The ESOC 2021 Virtual Conference features an extensive scientific program, with presentations from clinicians and clinical and preclinical researchers on diverse aspects of stroke care and management. Substantial progress has been made in preventing and treating stroke in recent years, with acute ischemic stroke representing one of the most rapidly advancing areas. Joanna Wardlaw, CBE, MD, FRCP, FRSE, FMedSci, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK, discusses some of the key themes that will be discussed at ESOC 2021, including the optimization of thrombectomy delivery and improving stroke management pathways. This interview took place at the European Stroke Organisation Conference (ESOC), 2021.