American Heart Association - AHA Scientific Sessions 2026
Event Date
November 6–9, 2026
Location
Chicago, IL
About This Show
AI-drafted summaryThe American Heart Association (AHA) Scientific Sessions is one of the world's premier gatherings for cardiovascular science and medicine. Scientific Sessions brings together the full spectrum of cardiovascular science—from foundational science and translational breakthroughs to clinical trials and real-world application, giving attendees knowledge they can apply in their practice, research, and leadership. The 2026 meeting runs November 6–9, 2026 at McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago, Illinois, with a virtual attendance option.
The conference is designed for a broad cardiovascular audience. The core AHA audience is cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, and cardiovascular researchers, with interventional cardiologists, electrophysiologists, heart failure specialists, and preventive cardiology practitioners all well represented. Scientists, clinicians, and other healthcare professionals interested in every aspect of cardiovascular disease attend.
It is worth attending for its scale and impact. The scientific program covers the full breadth of cardiovascular medicine—coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmia, stroke, peripheral vascular disease, hypertension, and preventive cardiology—and late-breaking clinical trial results are typically announced at the meeting, making it one of the most closely followed events in cardiovascular medicine each year.
Show Highlights
Marquee 2026 program elements include:
- 2026 Nobel Laureate Address — Joshua D. Angrist, PhD, Ford Professor of Economics at the MIT Department of Economics, presenting "Intentions are Good, Instrumental Variables is Better: Addressing Nonadherence and Crossovers in Clinical Trials" on Sunday, November 8.
- 2026 Paul Dudley White International Lecturer — Patrick W. Serruys, MD, PhD, Professor of Interventional Medicine & Innovation at the University of Galway, presenting "Coronary Revascularization in 2040" on Friday, November 6.
- New tracks and formats — new programming formats and tracks like Core Cardiology, built for clinicians focused on evidence-based care, plus immersive experiences in AI, simulation, and guideline-driven care across 21 education communities.
Program leadership includes Manesh Patel, MD, FAHA (AHA President, 2026–27), Joanna Chikwe, MD, FRCS, FAHA (Chair, Scientific Sessions), and Brahmajee Nallamothu, MD, MPH, FAHA (Vice-Chair, Scientific Sessions). Sessions also offers OnDemand access, with Professional Members who register for #ScientificSessions26 or #ReSS26 receiving access as a member benefit.
Attendance
In 2026 the meeting draws approximately 18,000 attendees across four days. The official program reports strong international reach, with 5,000+ presentations across 21 specialties and attendees from 100+ countries.
Booth Pricing
According to the official exhibitor site, booth space is priced per square foot: an on-site renewal rate of $44 per sq. ft. through January 16, 2026, a standard rate starting at $48 per sq. ft. from January 19, 2026, with no additional charge for islands or corners. A discounted category is also available: a public service rate of $30 per sq. ft., subject to availability. Exhibits run November 7–9, 2026 at McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago, IL.
Registration
Register through the official AHA Scientific Sessions site, in person in Chicago or virtually. Key 2026 registration deadlines are:
- August 10, 2026 — last day for the Early Bird registration discount.
- September 21, 2026 — last day for the Advance registration discount.
- September 22, 2026 — standard registration rates apply.
Registration opened June 17, 2026, and OnDemand access is included for AHA members who register. Becoming an AHA Professional Member offers registration savings. For registration questions, the AHA lists a dedicated phone line at 1-508-743-8517, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is AHA Scientific Sessions 2026?
It takes place November 6–9, 2026 at the McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago, Illinois. A virtual attendance option is also available.
Who should attend AHA Scientific Sessions?
The core audience is cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, and cardiovascular researchers, including interventional cardiologists, electrophysiologists, heart failure specialists, and preventive cardiology practitioners. Scientists, clinicians, and other healthcare professionals interested in cardiovascular disease also attend.
How do I register and what are the key deadlines?
Register through the official AHA Scientific Sessions website in person or virtually. The Early Bird discount ends August 10, 2026, the Advance discount ends September 21, 2026, and standard rates apply from September 22, 2026.
What makes Scientific Sessions worth attending?
It is regarded as the largest cardiovascular conference in the world, drawing roughly 18,000 attendees, with 5,000+ presentations across 21 specialties and attendees from 100+ countries. Late-breaking clinical trial results are typically announced at the meeting.
How much does exhibit space cost?
Booth space is priced at $44 per square foot for the on-site renewal rate through January 16, 2026, and $48 per square foot standard from January 19, 2026, with no additional charge for islands or corners. A public service rate of $30 per square foot is available subject to availability.
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