BCVS | Basic Cardiovascular Sciences 2026
Event Date
July 13–16, 2026
Location
Boston, MA
About This Show
AI-drafted summaryThe Basic Cardiovascular Sciences (BCVS) Scientific Sessions is an annual conference of the American Heart Association dedicated to fundamental and translational research in cardiovascular science. The 2026 edition carries the theme "Shaping the Future of CV Medicine: Integrating Basic Science Breakthroughs to Clinical Impact" and runs across four full days of programming.
Described as one of the largest meetings globally focused on bench science, BCVS attracts researchers, physician-scientists, trainees, and early-career investigators. Programming includes invited speakers, abstract presentations, poster sessions, and career-development opportunities. Attendees engage with leading researchers in fields such as microRNAs, cardiac gene and cell therapy, cardiac development, tissue engineering, and iPS cells.
BCVS is positioned as a career-essential event for those working to develop new therapeutics for cardiovascular disease. It is known for playing a pivotal role in training young and diverse researchers, and it offers a strong environment for networking, collaboration, and building connections with international colleagues across the cardiovascular science community.
Show Highlights
- 2026 Keynote Speaker: Jonathan Epstein, MD, Executive Vice President of the University of Pennsylvania for the Health System and Dean of the Perelman School of Medicine, presenting "Treating Cardiac Fibrosis with mRNA and CAR T cells."
- Pre-conference symposium: "Cardio-Immunology Meets Cardio-Metabolism: Novel Mechanisms and Therapeutic Approaches," held Sunday, July 12 from 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., exploring how immune and metabolic pathways intersect in myocarditis, inflammation, fibrosis, heart failure, and atherosclerosis.
- Format: Four full days of invited speakers, abstract presenters, poster sessions, and early-career support.
- Research focus areas: microRNAs, cardiac gene and cell therapy, cardiac development, tissue engineering, and iPS cells.
- Leadership: Programming Committee chaired by Farah Sheikh, PhD (UC San Diego), with Jennifer Davis, PhD (University of Washington) as Chair-Elect.
- Looking ahead: Beginning in 2027, BCVS and Vascular Discovery Scientific Sessions will run consecutively.
Registration
Registration is open online through the American Heart Association. Key dates for the 2026 Scientific Sessions:
- April 13, 2026 — Last day for the Early Bird discount.
- June 1, 2026 — Last day for the Advanced discount.
The optional pre-conference symposium ("Cardio-Immunology Meets Cardio-Metabolism") can be added during registration. For abstract presenters, submissions opened January 14, 2026 and closed March 18, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. CST. Registration questions can be directed to the AHA registration team at 1-508-743-8517, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET.
History
The BCVS Scientific Sessions is the American Heart Association's premier annual meeting for basic and translational cardiovascular research, recognized as one of the largest such gatherings worldwide. It has built a longstanding reputation for advancing the development of new cardiovascular therapeutics and for training young and diverse researchers. A notable upcoming milestone is that, beginning in 2027, BCVS and the Vascular Discovery Scientific Sessions will run consecutively.
Venue & Travel
Venue
Sheraton Boston Hotel
39 Dalton Street
The Sheraton Boston Hotel is the largest hotel in Boston, with 1,220 rooms and suites, plus a full-service restaurant, a spa and extensive meeting facilities. Connected to the Prudential Center and Hynes Convention Center, the hotel features 70,000 square feet of versatile event space. Amenities include one of Boston's largest lap pools, with a seasonal retractable roof, and an expansive fitness center. It sits in the historic Back Bay neighborhood, directly connected to the Prudential Center and the Hynes Convention Center.
Parking
On-site valet parking is available at the Sheraton Boston Hotel, with a daily valet fee of $72.00 per day. The hotel is directly connected to the Prudential Center, where additional public garage parking is available in the Back Bay. Because parking is limited and the venue is well served by transit, many attendees rely on the subway or rideshare.
Getting There
- By air: The closest airport is Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), approximately 4.0 miles from the hotel.
- By subway (MBTA): The hotel is just steps from the Green Line subway station. From North Station, take a Green Line train toward "Heath Street" to the Prudential station, then follow the Belvedere Arcade to enter the hotel. From the airport, take any Silver Line bus to South Station, change to a Red Line "Alewife" train to Park Street, then change to a "Heath Street" Green Line train to Prudential station.
- By rideshare/taxi: Uber and Lyft serve the hotel directly from Logan Airport and throughout the city.
- By car: From the west, take I-90 East (Massachusetts Turnpike) to Exit 22 (Prudential Center/Copley Square); once above ground on Huntington Avenue, turn right onto Belvidere at the first set of lights.
Nearby Hotels
The Sheraton Boston is itself the host hotel and the most convenient place to stay. Other options in the surrounding Back Bay neighborhood include:
- Hilton Boston Back Bay — directly across the street from the Prudential Center and within walking distance.
- A luxury hotel adjacent to the Prudential Center, about 1.8 miles from Fenway Park, with a seasonal rooftop pool.
- Inn at St. Botolph — in the historic Back Bay, one block from the Shops at Prudential Center and the subway station.
- The Fairmont Copley Plaza and other hotels around Copley Square, a short walk away.
Contact
Show Management
American Heart Association
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is BCVS 2026 taking place?
The BCVS Scientific Sessions 2026 take place July 13–16, 2026, at the Sheraton Boston Hotel in Boston, Massachusetts. An optional pre-conference symposium is held on Sunday, July 12.
Who should attend the BCVS Scientific Sessions?
The meeting is designed for researchers, physician-scientists, trainees, and early-career investigators focused on fundamental and translational cardiovascular science. It is especially valuable for those working in areas such as cardiac gene and cell therapy, tissue engineering, microRNAs, and iPS cells.
How do I register and what are the key deadlines?
Registration is available online through the American Heart Association. The Early Bird discount deadline is April 13, 2026, and the Advanced discount deadline is June 1, 2026.
Who is the 2026 keynote speaker?
The 2026 keynote speaker is Jonathan Epstein, MD, of the University of Pennsylvania. His keynote is titled "Treating Cardiac Fibrosis with mRNA and CAR T cells."
How do I get to the Sheraton Boston Hotel from the airport?
Boston Logan International Airport is about 4 miles away. Travelers can take the Back Bay Logan Express bus to the adjacent Hynes Convention Center, use the MBTA Green Line, or take a taxi or rideshare, which typically costs around $25–$50.
From the blog
Recent guides and industry insights for exhibitors and planners.
August 6, 2026Trade Show Lead Capture: What Actually Works
Why scan counts mislead, the three questions that qualify a visitor in thirty seconds, and the 48-hour follow-up window where trade show ROI is won or lost.
Read more
July 30, 2026Drayage Explained: The Trade Show Cost Nobody Warns You About
What material handling actually pays for, why it is billed per hundredweight, the surcharges that double estimates, and six decisions that genuinely reduce it.
Read more
July 23, 2026How to Choose the Right Trade Show for Your Business
Attendance numbers are close to useless on their own. Five questions that tell you whether a show will work, and how to build a portfolio instead of a list.
Read more
July 16, 2026The 12-Month Trade Show Planning Timeline
Every deadline that matters, counted backwards from show open — including the advance-order deadline that saves 20–40% and the 48-hour window that decides your ROI.
Read more
July 9, 2026Trade Show Booth Sizes Explained: 10x10 to Island
What each booth size actually gives you, the height and setback rules that catch first-timers, and how to size a booth from your staffing rather than your budget.
Read more
July 2, 2026What Does It Actually Cost to Exhibit at a Trade Show?
A line-by-line breakdown of the nine costs of exhibiting — including drayage and staff time, the two that blow up budgets and never appear in the quote.
Read more
June 10, 2026Top Trade Shows in Las Vegas in 2026
A guide to the biggest trade shows and exhibitor opportunities in Las Vegas through 2026 — dates, industries, exhibitor counts, and what each show is best for.
Read more- September 2, 2025tradeshows.fyi
Trade Shows Demystified: Your Ultimate Guide to Exhibiting, Attending, and Everything in Between
Introduction to Trade Shows Trade shows serve as significant events in various sectors, acting as a focal point
Read on tradeshows.fyi 
November 14, 2024tradeshows.fyi10 Essential Tips for Successfully Attending Trade Shows
10 Essential Tips for Attending Trade Shows Attending trade shows offers a unique platform to showcase products, network,
Read on tradeshows.fyi- November 13, 2024tradeshows.fyi
The Ultimate Trade Show Exhibitor Checklist: Planning, Preparation, and Execution
Trade Show Exhibiting Checklist Trade shows present a unique opportunity for exhibitors to showcase their products, network with
Read on tradeshows.fyi
Advertisement