Registration now open for RSNA 2021 in Chicago following COVID-19 hiatus

Registration is now open for the world’s largest medical imaging conference following a 2020 hiatus due to the ongoing public health emergency.

The Radiological Society of North America made the official announcement Wednesday morning, as it prepares to host its 107th annual meeting beginning Nov. 28 in Chicago. RSNA, like many others, was forced to move its scientific assembly to a web-only format last year, marking its first in-person cancellation since 1945.

“The COVID-19 pandemic reminded us of the critical importance of global cooperation and knowledge-sharing within our specialty,” society President Mary Mahoney, MD, said July 21.  “RSNA 2021 will provide a long-awaited opportunity to reconnect with colleagues from near and far, experience a wealth of educational opportunities, and explore the latest medical imaging research discoveries and technological advances.”

Redefining Radiology” is this year’s theme, focusing on technology and other advancements reshaping how the specialty operates. The Oak Brook, Illinois-based society has more than 2,000 presenters and 300 live educational courses lined up at the McCormick Place convention center on Chicago’s lakefront. Highlights will include Mahoney’s presidential address, along with opening remarks from Cleveland Clinic Chief Transformation Officer James Merlino, MD, exploring radiology’s role in improving the patient experience.

RSNA touted the return of its massive exhibit floor and Artificial Intelligence Showcase at this year’s meeting, which will conclude Dec. 2. As of Wednesday, the society is expecting 518 exhibitors occupying more than 342,000 square feet of space, with another 100-plus AI vendors in the 35,000 square-foot AI showroom. It’s also offering virtual-only passes for those unable to travel to Chicago in the fall. Organizers have not announced plans to require vaccination, as other such as HIMSS have shared previously. RSNA expects to announce specific safety measures by mid-September.

More information is available at RSNA.org.

Marty Stempniak

Marty Stempniak has covered healthcare since 2012, with his byline appearing in the American Hospital Association's member magazine, Modern Healthcare and McKnight's. Prior to that, he wrote about village government and local business for his hometown newspaper in Oak Park, Illinois. He won a Peter Lisagor and Gold EXCEL awards in 2017 for his coverage of the opioid epidemic. 

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