ACC President B. Hadley Wilson, MD, FACC, welcomed ACC.24 attendees to Atlanta, GA. His opening address recognized ACC's rich history while sharing his excitement for the future.

Innovation, celebration and connection were the underlying themes of this year's Opening Showcase, which paid homage to ACC's 75th Anniversary, showcased local Atlanta talent and highlighted all the "what-not-to-miss" elements of ACC.24.

"Today, we stand at a remarkable milestone, commemorating the founding of the American College of Cardiology," said ACC President B. Hadley Wilson, MD, FACC, whose presidential address recognized the many individuals behind the vision and leadership that have shaped the College and the profession.

"Through collaboration and determination, the College has consistently remained at the forefront of change by proactively focusing on transforming care delivery, delivering actionable knowledge, ensuring organizational sustainability and being the professional home for the entire cardiovascular care team," he said.

In addition to looking back, Wilson provided an overview of the College's new Strategic Plan and the major initiatives being undertaken over the next five years, including addressing health equity, assessing ACC's educational portfolio, sustaining professional excellence through continuous cardiovascular clinical competence, enabling guidance at the point of care and transforming care delivery in new areas.

The future – including artificial intelligence – was also top-of-mind for Wilson, who noted that the possibilities are endless. "Let us continue on this elevated digital highway together, realizing our full potential and ensuring a legacy that extends for another 75 years and beyond," he said.

"ACC's story is one of resilience, innovation and collective dedication."

The session also featured ACC.24 Chair Douglas E. Drachman, MD, FACC, providing insights on how attendees can engage over the course of the meeting. Drachman thanked Vice Chair Katie L. Berlacher, MD, MS, FACC, CV Team Lead Kim Guibone, APRN, DNP, FACC, and the rest of the ACC.24 faculty for their work in delivering ACC.24.

"So much heart and soul went into this meeting – and it's all for you," he said. "May all of us leave here inspired to achieve our Vision of a world where science, knowledge and innovation optimize patient care and outcomes." The Opening Showcase closed with a musical tribute from the Voice of Atlanta choir, bringing a little bit of the host city directly to the meeting.

"It's fitting that we find ourselves in a city that has built its reputation on being a centralized hub," said Drachman. "Like Atlanta, the ACC serves as a hub … the home for the entire cardiovascular community. I like to think of the ACC Annual Scientific Session as a microcosm of this – providing clinicians with science, knowledge, innovation and networking – all in one place. And each year we get better."

Keywords: ACC Publications, ACC Scientific Session Newspaper