RSNA affirms commitment to in-person meeting in 2021: ‘Ready to get back to Chicago’

The Radiological Society of North America on Monday reaffirmed its commitment to hosting an in-person meeting later this year in Chicago.

The Oak Brook, Illinois-based society has now received 10,378 scientific and educational abstracts for its 107th assembly, set to kick off on Nov. 28 at McCormick Place. RSNA believes the high volume signifies the specialty’s eagerness for the largest imaging conference in the world to return after a web-only version in 2020—its first in-person cancellation since 1945.

“We have heard from many of our regular attendees and exhibitors that they are excited and ready to get back to Chicago for the RSNA meeting, and we look forward to welcoming them,” President Mary Mahoney, MD, said Monday. “We are planning a robust in-person scientific assembly and technical exhibition, along with a virtual meeting component to enhance attendees’ meeting experience.”

The announcement comes the same day the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society said it will require attendees to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 if they want to attend HIMSS21 in Las Vegas. The radiological society made no mentions of vaccinations or masks in its May 17 update. A spokeswoman said Monday that the group is currently investigating options, but will hold off on announcing a formal policy "at this time." 

Officials said vendor interest has also been “strong” for the meeting’s return, with 442 companies already reserving 312,400 square feet of exhibition space at the convention center. Registration is slated to open on July 21 and will be free to RSNA members through Oct. 1.

The society said it is actively working with the City of Chicago and McCormick Place to implement public health protocols and best practices to provide the “safest possible meeting environment.” Meanwhile, RSNA will also provide 100% of eligible meeting content online for those still impacted by travel restrictions.