AHA Scientific Sessions 2026

Scientific Sessions is the American Heart Association's annual flagship meeting for cardiovascular medicine and science. The 2026 edition runs four full days at McCormick Place in Chicago, covering everything from basic and translational research to clinical trials, guidelines and practical care, with Late-Breaking Science, a Science & Technology Hall and extensive networking through the AHA's scientific councils.

Who attends

The meeting serves the whole cardiovascular community, with attendees coming from more than 100 countries.

• Cardiologists and other clinicians
• Basic, translational and clinical scientists
• Nurses and allied health professionals
• Early-career researchers, students and trainees
• Industry, investors and innovators

What's on the programme

The AHA lists more than 5,000 presentations across 21 specialties, with access extended through OnDemand. New for 2026 are formats and tracks such as Core Cardiology for evidence-focused clinicians, plus immersive experiences in AI, simulation and guideline-driven care.

• Late-Breaking and Featured Science sessions
• Presidential and opening sessions
• Guideline programming and ePosters
• Nobel Laureate Address and Paul Dudley White International Lecture
• Special programmes including the Obesity Summit and CKM Symposium
• Resuscitation Science Symposium (virtual access for in-person registrants)

Innovation Forum

A separately registered one-day Innovation Forum helps clinicians, scientists and innovators map the path from discovery to startup in cardiovascular and brain health, and includes an Early Stage Pitch Competition in front of potential investors.

Science & Technology Hall

In-person registration includes three days of Science & Technology Hall access, where industry exhibits and events take place. A hall-only registration is also available, and organisations can book satellite events, symposia and investigator meetings around the meeting.

Tickets & passes

• General Professional Member — USD 1,349: Standard rate Sept. 22–Nov. 9; virtual $599
• General Nonmember — USD 1,499: Standard rate Sept. 22–Nov. 9; virtual $699
• Early Career / Student-Trainee Member — USD 479: Standard rate; virtual $299
• Nurse/Allied Health/Other Member — USD 579: General Professional Member standard rate; premium members $429
• Premium Emeritus Member — USD 199: Standard rate; virtual $99
• Science and Technology Hall Only — USD 899: Hall access only
• Innovation Forum — USD 399: Separate registration; $199 early career/nurse, $99 student and emeritus