FAQs - SHSMD Connections 2026

When does registration open?
Registration will be open in May. Click here to access the registration page and rates.

What are the different registration options and what is included?

Health care providers (those who work in a hospital or health system): All registrations include a one-year membership. Current members receive a membership renewal, effective from the date of their current membership expiration. Membership value= $235. New this year, registration (except for day passes) includes access to pre-conference workshops, the virtual conference (over 30 in-person session recordings) and pre-conference workshops.
Non-sponsoring/non-exhibiting solution providers: All registrations include a one-year membership. Current members receive a membership renewal, effective from the date of their current membership expiration. Membership value= $235. New this year, registration (except for day passes) includes access to pre-conference workshops, the virtual conference (over 30 in-person session recordings) and pre-conference workshops.
Sponsors and exhibitors: Registration is done through a separate portal. You can get that link from your group Admin. Membership is included for any paid registration. Comp registrations can add membership for a reduced rate of $200 (regularly $235). All free and paid registrations include access to the virtual conference and preconference workshops.
Day Passes: One-day registration is available for Monday, September 28 or Tuesday, September 29. Day passes cannot be combined with any other registration items or offers. Virtual conference access and membership are not included in day pass rates, but will be available as a separate add-on option at a discounted rate.
Virtual Conference: Released November 2 with access through April 31, 2027. Access includes approximately 30+ session recordings. Keynote recordings are available through 12/31/26. A one-year SHSMD membership or renewal is included.

How do I register for the virtual conference and what is included?

Register via the same method used for the in-person conference. Access will be available starting November 2, 2026 and includes 30+ in-person conference concurrent recordings as well as the keynote recordings. View the full program agenda for the full list of sessions.

Access will run through April 30, 2027. Keynote recordings are available through December 31, 2026. Pre-conference workshops are not included.

Can I pay by check?

Yes, check payments are accepted until September 11. Make checks payable to SHSMD. Send check payment (with invoice or confirmation number) to:

SHSMD Connections
75 Remittance Drive 91885
Chicago, IL 60675-1885

Should you need to send your check via overnight delivery (i.e. Federal Express, Messenger, etc.) it should be addressed as follows:

Express Overnight Delivery:

SHSMD Connections
5503 N. Cumberland Ave
Lockbox 91885
Chicago, IL 60656

If you need to pay later by credit card, please call us at 312-422-2765.

Is there a downloadable registration form?

No. Registration must be completed online. You can print your registration and pay by check or credit card.

Do you have discounts for group registrations?

Yes, based on the group size. All registrants from the group must be from the same organization. Group discounts apply only to conference registration, not add-ons. Contact shsmd@aha.org for a group discount code.

5-10 receive 10% off
11-20 receive 15% off
21+ receive 20% off

I did not receive my confirmation e-mail after registering. What should I do?

After checking your spam/junk folder, please contact SHSMD at shsmd@aha.org to have your confirmation e-mail resent.

I’m a speaker. How do I register?

You will register using the category that best fits your employment type. Contact Kelsey Brandon (kbrandon@aha.org) for instructions and a speaker discount code.

Can I bring a guest?

No, guest passes are not available. All attendees must be registered.

If I can no longer attend, can I send someone in my place?

You are encouraged to send a substitute if you cannot attend. All fees/credits are transferable to the substitute attendee less a $50 transfer fee. If the substitute is not a SHSMD member, the nonmember cost differential must be paid in advance or onsite. Attendee substitutions will be granted until September 11, 2026. Please email the request to shsmd@aha.org.

Do I get a full refund if I cancel?

If you do not send a substitute and wish to cancel your registration, a written cancellation request sent by email to shsmd@aha.org must be received by September 11, 2026, 11:59 p.m. CT for a refund on the admission purchase. The registration fee, less a $100 cancellation fee and the $200 membership fee, will be refunded if written notice is received by September 11, 2026. All registrants will keep their membership (discounted at $200), if applicable, if they cancel.

Any cancellation request after September 11, 2026, will not be refunded.

No refunds will be granted for no-shows.

The Attendee is responsible for cancelling any hotel and any other travel arrangements.

Cancellation email: shsmd@aha.org (Subject: SHSMD Connections Cancellation Request). Cancellations will be acknowledged within five business days. If you do not receive an acknowledgement of your cancellation, please call 312-422-3888. All refunds will be made using the same method of payment as the original transaction. Please allow 6-8 weeks for refunds to be completed.

Is there a student track or student discounts for registration?

Yes, special options are available for students. See SHSMD’s Student Enrichment Program (members only) for more information.

By registering and attending, what terms and conditions do I abide by?

Attendees must agree to the SHSMD Connections Conference Code of Conduct and Participant Terms & Conditions during registration.

What safety protocol is SHSMD following in light of COVID-19?

Protocols follow CDC and public health authority recommendations. By attending, you assume all risks related to COVID-19 exposure.

What is the schedule each day?

View the agenda at a glance.

How many CEUs can I earn?

Up to 10 ACHE Qualified Education Hours, plus additional hours for preconference workshops.

Is there a brochure or list of sessions?

No printed materials. Sessions are listed on the conference website and mobile app which will be available a week in advance of the conference. If you visit the Full Program Agenda, you can print out the PDF of sessions, but please refer to the online agenda for up-to-date information.

Are meals provided?

Complimentary breakfast and lunch are provided Monday and Tuesday, plus snacks are provided at receptions and networking events each day. There is also complimentary lunch for those who register for the free preconference workshop lunch session on Sunday (advance registration required).

What is the dress code?

Business casual. Bring a sweater as convention centers can be cold.

Can I change my session selections?

Preconference workshops require advance registration. Other sessions are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Preconference workshops are not recorded, but most concurrent sessions are recorded and will be included in the virtual conference.

Will I receive session handouts?

Handouts are available for download one week prior to the event. No printed handouts are provided onsite.

Will the sessions be recorded?

Most in-person concurrent sessions will be recorded, and released as part of the Virtual Conference, November 2. Recordings are accessible through April 30, 2027. Keynote recordings are only available through 12/31/26.

How do I access the mobile app and when will it be available?

It will be available one week prior to the conference. Access details will be emailed to all registered attendees (check your junk/spam).

What sponsorship and exhibiting opportunities are there?

Find them in our Media Kit. There are a variety of opportunities based on your budget and goals. All sponsors and exhibitors get access to all conference events, including educational sessions.

I’m a sponsor and/or exhibitor. How do I register?

Each exhibitor has a determined administrator responsible for allocating registration to all associated booth staff/registrants. Registration must be done through a separate portal to ensure you receive an exhibitor badge which is required for access to the exhibit hall outside of the dedicated hours Free passes and discounts are tied to your booth or sponsorship. Please contact your group Admin for more specific instructions.

Will I receive a list of attendees?

Yes, three weeks prior to the event, exhibitors will receive a one-time mailing list. All attendees will have access to connect to each other through the mobile app.

Where is the conference located?

Baltimore Convention Center: 1 West Pratt St, Baltimore, MD 21201

Ground Transportation

Taxis and Uber/Lyft are available from the airport. Rates change based on day and time. Average cost for UberX ranges between $35-$50 one-way.

MARC Light Rail from BWI to Camden Station: You can take the MARC Penn Line directly from BWI Airport to Camden Station in about 26 minutes, with trains running every 30 minutes. Fee: $2 one-way.

Onsite parking is available near the Baltimore Convention Center ranging between $10-$36 per day. Learn more here: Directions & Parking.

There is also onsite parking at either hotel averaging $36 per day.

Airports

The nearest airport to Baltimore Convention Center is Baltimore/Washington Thurgood Marshal Airport (BWI), approximately 7.9 miles away.

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) is about 40 miles southwest of Baltimore.

Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) is approximately 55 miles southwest of Baltimore and just over a one hour drive.

Are there any air travel or car discounts?

Special discounts are available. Visit this page for more information.

Is there a group rate for booking my hotel room?

SHSMD has discounted room blocks at two hotels connected to the Baltimore Convention Center. Both room blocks have the same rate of $254 per night, plus taxes. Hotel block information and reservation links are shared in your registration confirmation email.

How do I register for the virtual conference and what is included?

Register via the same site used for the in-person conference. You will see the option for virtual at the end of the registration process. The virtual conference includes over 30 concurrent session recordings, plus access to all concurrent sessions slides and associated tools. Access runs through April 30, 2027, with keynote recordings available through 12/31/26.

I attended the in-person conference. Do I get access to the virtual recordings?

Yes, all attendees registered for the full conference will get access to the virtual conference recordings on November 2. Contact shsmd@aha.org for details.

Virtual Access Instructions:

Instructions will be emailed the morning of November 2. Check your SPAM/Junk folders.

When does registration open?Registration will be open in May. Click here to access the registration page and rates.

What is the schedule each day?

What sponsorship and exhibiting opportunities are there?

Where is the conference located?

How do I register for the virtual conference and what is included?

When does registration open?
Registration will be open in May. Click here to access the registration page and rates.