AIDSWatch 2018 takes place at the nation’s capital Monday and Tuesday, March 26 and 27. At the annual event, more than 500 people with HIV and their allies gather for meeting and networking before lobbying their state legislators, with the goal of educating them about the policy issues important to the HIV community.

Sponsored by The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation, the event marks its 25th anniversary this year. As such, AIDSWatch 2018 has the second largest group of participants in the event’s history. Advocates include celebrity designer Zac Posen and the grandchildren of famed AIDS activist Elizabeth Taylor.

Andrew Spieldenner speaks at a previous year’s AIDSWatch event.

AIDSWatch is organized by AIDS United, the Treatment Access Expansion Project and the People Living with HIV Caucus.

You can learn more about the event on the AIDS United website here, where you’ll find advocacy briefs, policy updates and photos. For minute-by-minute updates, search for the hashtag #AIDSWatch on social media and visit AIDS United’s Facebook page.

AIDSWatch Agenda at a Glance

Sunday, March 25
4 a.m. to 6 p.m.: Early Registration

Monday, March 26
7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.: Registration & Continental Breakfast
8:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.: Opening Ceremony
11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.: Lunch & State Meetings
1:20 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.: Meetings & Networking Sessions
5:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.: Positive Leadership Award Reception.

Tuesday, March 27
8:45 a.m. to 9 a.m.: AIDSWatch Rally
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Hill Visits