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Frequently Asked Questions

If you still have questions after reviewing the FAQs, please contact SCCM Customer Service at +1 847 827-6888 or support@sccm.org.

General

What are the dates and location of the 2026 Critical Care Congress?
The 2026 Critical Care Congress will be held Sunday, March 22, through Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at McCormick Place® West Building, 2310 E. Cermak Road, Chicago, Illinois, USA.

Pre-Congress educational opportunities will be offered on March 20 and 21, 2026. These require additional registration.

What is Congress Digital? 
Congress Digital is a collection of recorded sessions from Congress plus additional new content. With the ability to pause, rewind, and rewatch recordings, Congress Digital supports deeper understanding and long-term retention of key insights. It also provides flexibility for busy clinicians to learn at their own pace. Congress Digital extends the educational value of Congress well beyond the in-person event itself.

Accredited continuing education credit and maintenance of certification points are available. Congress Digital will be available 30 days after the in-person event

Those registered for the in-person event receive complimentary access to Congress Digital. SCCM Select members can purchase Congress Digital at no cost.

Can’t attend in person? Congress Digital is available for separate purchase.

Is continuing education credit offered?
Yes, accredited continuing education credits and maintenance of certification points are offered.

How can I become an exhibitor?
SCCM has many different exhibitor, sponsorship, and advertising opportunities at the 2025 Critical Care Congress. View more information.

Registration

What registration options are available?
The 2026 Critical Care Congress is an in-person event. Congress Digital is available for those who cannot join SCCM in Chicago.

SCCM members receive the best available rates for both the in-person Congress and Congress Digital. Not a member? Join today to save on registration and access valuable year-round benefits.

Please visit the registration page to view all your options.

When are the different registration deadlines? 
To receive the early rate for the in-person event, register by January 14, 2026. To receive the advance rate, register by February 18, 2026. Please visit the registration page for details.

I registered but have not received a confirmation. How can I get another one sent to me?
Check your spam and junk folders. Please make sure that support@sccm.org is on your safe sender list to ensure important attendee information is delivered to your inbox. You can find and manage your safe sender list in your email settings. If you need another confirmation emailed to you, contact SCCM Customer Service at support@sccm.org or +1 847 827-6888.

What is included in the cost of my registration?
In-person attendees receive admission to all general Congress sessions and Connections Central. Registration for the in-person Congress includes access to Congress Digital for two years. Both in-person and digital options include the opportunity to earn accredited continuing education credit and maintenance of certification points.

Are meals included with my registration?
Meals are NOT provided during Congress. Free coffee is available in Max’s Cafe and in Connections Central during morning and afternoon breaks. Some SCCM sections, chapters, sponsored groups, and industry partners will host events that may have food and beverages available, but this is not guaranteed.

Can I cancel my registration?
Cancellations for the 2026 Critical Care Congress and associated events must be submitted in writing and are subject to a $100 nonrefundable processing fee. Cancellation requests for the event must be postmarked or submitted via email or fax before February 18, 2026. Cancellation requests postmarked or submitted after this date will not be refunded. Please allow four weeks to process refunds.

Submit cancellation request:
  • By mail:
    Society of Critical Care Medicine
    500 Midway Drive
    Mount Prospect, IL 60056 USA
  • By email: support@sccm.org
  • By fax: +1 847 439-7226
How can I attend a pre-Congress educational opportunity?
You can register for pre-Congress educational opportunities when you complete your Congress registration. These courses are a great way to personalize and focus your time with peers who share your interests. Each course has a registration fee. View opportunities.

Your general Congress registration does not include pre-Congress educational opportunities on Friday or Saturday. 

If you do not want to register for Congress but wish to attend a pre-Congress educational opportunity, register here and select Pre-Congress Only in the Registration Types drop-down menu.

To guarantee your spot for a pre-Congress educational opportunity, register before you arrive on site. On-site registration may be available; however, SCCM cannot guarantee on-site registration availability for pre-Congress educational opportunities.

If you are already registered for Congress and would like to add a pre-Congress educational opportunity, contact SCCM Customer service at support@sccm.org or +1 847 827-6888.

Can I bring a spouse or other guest to Congress?
Guests are allowed in certain settings; a badge is required and can be obtained at Special Assistance. If guests are under the age of 16, they must be accompanied by an adult. Guests can visit Connections Central during regular exhibit hours. Strollers and infant carriers are not allowed in Connections Central. Guests are welcome at the ACCM Convocation and SCCM Awards Presentation. Guests are not allowed in educational sessions.

Schedule

Can I see the education schedule before Congress begins?
Yes, you can view the schedule online here.

What are thought leader sessions?
Thought leader sessions feature prominent experts and hot topics. Session information will be available soon.

What are knowledge areas?
SCCM organizes its education and activity by knowledge areas. Knowledge area assignments help categorize sessions by topic, enabling attendees to easily navigate the agenda and identify sessions most relevant to their professional interests. You can find sessions sorted by knowledge area here.

Hotel, Travel, and Sightseeing

Does SCCM have hotel rooms available for Congress attendees?
Yes. SCCM reserves blocks of rooms for attendees each year. You can learn more about how to reserve a room here. The deadline to make reservations at the guaranteed group rate is Monday, February 23, 2026.

What is the headquarters hotel?
The headquarters hotel is the Marriott Marquis Chicago, located at 2121 S. Prairie Avenue, Chicago, Illinois. Find out more about it and make your reservation here.

Do I have to be registered for Congress before I can book my hotel in the block?
No. Hotels can be booked at the discounted Congress rate before you register. SCCM encourages booking as early as possible to ensure you reserve a room at your preferred hotel.

What are the benefits of booking a hotel in the SCCM room block? 
Benefits of booking in an SCCM room block include:
  • Deeply discounted room rates
  • An exclusive guest experience with perks tailored to Congress attendees
  • Assurance that your stay is in a quality hotel within walking distance of the convention center
What sightseeing opportunities are available?
Explore opportunities here.