Early in 2006, leaders from government, academic, clinical medicine and industry involved in influenza planning, research and treatment met to discuss preparation for a potential flu epidemic and to open the lines of communication among all involved. The importance of this issue is reflected in the fact that the conference has become an annual event.
Since 2008, the conferences have been conducted under the guidance of IDSA. This year's meeting, "Seasonal & Pandemic Influenza 2009: A Turning Point," was held February 2-3, 2009, in Washington, DC.