Frequently Asked Questions – Scientific Sessions 2026

What is Scientific Sessions?

The American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions is an annual four-day conference for any and all cardiovascular health care professionals. #ScientificSessions26 will feature the newest cardiovascular research, practice-changing science, late breaking studies and presentations, plus guidance and programming for all career levels.

In the next few months, look for:

• Science by Program Focus – 21 specialties of science and discussion appealing to any career level
• Late-Breaking Science and Late-Breaking Basic Science – Developments and updated results in important cardiovascular trials and studies
• Featured Science – Updates in other clinical, population ,and translational cardiovascular science

Keep checking the Programming page for updates.

How much does it cost to attend?

Admission to Scientific Sessions 2026 is based on your American Heart Association Professional Membership status and your career level. Some symposia may require additional registration costs.

All attendees can save hundreds by purchasing registration before the August 10, 2026 Early Bird Deadline.

See the Registration page for more.

What housing is available?

Please explore the hotel list on the Scientific Sessions Housing & Transportation page.

Can I attend virtually?

Yes! We're offering Virtual Programming for those who are unable to attend in person. Please see the Registration page for pricing.

What is the difference between In-person attendance and Virtual attendance?

In-person attendees have access to:

• All general sessions from Friday through Monday
• Select Friday symposia (note: some require separate registration)
• Three days of Science & Technology Hall access
• Virtual access to Resuscitation Science Symposium
• Virtual access to all other sessions held in Center Stage, S100A, S105ABC, and Special Session rooms, with on-demand replay within 24 hours of the in-person presentation

Virtual attendees can watch:

• Late-Breaking Science sessions
• Nobel Laureate Address by Joshua D. Angrist, PhD
• Presidential and Opening Sessions
• Guidelines programming
• ePosters
• Resuscitation Science Symposium
• All other sessions held in Center Stage, S100A, S105ABC, and Special Session rooms, with on-demand replay within 24 hours of the in-person presentation

Arriving from a country outside the U.S.?

Begin your visa application process as soon as possible. Consulates in some countries take several months to process applications. After you register for the conference, you will receive a confirmation that includes a link to print your invitation letter. You can submit this letter with your visa application to verify the name, dates, location, and purpose of Scientific Sessions 2026.

For further details, see our International Visitors section on the Terms and Conditions page.

How do I follow Scientific Sessions on Social Media?

• Use #ScientificSessions26 in your social media posts about the conference.
• Download our Promotional Toolkit to promote your appearance at the meeting.
• Follow the American Heart Association on LinkedIn and American Heart Association Science on X.

Getting to Chicago

By Air:

• O'Hare International Airport (ORD) - Domestic and international flights. 20 miles to McCormick Place
  Rideshare Pickup at OHare Airport: Terminal 2, Departures Level (Upper Level). For Uber Black/SUV, use the Arrivals level (Lower Level).
• Midway Airport (MDW) - Nonstop service from several US cities. 9 miles from McCormick Place.
  Rideshare Pickup at Midway Airport: Lower Level Outside of Baggage Claim, Door 2-4.

By Train:

• Amtrak has 11 different routes to Chicago's Union Station.

Getting Around Chicago

• Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) - 'L' trains and buses.
• Metra Rail - Amtrak and regional rail.
• Taxis - Hail a ride anywhere, or e-hail and e-pay through Arro or Curb app.
• Uber or Lyft - Ride sharing services.

Shuttle Buses – from Hotels to Convention Center

Shuttle buses are available from selected hotels to the McCormick Place Convention Center. Check the table on the Housing & Transportation page to see if your hotel has shuttle service to the convention center.

Shuttles depart approximately every 20 minutes.

We've expanding our science into FOUR full days! Friday is now the first day of general content, alongside our popular Friday symposia and bootcamps.

Join us for more science than ever before plus:

• Immerse yourself in the latest AI, simulation, and hands-on innovation zones.
• Experience more basic science than ever before, including the latest science discoveries.
• Understand new and recent guidelines with focused tracks to help you navigate the real-world takeaways
• HCMS (Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Society) is again co-locating its meeting alongside Scientific Sessions
• Expect new high-energy learning formats like The Circle - idea-driven sessions rethinking how science is shared
• Explore The Science & Technology Hall for 3 days, Saturday through Monday, with learning theaters, HeartQuarters, and interaction with the products of tomorrow.

How, where, and when can speakers upload their presentations?

Speaker Resource Room Location and Hours: McCormick Place Convention Center, North Building, Level 4, Room 426AB

• Thursday, November 5: 3:00 – 5:30 pm
• Friday, November 6: 6:30 am – 5:30 pm
• Saturday, November 7: 6:30 am – 5:30 pm
• Sunday, November 8: 6:30 am – 5:30 pm
• Monday, November 9: 6:30 am – 3:00 pm

Please check the For Presenters and Moderators page for more information.

While on-site in Chicago:

• Visit the Speaker Resource Room to upload or review your slide deck before your presentation.
• Arrive at the meeting room 15 minutes before your session starts
• Stick to the allotted time for your presentation. If you go over, moderators will cut you off.

If you have any questions or need clarification about the session format or flow, please contact the moderators of your session.

Posters
Scientific Sessions Poster sessions are held in the convention center, Science and Technology Hall, South Building, Level 3. ReSS Posters are held at the convention center, Poster Hall D2, Lakeside on Saturday, November 7 at 4:45-6:45 pm. HCMS Poster sessions are held in the convention center, Riverside, R0-1 meeting room.

Poster Attendant Booth
Scientific Sessions Poster Attendant Booth is located in the convention center, Science and Technology Hall, South Building, Level 3, Booth #3249. Poster presenters can check in here, and request support from Association staff or Digital Acumen, the Association's poster vendor partner.

What is the Science and Technology Hall?

The Science & Technology Hall is a showcase for the latest in cardiovascular and brain health—visit with exhibitors for leading-edge updates in cardiovascular health products and treatments. While you're there, check out these can't-miss opportunities:

#ScientificSessions26 Career Fair
Explore Your Future!
Meet top healthcare employers and discover exciting job and internship opportunities. Whether you’re a student, trainee, or career professional, this is your chance to connect with recruiters, learn about different career paths, and take the next step in your healthcare journey.

Saturday, November 7, 11:00AM-1:30PM
Sunday, November 8, 11:00AM-1:30PM
Located in the North Hall Lobby, Level 3.

When is the Abstract Submission deadline?

• Abstract submission is closed for 2026

How do I submit my abstract?

• Visit the Scientific Sessions Submit Science page for the submission link, abstract categories, rules, guidelines, and more.

Are abstract presenters responsible for their expenses associated with participating in Scientific Sessions 2026?

• The presenter is responsible for all expenses (e.g., airfare, lodging, conference registration) associated with the submission and presentation of an abstract. The presenting author of an accepted abstract must register for the meeting to present the abstract.

What is the fee for submitting an abstract?

• There is a non-refundable submission fee for each abstract submitted.
• Standard Abstract Fee Pricing: AHA Professional Members = $45 / Non-Members = $95. Become a Member and Save!
• World Bank Abstract Fee Pricing = Complimentary [please check the LMIC list (PDF) for your country.]

Does AHA Scientific Sessions 2026 accept previously published or presented abstracts?

• The American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2026 is a forum for the presentation of novel research findings.
• The work covered by the abstract must not have been presented at a national or international meeting before presentation at Scientific Sessions 2026 or the Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Medical Society Symposium taking place at #ScientificSessions26.
• Abstracts associated with a published manuscript can be presented at an Association scientific event if the manuscript was published after the time the abstract was submitted to the event; however, the abstract will not be published as a part of the journal publication.

To what category should I submit my abstract?

• To ensure your abstract receives proper scientific consideration, be sure to submit to the appropriate abstract category. Abstract categories can be found on the Submit Science page.
• NEW: The HCMS Scientific Session is co-locating with #ScientificSessions26. There are separate submission categories for each meeting. Your submission will only be considered for the meeting where submitted.

When will I know if my abstract has been accepted?

• Abstract acceptance/non-acceptance status will be available by mid-August 2026. Please ensure the email provided for the presenting author is accurate as all correspondences will be sent via email to the presenting author only.
• All communications regarding your abstract will be sent from [email protected]. Please make sure to add this email address to your email contacts to ensure important program participant-related information gets through your spam filters, etc.

Do you accept Literature Review abstract submissions?

• A literature review within the context of a systematic review or meta-analysis research methodology may be considered for acceptance.