Congress On-Site FAQs

If you have any special needs or requirements for participation in a Congress activity, please notify an SCCM staff member at the Help Desk, located in the West Center Lobby.

The convention center has wheelchair ramps, automatic doors, passenger elevators, and accessible restrooms for those who need them. Scooter and wheelchair rental services are provided by Scootaround. Advance reservations are encouraged. Reserve online or email nsul@scootaround.com. If you reserve online, select Event under Rental type and SCCM 2026 Annual Congress under Event.

All parking at the convention center is available on a first-come, first-served basis, including disability permit parking.

Animals are not permitted on the convention center premises except in conjunction with an approved exhibit or in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Animals that are approved to be on the convention center premises must be on a leash, within a pen, or under similar control. The owner will be fully responsible for their animal(s).

An ATM is available on the first floor near the Transportation Center.

Congress badges are required for entrance to all Congress functions and events, including concurrent educational sessions and Connections Central (Exhibit Hall). To enter a ticketed session or event, you must present your badge. Lost badges may be replaced at the Help Desk, located in the West Center Lobby. A nominal fee may be charged for replacement badges.

Add a ribbon to your badge! Check out the display in the West Center Lobby to see your options. SCCM Council members and leaders, Congress Program Planning Committee members, and Congress faculty and moderators are easily identified by the ribbons affixed to their badges.

A FedEx Office business center is located on the second floor.

Destination Sitters, LLC, is an independent childcare referral service for traveling parents. A caretaker comes directly to your hotel room, allowing you to stay focused on Congress while knowing your child is safe, engaged, and well cared for. SCCM is not affiliated with Destination Sitters, LLC, and does not endorse or oversee their services.  Visit their website for more information. 

It is recommended that attendees steer clear of all large gatherings that may be related to civil protests and other groups where police, government officials, or emergency responders are present.

Although SCCM does not expect any adverse events during Congress, SCCM plans for all contingencies and has developed guidance. SCCM recommends:

• Attendees, especially international attendees, always carry documentation on their person. Consider carrying your SCCM visa invitation letter, your passport (with current visa if applicable) or a copy, green card, and other legal identification such as a government-issued ID.
• Know the contact information for your nearest embassy or consulate. If you or someone you know is detained, contacting the consultant or embassy aligned with the nationality of the individual who was detained provides the best resources.
  • Embassies in Chicago
  • Contact Info for Foreign Embassies and Consulates

Free coat and luggage check services are available in the West Center Lobby during the following hours:

• Friday, March 20: 6:00 a.m. – 5:45 p.m.
• Saturday, March 21: 6:00 a.m. – 5:45 p.m.
• Sunday, March 22: 6:30 a.m. – 5:45 p.m.
• Monday, March 23: 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, March 24: 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Congress attendees gain complimentary access to Congress Digital for continued learning after the live event. With the ability to pause, rewind, and rewatch recordings, Congress Digital supports deeper understanding and long-term retention of key insights.

• Watch recordings of the live sessions
• Explore exclusive additional content not presented in Chicago
• Earn accredited continuing education (ACE) credits and maintenance of certification (MOC) points
• Learn on your own schedule

Congress Digital will be available by April 24, 2026. You will receive access instructions via email.

Connections Central (Exhibit Hall) is in Hall F1 and will be open during the following hours:

• Sunday, March 22: 9:30 a.m. – 3:45 p.m.
• Monday, March 23: 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, March 24: 8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Find details on the variety of activities available in Connections Central here.

For information on claiming ACE credits and MOC points, log in to your MySCCM account and navigate to the My Learning tab. Click the 2026 Critical Care Congress event.

How do I access the event website?
Navigate to sccm.org/congress2026 to find the event website.

How do I edit my profile?
Click My Profile in the left-hand menu.

Why can’t others see my profile? Why can’t I directly message others or receive messages?
Update your networking settings to get access to all the networking features. Even when you share your information, your email address, phone number, and direct address will remain hidden to companies and other attendees.

• Click My Profile in the left-hand menu.
• Click Save and Continue until you reach the Networking tab.
• Under Your Privacy Options, make sure all three boxes show Yes to take advantage of networking opportunities.

How do I message an attendee?
Messaging is a great way to connect and network with fellow attendees and speakers. Please do not send unsolicited commercial messages.

• Click People in the left-hand navigation menu, then click Attendees.
• Find the person you wish to contact and click their name.
• Their profile will pop up and you can send an email or start a message board with them.
• Select Email to send a message to their email address. Note: The email option will only appear if an attendee has entered their email in their event profile. This does not share your email address with other attendees unless you share it in your message. The message is sent via the platform to their email. You will not be able to see their email address.
• Select Message Board to open a chat window.
• To find your message board chats, on the Attendees page, click Show Only My Chats directly below the search bar.

How do I add a session to My Schedule?
Favorite sessions to build your own schedule and expedite claiming credit. Favorited sessions will be added to your MySCCM account each day, making the process of claiming credit easier and faster.

• In the schedule, click on the star icon to the right of the session so that it turns yellow and will be added to your schedule.
• Select My Schedule in the left-hand menu or main screen tile to view sessions you favorited.

If a fire alarm is activated, locate your nearest exit and evacuate the building. Only use stairs and exit doors. Do not use elevators or moving escalators. 

If there is evidence of a fire, leave the area and call 911. Be prepared to give as much detail as possible about the fire as well as the location of the fire.

After calling 911, notify an SCCM staff member who will contact other necessary parties.

For immediate first aid assistance, medical services are available in the First Aid Office, located on the first floor near gate 40 and the SCCM Information Desk. First Aid will be open during registration hours.

There are several locations to purchase food and beverages throughout the convention center.

• Food court on the second floor
• Concessions at the back of Connections Central
• Starbucks on the third floor’s central concourse 

The lactation room, located in W182, is a private space with individual stations equipped with chairs and electricity. Refrigeration is available for those who need to store items during the day; however, please ensure all personal items are removed from the refrigerator at the end of each day.

There is also a Mamava Lactation Suite available on the first floor near gate 40 and the SCCM Information Desk.

The lost and found is located at the SCCM Information Desk on the first floor near gate 40.

• McCormick Place® West Building
• Connections Central (Exhibit Hall)
• Marriott Marquis Chicago
• Hyatt Regency McCormick Place Chicago

Fueling ideas, one cup at a time. Max Harry Weil, MD, PhD, MCCM—visionary, inventor, educator, and SCCM’s first president—was known for bringing people together to exchange ideas long after the day’s work was done. Max’s Cafe celebrates that legacy of conversation and collaboration. During Congress, stop by the cafe to enjoy coffee, connect with colleagues, and honor the spirited dialogue Dr. Weil believed was essential to advancing critical care.

Visit a cafe for complimentary coffee during the following hours:

Max’s Cafe
Lobby, Connections Central (Hall F1) 

• Sunday, March 22: 10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
• Monday, March 23: 8:30 a.m. – 3:15 p.m.
• Tuesday, March 24: 8:30 a.m. – 3:45 p.m.

Pop-Up Max’s Cafes
Connections Central
Hall F1

• Sunday, March 22: 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. and 2:15 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. 
• Monday, March 23: 8:45 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. and 2:15 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. 
• Tuesday, March 24: 8:45 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.

Select Member Lounge 
North Prefunction, Third Floor
Available exclusively for SCCM Select Members. Stop by to join or upgrade.

• Sunday, March 22: 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Monday, March 23: 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. 
• Tuesday, March 24: 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Enhance your Congress experience with easy access to the Congress schedule, real-time notifications while you are on site, and more by downloading the new MySCCM App. 

The MySCCM App is your source for everything SCCM, even outside of Congress. Access the latest Society blogs, podcasts, and updates, and engage with the SCCM community through member-to-member messaging.

Download on the Apple App Store or Google Play.

Parking is available to all visitors on a first-come, first-served basis. View details.

Some information presented during educational sessions is unpublished. Please refrain from photographing slides of presenting authors who display the “No Social Media” icon on their materials. Be respectful and do not share information of presenting authors who verbally opt out of social media or who display the “No Social Media” icon on their materials. The “No Social Media” icon looks like this:


 
No personal photography or recording is allowed in Connections Central (Exhibit Hall) at any time.

Please be advised that photography, audio, and video recording may be carried out at Congress by SCCM or its affiliates. By entering the event premises, you consent to interview(s), photography, audio recording, video recording, and its/their release, publication, exhibition, or reproduction to be used for news, webcasts, promotional purposes, telecasts, advertising, inclusion on websites, social media, or any other purpose by SCCM and its affiliates and representatives, in perpetuity, royalty-free, and throughout the universe. If you wish not to agree, please do not enter the event premises. Thank you for your cooperation.

The pocket pal is your compact event guide. Pick up a copy near registration in the West Center Lobby or view the digital version.

A silent space is available in room W176C for individual use if you need a break from noise or activity. Please keep conversations and devices silent.

Critical care demands your best, so give yourself the care you deserve. Whether you need a quiet moment between sessions, a spot to regroup with colleagues, or simply a chance to recharge your phone, this space is designed to support you. Make it part of your daily Congress routine and return to the action feeling renewed, focused, and ready for what’s next.

The (re)Charge Zone is located outside room W180 and is open during the following hours:

• Friday, March 20: 6:00 a.m. – 5:45 p.m.
• Saturday, March 21: 6:00 a.m. – 5:45 p.m.
• Sunday, March 22: 6:30 a.m. – 5:45 p.m.
• Monday, March 23: 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, March 24: 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Registration is on the third floor in the West Center Lobby and will be open during the following hours:

• Friday, March 20: 6:00 a.m. – 5:45 p.m.
• Saturday, March 21: 6:00 a.m. – 5:45 p.m.
• Sunday, March 22: 6:30 a.m. – 5:45 p.m.
• Monday, March 23: 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, March 24: 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

A registration kiosk will also be available in the Marriott Marquis Chicago and Hyatt Regency McCormick Place Chicago main lobbies. It will be available 24 hours a day beginning Thursday, March 19, at 3:00 p.m. through Monday, March 23, at 4:00 p.m. The kiosks will be staffed for support during these hours:

• Thursday, March 19: 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
• Friday, March 20: 6:00 a.m. – 5:45 p.m.
• Saturday, March 21: 6:00 a.m. – 5:45 p.m.
• Sunday, March 22: 6:30 a.m. – 5:45 p.m.
• Monday, March 23: 7:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

A dedicated pick-up and drop-off zone for popular ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft is located on the first floor at gate 40.

The SCCM bookstore is located in the Connections Central lobby on the third floor. Visit to browse a wide selection of SCCM publications, apparel, and branded merchandise, as well as curated resources to support your professional development. Stop by throughout the Congress to explore featured titles, discover new materials, or pick up gifts and essentials. Let the onsite team help you find exactly what you need.

SCCM Central, located in Connections Central in Hall F1, is your go‑to hub for everything you need to make the most of Congress. Stop by to get your questions answered about the event or the Society and explore the many ways SCCM supports your professional growth. View full details.

Sponsored by Vantive US Healthcare

Experience the benefits of SCCM Select membership in this exclusive lounge. It’s your space to connect, recharge, and refocus. Enjoy coffee, light refreshments, and a complimentary gift just for stopping by. Check email or charge your devices at convenient workstations.

The Select Member Lounge is located on the third floor in the north prefunction area and will be open during the following hours:

• Sunday, March 22: 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Monday, March 23: 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. 
• Tuesday, March 24: 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Not a Select member yet? Stop by the lounge to upgrade or join, or visit sccm.org/join to unlock enhanced member benefits and resources designed to support your professional journey.

To ensure a comfortable experience for all Congress attendees, meeting room temperatures are maintained at levels intended to provide optimal comfort. We recommend bringing a light jacket or sweater.

Please note:

• Only registered attendees may enter Congress sessions.
• Individuals under 18 are not permitted in sessions.
• Guests and children may visit Connections Central (Exhibit Hall) but must be accompanied at all times by a registered Congress attendee. Please visit the Help Desk in the West Hall Lobby to obtain a guest badge.

While you're attending Congress, take time to explore everything Chicago has to offer. From the stunning lakefront and iconic architecture to world-class museums, shopping, and award-winning dining, the Windy City is packed with unforgettable experiences just minutes away. Whether you're planning a quick outing or a full evening adventure, there's something for everyone. See personalized recommendations from SCCM or visit Choose Chicago to start planning your visit.

Faculty who wish to review their slides can come to the Speaker Ready Room located in W183A at least four hours before their scheduled presentation. The Speaker Ready Room will be open during the following hours:

• Friday, March 20: 12:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
• Saturday, March 21: 6:15 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
• Sunday, March 22: 7:00 a.m. – 5:45 p.m.
• Monday, March 23: 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, March 24: 7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

All Congress sessions and events take place in Central Time.

Free internet access is available in most spaces at the convention center. Wi-Fi is not available in Connections Central (Exhibit Hall).

Network: SCCM2026