be minutes from the Magnificent Mile, and may take advantage of the many cultural venues, fine dining establishments and nightlife options this world-class city has to offer. The Fairmont Chicago-Millennium Park has an outstanding plan to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, and is dedicated to offering its guests the highest levels of care and comfort. The hotel encourages all interested guests to review their extensive safety measures at ALLSafeandWell.com.

The scientific portion of the Annual Meeting has been meticulously crafted by Elizabeth Takas, MD, the Section Secretary and Program Committee Chair. Innovative in its design, the program features a diverse array of didactic lectures and interactive panel discussions, and a host of new features that will highlight presenting members’ research interests and clinical talents. The Program Committee has invited several select nationally and internationally renowned urologists to speak on topics ranging from urologic oncology to gender-affirming surgery. Advanced Practice Providers will have an entire segment of the program dedicated to their clinical education and practice considerations. The ever-popular podium and poster sessions will give our members an opportunity to present their cutting-edge research and clinical advances. This year’s program offerings have been carefully selected by the Section from a record number of abstract submissions. The program is sure to provide attendees with information that will expand their clinical knowledge, and give them tools and resources that will help with practice improvement and care delivery.

The North Central Section Meeting will provide members not only with a forum for continuing medical education, but also many opportunities for networking, career development, social interaction and, of course, fun. Local Arrangements Chair Michael Guralnick and his wife Rebecca worked closely with the program committee to design social events within the busy schedule that will allow members to reconnect with colleagues and establish new collaborations with members sharing similar interests and talents. Whether it is the Welcome Reception, the Young Urologists Reception or the Annual President’s Cocktail Reception, there will be plenty of opportunities to relax with other Section members and guests over delicious hors d’oeuvres in the elegant setting that is the iconic Fairmont Hotel.

It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as President of the North Central Section of the AUA over this past year. I hope that you will join me in Chicago this October as this Annual Meeting promises to be spectacular. This last year has been challenging for all of us. It is time to gather as colleagues once again and share ideas, interests and laughter. I look forward to “seeing” each and every one of you at The Fairmont.