May 01, 2018
If you’re part of a healthcare or medical industry society exploring opportunities to host educational events, chances are you’ve heard of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME). For societies that are ACCME Accredited — or considering accreditation — understanding the standards around event sponsorship is critical.
Sponsorship can provide valuable financial support for conferences, symposia, and other educational activities. At the same time, societies must balance these opportunities with ethical requirements and ACCME Standards that ensure education remains independent and free from commercial influence.
Why Sponsorship Matters for ACCME Accredited Societies
Many medical specialty societies rely on sponsorships to support large-scale educational programming. Partnerships with industry can help expand opportunities, provide resources, and increase the reach of events.
However, ACCME Standards require strict boundaries. Industry partners may not influence educational content or faculty selection. Their role is limited to financial or in-kind support, while the society retains full control of planning and content. This separation ensures that accredited education remains unbiased, evidence-based, and aligned with the needs of learners.
Categories of Event Sponsorship
Sponsorship in the medical education space typically falls into several categories. Each must be carefully structured to remain compliant with ACCME Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education.
- Educational Support - Often submitted through independent medical education portals, this type of support requires a comprehensive needs assessment, clear objectives, and measurable outcomes.
- Exhibit Programs - Industry exhibitors can promote FDA-approved products and devices in the exhibit hall. However, this promotional activity must remain separate from accredited educational sessions.
- Industry-Sponsored Items - Examples include branded meeting bags, lanyards, or advertisements. Importantly, these items cannot include product logos or promotional claims.
- Industry-Sponsored Programs - These may include satellite symposia or product theaters that run alongside the main educational program. While permissible, they must be clearly distinguished from ACCME Accredited sessions.
Each of these sponsorship models can add value and generate financial support, but all require careful attention to compliance. Societies must publicly acknowledge all forms of sponsorship to maintain trust and avoid conflicts of interest.
Best Practices for Balancing Sponsorship and Compliance
For societies navigating sponsorship opportunities, a few guiding principles can help:
- Prioritize Independence: Ensure faculty selection, content development, and program design remain entirely under the control of the society.
- Stay Transparent: Publicly disclose all sponsorships, regardless of size or category, to reduce the risk of perceived conflicts of interest.
- Educate Stakeholders: Make sure staff, board members, and planning committees understand ACCME Standards before engaging in sponsorship discussions.
- Build Relationships Responsibly: Strong relationships with industry partners are important, but they must be cultivated within the boundaries of compliance.
Positioning Your Society for Success
Being ACCME Accredited offers medical societies credibility and trust in the healthcare education space. When paired with compliant sponsorship strategies, it also opens doors to greater financial sustainability and stronger industry relationships.
The key is balance — using sponsorship opportunities to support your mission while safeguarding independence. By understanding the categories of sponsorship, following ACCME Standards, and staying transparent, your society can confidently deliver high-quality education that benefits both members and the broader healthcare community.
Learn More
If your medical industry society is exploring ACCME Accreditation or wants to better understand how to align event sponsorship with compliance, reach out to our team at talley@talley.com. We can help you navigate the intersection of accreditation, sponsorship, and long-term program success.