Plan ahead for the Critical Care Congress with SCCM's breakdown on what you should know before Congress, what to focus on while you are on site, and everything you need to wrap up the experience.
The Society of Critical Care Medicine’s (SCCM) Critical Care Congress offers three days of jam-packed educational content, networking opportunities, and more. Planning ahead is a smart move for first-time and veteran attendees alike. Here is the breakdown of what you should know before Congress, what to focus on while you are on site, and everything you need to wrap up the experience. We can’t wait to see all of you in our home city of Chicago!
Before Congress
Register Early: The best discount for Congress registration ends two months before the event. Make sure
to register by January 14, 2026, to take advantage of this discount. Need more time? The next reduced rate ends February 18, 2026. Even if you decide to register at the last minute, SCCM members pay less. Not a member but planning to attend? Check out how much it costs to join SCCM—you may find the membership discount for registration makes joining worthwhile.
Plan Your Schedule: Review the sessions ahead of time. Visit
sccm.org/congress2026 to explore the full schedule; break it down by day and topic or use the search bar to find exactly what you’re looking for, whether a session title or a particular speaker! Log in and star sessions that sound interesting; they will appear in your favorites, making it easy to plan your days. Be sure to also check out the pre-Congress education sessions, which focus closely on a specific topic or provide hands-on experience in new (or rusty!) skills.
Prepare Your Gear: While there is no dress code, most attendees wear business casual. Most importantly, wear comfortable shoes for lots of walking and bring a light jacket or sweater—layers help you prepare for any room temperature. And don’t forget to bring your chargers! There will be plenty of places to charge your devices, including the re(Charge) Zone and the Select Member Lounge, as well as various outlets around the building.
Set Goals: What are you hoping to learn at Congress? Are you attending on behalf of your department or colleagues? Do you want to learn the latest on a specific topic? Setting networking or educational goals on what you hope to achieve or learn can help structure your Congress experience so you can attend the sessions or opportunities that mean the most to you.
During Congress
Prioritize Interactions: If you want to attend too many competing sessions, focus on interactive opportunities such as roundtables and networking events that provide a human-to-human element and can foster personal relationships. Most educational sessions are available later through Congress Digital, but you cannot replicate the value of an in-person discussion. And don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation—the most educational parts of Congress can be conversations with your peers.
Attend Special Events: There will be many events that cater to your specific interests. Attend a specialty section reception, check out the SCCM Career Fair to explore your next professional step, or start a conversation at the Connect and Converse Corner. First-time and solo attendees will not want to miss the Break the Ice gathering Sunday morning, an excellent way to connect with colleagues and embrace the excitement of Congress before heading into the Opening Session.
Learn From Thought Leaders: Featuring world-renowned experts discussing hot topics in critical care, thought leader sessions are among the most highly anticipated at Congress. This year brings you thought leader sessions on sepsis, sustainability, circulatory shock, nursing, and the impact of television medical dramas on critical care.
Explore Emerging Technologies in Connections Central: Connections Central is your home for watching personalized demos from industry experts, talking to knowledgeable vendors, and chatting with your peers from other organizations. Stop by during a break to grab some free coffee, roam the aisles, and listen as abstract and case report authors describe their research in Research Snapshot Theaters.
Discover the Latest Research: Gain the latest evidence-based insights with sessions on newly published guidelines and cutting-edge research. Find the latest publications on the Congress Literature Releases page at sccm.org/newreleases, which will be updated with additional studies and the associated session information closer to Congress. And keep an eye out on site for handouts and informational booklets to grab!
Embrace Social Media: Share the event on social media with #SCCM2026! Post takeaways or new information, ask questions about sessions, and share photos to engage with the larger critical care community. Be sure to follow SCCM on your favorite social media platform to receive highlights throughout the day.
After Congress
Claim Credit: Claim accredited continuing education (ACE) credits and maintenance of certification (MOC) points before you forget. To claim credit, log in to MySCCM, click the MyLearning tab, and select the Congress event
Share With Your Team: The best part of Congress is bringing back everything you learned to the people on your team who stayed home. Share the latest research, advice, and innovations and elevate the care your ICU team provides!
Build Your Connections: This is your chance to make all that networking you did stick! Reach out to your colleagues, add new friends to your social media, and remember: If you have questions, you can still connect with speakers and other attendees through the website, the MySCCM app, or on SCCM Connect.
Explore Congress Digital: Missed a session or want to rewatch your favorites? Check them out on Congress Digital, available online one month after Congress. Free for attendees, Congress Digital has session recordings, ACE and MOC, and additional educational content not presented during the live event.
Start Planning for Next Year: Now that Chicago is under your belt, start planning for the next Critical Care Congress in sunny San Diego, California, from March 14-16, 2027!
Register for the 2026 Critical Care Congress!
