This special report offers an overview of the proceedings at the 7th International Symposium on Pneumococci and Pneumococcal Diseases held in Tel Aviv, Israel, from March 14 to 18, 2010. The meeting brought together pneumococcal experts from around the world to discuss the latest advancements in the field of pneumococcal disease research and development. This report captures topics covered at the conference ranging from microbiology and epidemiology of the pneumococcus bacterium to existing and novel pneumococcal vaccines and  treatments, as well as updates on global advocacy efforts and serotype dynamics of pneumococcal disease.