We are looking for forward-thinking clinicians, researchers, and patient leaders to help us bridge the gap between cutting-edge medical innovation and real-world self-management.
We sit at an exciting inflection point in Sjögren's care. For the first time, we are looking at FDA-approved treatments specifically studied for this disease, alongside a rapidly evolving clinical understanding of the condition.
However, patients are hungry for trustworthy, practical guidance on how to actually apply this science to their daily lives.
This landmark 5th-anniversary summit is designed to partner modern therapies with evidence-backed tools for strength, energy, and everyday function. We are looking for speakers who can translate complex concepts into empowering, actionable education that respects the lived experience of the patient.
We are currently accepting proposals for standard solo sessions (30–45 minutes), panel participation, interactive "Live Labs," and 10–20 minute Patient Story Lightning Talks across three core pillars:
Upcoming FDA-approved therapies, mechanism of action, pipeline overviews, immunology, and how patients can practice shared decision-making with their clinicians.
Practical, capacity-aware strategies for movement and physical conditioning, sleep hygiene, fatigue mitigation, pain coping, and immune-supportive nutrition.
Navigating chronic illness identity, nervous system regulation (autonomic balance), stress mitigation, workplace advocacy, and building a collaborative care team.
See why attendees trust VSS to guide their health decisions.
"The video 'Trauma-Informed Provider' convinced me to change rheumatologists. Many of the things she said a doctor should not do, mine was doing. I just couldn't put my finger on what was wrong until I watched this video."
Eileen K., VSS2025 Attendee"Better than an in-person SJÖGREN'S summit I attended! It felt more 'intimate' with a tablet! And it was womancentric. The Oral Health Professional—I learned so much which I needed."
VSS2024 Attendee"I left the three-day summit feeling more empowered and educated as a patient. The health care wilderness in which I had been walking shrunk! Dr. Kara deserves a huge hug and 'thank you' for creating this summit."
Becky R., 2025 AAP Attendee"For the first time since my diagnosis, I felt truly seen. 'They just weren't looking hard enough' was the one! I was at work when this one came on... I was hit HARD with emotion. It was like she was speaking to me, and me alone."
Becky R., 2025 AAP Attendee"I was able to use the Sjogren's 'elevator pitch' that I learned from Dr. Sarah to advocate at my ENT visit. The summit has verified how all patients have to educate nurses, and doctors."
VSS2024 Attendee"As a newly diagnosed Sjogie, I have felt very alone, unsupported by docs and overwhelmed... I was FINALLY learning! It was refreshing to hear you CAN look for other doctors until you have a team that genuinely cares."
Mandy B., VSS2022 AttendeeWe deeply value the time, expertise, and energy our speakers bring to the summit. All accepted speakers are compensated based on a transparent, role-based honorarium grid, ranging from $150 for Lightning Talks up to $1,000 for Flagship Keynotes.
We operate this summit as a "For-Profit with Purpose" event. A core pillar of our mission is the Stronger Access Fund, which underwrites full-year support memberships for patients facing financial hardship.
As part of our speaker agreement, you will have the optional choice to receive your full honorarium directly, or to redirect a portion (or all) of it to fund patient memberships via the Access Fund. Speakers who choose this route are recognized by name as vital contributors to patient equity.
The Sjögren's treatment landscape is evolving rapidly. We are seeking expert speakers to help our community of over 2,500 highly engaged patients move from simply "managing symptoms" to thriving with stability.
Please use the application form to submit your session proposal. We review all applications closely to ensure a diverse, high-impact agenda.