
Biomedical Engineering Society - BMES 2026
Event Date
October 21–24, 2026
Location
Orlando, FL
About This Show
AI-drafted summaryThe BMES Annual Meeting is the flagship conference of the Biomedical Engineering Society, the premier professional community for biomedical engineering and bioengineering. The meeting is the Society's premier event centered around its mission of promoting a collaborative and inclusive community to advance human health through education, discovery, and translation. The 2026 edition carries the theme "Engineers Empower Human Health."
The meeting features cutting-edge engineering and translational research that drives the development of next-generation therapeutics, medical devices, and integrative diagnostics, and it provides meaningful opportunities for trainees to connect, collaborate, and network with leaders across academia and industry. Attendees include biomedical engineering faculty, researchers, students, early-career professionals, and industry representatives.
BMEs from around the world gather every year for networking, education, and continued growth in the field. With scientific sessions, poster presentations, an exhibit hall, student competitions, and career-focused programming, the meeting is a worthwhile destination for anyone advancing medical technology and patient care.
Show Highlights
Key features of the 2026 BMES Annual Meeting include:
- Plenary and scientific sessions across multiple session tracks in biomedical engineering.
- Exhibit Hall with poster presentations, BMES Smart Stage presentations, and the BMES Platinum Lounge.
- Medtronic/BMES Student Design Competition and a High School Poster Expo.
- Undergraduate Research and Late-Breaking abstract programming.
- Networking events including the BMES Welcome Reception (Wednesday) and hosted receptions and Member Appreciation Nights.
- Ticketed special events such as the Belonging in BME & Friends Dessert Social, Building Accessibility Breakfast, Celebration of Culture Luncheon, Fair Access in BME Luncheon, and the Industry Mixer Networking Event.
The 2026 meeting is led by co-chairs Jeannine Coburn (Worcester Polytechnic Institute), Gregg Duncan (University of Maryland), and Nathan Schiele (University of Idaho).
Booth Pricing
Booth and sponsorship reservations are arranged directly with BMES by emailing exhibits@bmes.org. Each 10x10 booth includes 2 complimentary full conference registrations, pipe and drape, one six-foot draped table, 2 chairs, and a wastebasket. Specific booth pricing is not published on the public site; exhibitors should request the event prospectus or contact the exhibits team.
Payment terms for sponsors and exhibitors require a 50% non-refundable deposit by June 26, 2026 and the balance on or before July 10, 2026; contracts received on or after July 10, 2026 require 100% payment with the contract.
Registration
Registration is open online through the BMES registration portal. Rates vary by membership status and registration window (Early-Bird, Advanced, and On-Site), and BMES members receive the best pricing.
Member rates (Early-Bird / Advanced / On-Site):
- Student: $425 / $470 / $530
- Early Career: $475 / $525 / $650
- Professional, Fellow, Emeritus Member/Fellow: $625 / $700 / $875
Non-member rates (Early-Bird / Advanced / On-Site):
- Student: $595 / $595 / $750
- Professional: $1,250 / $1,250 / $1,350
Key deadlines: Early-bird registration ends September 2, 2026. Cancellation requests must be submitted in writing to registrar@bmes.org no later than September 3, 2026, and all refunds are subject to a $50 cancellation fee. Full conference registration includes four days of sessions plus four days of Exhibit Hall access. Select ticketed special events ($15–$25) and a commemorative collector's pin ($20) may be added during registration.
History
The BMES Annual Meeting is the flagship gathering of the Biomedical Engineering Society. The Society serves as the lead society and professional home for biomedical engineering and bioengineering, with leadership in accreditation, publications, scientific meetings, global programs, and diversity initiatives serving its mission to promote and enhance knowledge and education in biomedical engineering and bioengineering worldwide. Today, the organization unites more than 6,700 members and a network of over 25,000 across academia, industry, and healthcare, supported by 115+ student chapters worldwide. The meeting is held annually in a different U.S. city, with the 2026 edition taking place in Orlando, Florida.
Venue & Travel
Venue
Orlando World Center Marriott
8701 World Center Drive
The Orlando World Center Marriott is a premier resort destination in the heart of Central Florida that serves as both the conference venue and headquarters hotel. The expansive resort offers world-class amenities including a full-service spa, a lagoon-style pool with water slides, a golf course, and multiple on-site restaurants. Standard wireless internet in guest rooms is complimentary. The main telephone number is (407) 239-4200; check-in is 4 pm and check-out is 11 am.
Parking
On-site parking at the Orlando World Center Marriott is offered at $38 per vehicle, per night. Valet parking is available at $55 per vehicle, per night. (Rates are per the venue's published figures and are subject to change.)
Getting There
The Orlando World Center Marriott is located in the Central Florida theme-park corridor southwest of downtown Orlando. The nearest major airport is Orlando International Airport (MCO). Rideshare services, taxis, and rental cars are widely available in the Orlando area; on-site and valet parking are available at the resort for those driving.
Nearby Hotels
The Orlando World Center Marriott serves as the official conference hotel, so attendees can stay on-site at the venue. The APPA room block opens in early 2027, with a group rate of $247/night (single/double) plus state and local taxes (12.5%) and a resort fee (currently $20). The cut-off date to receive the APPA group rate is Tuesday, May 25, 2027, though the block may sell out earlier, so early reservations are encouraged. APPA warns attendees to book only through official APPA links and to avoid third parties that contact them by phone or email.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the 2026 BMES Annual Meeting?
The 2026 BMES Annual Meeting takes place October 21–24, 2026, in Orlando, Florida. It is held at the Orlando World Center Marriott, located at 8701 World Center Drive, Orlando, FL 32821, which serves as both the host hotel and conference center.
Who should attend the BMES Annual Meeting?
The meeting is designed for biomedical engineering and bioengineering faculty, researchers, students, early-career professionals, and industry representatives. It provides opportunities for trainees to connect, collaborate, and network with leaders across academia and industry.
How much does registration cost and how do I register?
Registration is open online through the BMES portal, with rates based on membership status and timing. Member rates range from $425 for students to $875 for professionals on-site, while non-member professional rates go up to $1,350. Early-bird registration ends September 2, 2026.
What is included with full conference registration?
Full registration includes four days of plenaries, scientific sessions, and special sessions, plus four days of Exhibit Hall access with all poster presentations, BMES Smart Stage presentations, and the BMES Platinum Lounge. It also includes one admission to the Welcome Reception and hosted receptions. Select ticketed special events are available for an added fee.
How do I exhibit or sponsor at BMES 2026?
To reserve a booth or sponsorship, contact the BMES exhibits team at exhibits@bmes.org. Each 10x10 booth includes two complimentary full conference registrations, pipe and drape, one six-foot draped table, two chairs, and a wastebasket. A 50% non-refundable deposit is due by June 26, 2026, with the balance due by July 10, 2026.
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