Biomedical Engineering Society BMES

BMES Social Impact Award

Annual

Honors an individual, project, organization, or institution for impactful contributions toward broadening access to biomedical engineering education, career pathways, and opportunities to communities from disadvantaged backgrounds. The recipient delivers a plenary lecture at the BMES Annual Meeting

Social ImpactDiversity

BMES Athanasiou Medal of Excellence in Translational Bioengineering Award

Annual

Recognizes an individual who has made outstanding contributions to the field of biomedical engineering with a particular focus on translation. The Athanasiou Student and Post-Doc Award recognizes top graduate and post-doctoral papers published in ABME

Translational Bioengineering

Wallace H. Coulter Award for Healthcare Innovation Award

Annual

Recognizes the achievements of an individual integrally involved in the development of a biomedical device, diagnostic test/device, or combination device drug/device in the industry

Healthcare Innovation

BMES Mid-Career Award

Annual

Recognizes a member in good standing who has demonstrated significant leadership and achievements in biomedical engineering, whether in scholarship, education, mentorship, leadership, or practice

Mid-Career

Herbert Voigt Distinguished Service Award

Periodic

Recognizes members who have made extraordinary contributions to the Biomedical Engineering Society, awarded at the discretion of the current President

Service

BMES Grade of Fellow

Annual

A professional distinction granted by the Board of Directors upon a BMES member who has demonstrated impactful achievements and significant contributions within the biomedical engineering community, with considerable leadership in their field and service within the Society

Fellow

How the last edition performed

Previous edition

Current edition

2026 · 5,000 visitors

BMES 2026 is expected to bring together over 5,000 attendees based on organiser and third-party estimates.

Forecast — not final

Visitors

5,000

Exhibitors

150

Exhibitor countries

Growth over time

Edition recap

The 2025 BMES Annual Meeting, held October 8–12 in San Diego, was a banner year, attracting nearly 5,000 attendees from 25 countries. The meeting featured six plenary sessions, specialty abstracts centered on the theme 'Bridging Healthcare Gaps: The Role of Biomedical Engineering,' and an unforgettable Hosted Reception and Member Appreciation Night at Bayfront Park

New this edition

1
Advanced Biomanufacturing Symposium
The BMES Advanced Biomanufacturing Special Interest Group (ABioM SIG) will host the Advanced Biomanufacturing Symposium during the 2026 BMES Annual Meeting. Features keynote talks by Adam Feinberg (Carnegie Mellon University) and Aijun Wang (UC Davis), and recognition of emerging leaders through the Young Innovator Award and Excellent Postdoctoral Award.
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2
AI in BME as a Dedicated Track
The 2026 program features a dedicated track on AI in BME with subtracks covering AI for diagnostics, biomedical signal and image processing, personalized and precision medicine, patient modeling and digital twins, therapeutics and drug discovery, wearable devices and remote monitoring, foundation models, agentic AI for healthcare operations, ethics and responsible AI, and AI in biomedical engineering education.
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3
Women's Health Track
A new track on Women's Health has been added to the 2026 program, covering reproductive and maternal health, gynecological and breast health, women's cancers, fem-tech and digital health, and sex differences in health and disease.
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4
Global Health Technologies Track
A new track on Global Health Technologies focuses on automated technologies for developing countries, industry pathways into other countries, international collaborations on chronic and infectious disease, micro- and nanotechnologies for global health, and social science collaborations.
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Testimonials

This was a banner year, attracting nearly 5,000 attendees from 25 countries.
Dr. Karen May-Newman · Co-Chair, 2025 BMES Annual Meeting · San Diego State University · 2025

Attending the BMES Annual Meeting was transformative for my professional and academic development.
Jaehyeon Park · Senior Mechanical Engineering Student · Cooper Union · 2025

Presenting at the BMES Annual Meeting in San Diego was an inspiring experience that made me truly envision my future as a researcher and a professional.
Lehigh University BioE Student · Student · Lehigh University · 2025

Next edition outlook

2026

confirmed

BMES 2026 will be held October 21–24 at the Orlando World Center Marriott in Orlando, Florida, under the theme 'Engineers Empower Human Health.' The meeting will feature cutting-edge engineering and translational research driving next-generation therapeutics, medical devices, and integrative diagnostics. The program includes 20 scientific tracks, plenary sessions featuring distinguished award recipients including William Wagner (Robert A. Pritzker Distinguished Lectureship Award) and Dr. Kafui Dzirasa (Opening Plenary Keynote), and a technology exhibition. Early-bird registration is open through September 2, 2026. The meeting is expected to draw over 5,000 attendees from academia, industry, and government.

Expanded AI-focused content with a dedicated AI in BME track covering 10 subtracks from diagnostics to education New Women's Health track addressing reproductive health, women's cancers, fem-tech, and sex differences New Global Health Technologies track focusing on developing country applications and international collaborations Advanced Biomanufacturing Symposium hosted by the ABioM SIG with keynote talks and emerging leader awards Venue shift to Orlando World Center Marriott, offering enhanced facilities and proximity to attractions

Impact

A bigger and stronger platform

The 2025 BMES Annual Meeting was a banner year, attracting nearly 5,000 attendees from 25 countries. The conference featured six plenary sessions, specialty abstracts, and an unforgettable Hosted Reception and Member Appreciation Night at Bayfront Park. Attendees presented cutting-edge research across topics including AI in diagnostics, cancer engineering, neural engineering, cardiovascular engineering, and soft bioelectronics. The meeting provided extensive networking opportunities, graduate school and career fairs, and recognition of emerging leaders through awards such as the Young Innovator Award -

Audience quality

High-value decision-makers

The 2025 BMES Annual Meeting attracted a high-quality, cross-sector audience of nearly 5,000 professionals from 25 countries, including academic researchers, faculty, graduate and undergraduate students, postdoctoral fellows, clinicians, and industry R&D professionals. The conference brought together leaders from academia, industry, and government, with representation from major research universities, biomedical companies, and federal agencies. Attendees included decision-makers and influencers with significant purchasing authority in biomedical research technologies, imaging systems, biomaterials, and laboratory equipment. The meeting also featured a robust graduate school and career expo, attracting emerging talent and early-career professionals

Exhibitor outcomes

Real business growth

The 2025 BMES Annual Meeting offered exhibitors direct access to nearly 5,000 biomedical engineering professionals from 25 countries, including academic researchers, industry R&D leaders, and government program officers. The exhibit hall served as a prime venue for product demonstrations, lead generation, and brand visibility among a highly targeted audience with significant purchasing influence. Nearly 150 exhibitors participated, reflecting strong industry engagement. The conference's six plenary sessions and extensive scientific program ensured high foot traffic and sustained attendee presence throughout the event. Exhibitors also benefited from networking receptions, including the Hosted Reception and Member Appreciation Night at Bayfront Park

Intelligence

Market context

Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.

North America, with a global outlook spanning Europe and Asia-Pacific

Why it matters

BMES 2026 matters because it sits at the intersection of explosive market growth and transformative technological change. The global bioengineering technology market is projected to reach $404.05 billion in 2026 and the bioengineering market as a whole is expected to grow from $347.04 billion in 2026 to $1,484.98 billion by 2035 The medical device engineering market is also experiencing rapid growth. For buyers and specifiers, BMES 2026 provides a critical opportunity to evaluate the technologies—AI-driven diagnostics, digital twins, microphysiological systems, biomanufacturing platforms, and wearable devices—that will define the next generation of healthcare delivery. For exhibitors, the meeting offers direct access to thousands of biomedical engineering professionals with significant purchasing influence, in a market where AI-enabled medical devices alone are projected to grow from $18.9 billion in 2025 to $26.2 billion in 2026. The convergence of individualized biology, genomics, and engineering—central to the meeting's theme 'Engineers Empower Human Health'—means that BMES 2026 is not just a conference but a strategic intelligence-gathering and partnership-building event for the entire biomedical engineering ecosystem.

Industry trends

Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.

AI becomes a built-in, default component of medical devices

Artificial intelligence is transitioning from an emerging technology to a standard component of medical devices. Payers and providers increasingly focus on outcomes, and AI is becoming integral to diagnostics, clinical decision support, personalized medicine, patient modeling, digital twins, drug discovery, and wearable remote monitoring. The global market for AI-enabled medical devices is projected to grow from $18.9 billion in 2025 to $26.2 billion in 2026 alone

Service-enabled devices and outcome-driven engineering

In 2026, the medical device industry is shifting from product-centric to service-enabled design. Devices are increasingly becoming part of high-margin, data-enabled service ecosystems that generate recurring value. Engineering teams are measured by outcome-based metrics—validated customer problems solved or new revenue streams enabled—rather than output-oriented metrics like patents filed

Robotics, AI, and AR redefine surgical practice

2026 is described as the breakout year when robotics, artificial intelligence, and augmented reality redefine surgical care. These technologies are becoming embedded in standard surgical workflows, shortening procedures, improving consistency, and allowing systems to shift into lower-cost ambulatory environments. Robotic systems enhance controls and positioning, AI ensures precision, and AR enables preplanning and real-time overlays

Convergence of individualized biology, genomics, and engineering

Industry experts identify the convergence of individualized biology, genomics, and engineering as the most transformative trend in 2026. This convergence is driving the development of next-generation therapeutics, medical devices, and integrative diagnostics, and is central to the theme of the BMES 2026 Annual Meeting.

Accelerated growth of the bioengineering technology market

The global bioengineering technology market is experiencing rapid growth. It grew from $360.09 billion in 2025 to $404.05 billion in 2026 at a CAGR of 12.2%, and is projected to reach $629.29 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 11.7%. The global bioengineering market is projected to grow from USD 347.04 billion in 2026 to USD 1,484.98 billion by 2035, registering a CAGR of 17.53%

Flexible automation and AI-driven productivity in medtech

For medical device manufacturers in 2026, flexibility trumps full automation for mid-market firms. AI is boosting productivity by organizing existing data in medtech. Fully automated work centers are becoming the norm in high-volume environments, but mid-market companies maintain a competitive advantage through flexibility: the ability to tool up quickly, run a job, ship product, and move on

Market news

Latest updates from across the market.

Looking Beyond the Tumor: How Meenal Datta Redefines Cancer Research

Profiles Meenal Datta, recipient of the 2025 Rita Schaffer Young Investigator Award, highlighting her early-career cancer research contributions.

From Lab Concept to Patient Impact: Gargi Maheshwari on Translating Science into Real-World Solutions

Spotlights Gargi Maheshwari's work on translating biomedical engineering breakthroughs from the lab to patients.

William Wagner’s Interdisciplinary Career Earns Him the 2026 BMES Robert A. Pritzker Distinguished Lectureship Award

Announces William Wagner as the recipient of the 2026 BMES Robert A. Pritzker Distinguished Lectureship Award. He will deliver his plenary lecture on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at the BMES Annual Meeting in Orlando.

2025 BMES Annual Meeting Post Show Wrap-Up

Recap of the 2025 BMES Annual Meeting in San Diego, which attracted nearly 5,000 attendees from 25 countries and featured six plenary sessions, over 2,300 scientific poster presentations, and nearly 150 exhibitors.

Meet Us at the BMES 2026 Annual Meeting, 21–24 October 2026, Orlando, USA

Highlights the upcoming BMES 2026 Annual Meeting with the theme 'Engineers Empower Human Health', emphasizing the central role of biomedical engineering in transformative discoveries and addressing grand challenges in health and medicine.

Understanding the Dynamics in the Medical Device Industry in 2026

Trends for medical device manufacturers in 2026 include balancing sustainability costs, flexible automation, AI-driven insights, and onshoring strategies. Flexibility trumps full automation for mid-market firms, and AI is boosting productivity by organizing existing data in medtech.

Engineering for the Future: The Trends Transforming Medtech in 2026

Describes 2026 as an inflection point where engineering teams are expected to design adaptive, intelligent, interoperable systems. Key trends include service-enabled devices, robotics/AI/AR redefining surgical practice, and AI transforming engineering, compliance, and regulation

Biomedical Engineering and Medtech Event Circuit 2026

July 2026 – July 2027

The biomedical engineering and medtech event circuit spans North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific, with major conferences covering AI in healthcare, medical devices, robotics, and bioengineering. BMES 2026 is a flagship event in this circuit, complemented by IEEE EMBC, MedTech Conference, and regional MedDevice shows.

Summer 2026

IEEE EMBC 2026

Major international biomedical engineering conference in Toronto.

Fall 2026

MEDevice Boston 20262nd IEEE BNM 2026ISBE 2026MedTech Conference 2026BMES 2026 Annual MeetingBIOENGMEDevice Silicon Valley 2026

Peak season for biomedical engineering and medtech events; BMES 2026 is the flagship event during this window.

Winter/Spring 2027

BMES CMBE Conference 2027ICBEA 2027

Specialized and regional conferences following the main BMES annual meeting.

Summer 2027

EMBC 2027

Next major IEEE EMBS conference in Singapore.

Event dates and details sourced from official conference websites, IEEE EMBS, BMES, and MedDevice event pages. Some 2027 dates are preliminary and subject to change.

Plan your trip

Travel & logistics

Local currency · USD

Arrival airports

Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.

MCO

Orlando International Airport

This hotel does not provide shuttle service. Alternate transportation: Mears Transportation; fee: 22.00 USD (one way); reservation required. Estimated taxi fare: 55 USD (one way). Ride-share services (Uber, Lyft, Wingz) are also available

17 miles

to venue

approximately 20–25 minutes

by car

ISM

Kissimmee Gateway Airport

This hotel does not provide shuttle service. Estimated taxi fare: 39 USD (one way)

10 miles

to venue

approximately 20 minutes

by car

TPA

Tampa International Airport

This hotel does not provide shuttle service

77 miles

to venue

approximately 1 hour 15 minutes

by car

DAB

Daytona Beach International Airport

This hotel does not provide shuttle service

70 miles

to venue

approximately 1 hour 10 minutes

by car

Hotel tiers

A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.

Premium (On-Site)

Orlando World Center Marriott, 8701 World Center Drive, Orlando, FL 32821

USD 269–500 / night

Official BMES 2026 host hotel and venue. Room block available via Passkey. Rates vary by room type and date. On-site amenities include 10 restaurants, water park, spa, golf course. Includes complimentary scheduled shuttle to Walt Disney World theme parks and Disney Springs.

Premium (Nearby)

Lake Buena Vista / Bonnet Creek

USD 250–400 / night

Upscale resorts within 1–3 miles of venue: Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center (0.8 miles), Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek (0.9 miles), Conrad Orlando, Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort.

Mid-Range

Lake Buena Vista / Disney Springs area

USD 150–280 / night

Hotels within 2–5 miles of venue: Buena Vista Suites Orlando, Sheraton Vistana Resort Villas, Hilton Vacation Club Grand Beach, Holiday Inn Resort Orlando Lake Buena Vista, Caribe Royale Orlando, Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista, Aloft Orlando Lake Buena Vista.

Budget

Kissimmee / Highway 192 / I-Drive area

USD 80–150 / night

Extended stay and motel options along W Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway and International Drive, approximately 3–8 miles from the venue. Candlewood Suites Lake Buena Vista, Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Orlando Lake Buena Vista (rates from ~$111).

Local transport

Get around the city with these convenient transport options.

Mears Transportation

Estimated costApproximately $22.00 one way

Best forOrlando International Airport (MCO) ↔ Hotels

The hotel does not offer a free airport shuttle. Reservation required.

taxi

Estimated costApproximately $55.00 one way

Best forOrlando International Airport (MCO) ↔ Hotels

Taxi fare from Kissimmee Gateway Airport (ISM) to the hotel is approximately $39.00.

Ride-hailing (Uber, Lyft, etc.)

Estimated costFees dynamically change based on supply and demand

Best forAirport/City ↔ Hotel

Operates extensively in the Orlando area. The airport has designated a pick-up and drop-off area for online ride-hailing services.

Public transportation (LYNX bus)

Estimated costApproximately $2.00 one way

Best forMultiple lines serving the hotel area

The nearest bus stop is `World Center Dr And Vacation Way`, about a 12-minute walk. Lines serving this area include 304, 38, 111, etc. From the airport take bus 311.

Hotel shuttle (to theme park)

Estimated costFree (included in resort fee)

Best forHotels ↔ Walt Disney World Resort and Disney Springs

Offers free scheduled shuttle service to four Disney theme parks and Disney Springs. Reservation required up to 3 days in advance.

Self drive/rental car

Estimated costCar rental costs vary by company

Best forAirport/City ↔ Hotel

The hotel offers self-parking (approx. $32.00.00 per day) and valet parking (approx. $50.00.00 per day). There are car rental companies such as Hertz nearby.

Plan your trip

Visa & entry documents

Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.

Visa required

ATA Carnet: accepted

Type	Who needs it	Fee	Processing
B-1 Temporary Business Visitor	Non-U.S. citizens who do not qualify for the Visa Waiver Program and wish to attend a scientific, educational, professional, or business convention or conference in the United States	$185.00	Varies by embassy; applicants should apply well in advance. Standard processing is several weeks to months
ESTA (Visa Waiver Program)	Citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries traveling to the U.S. for business or tourism for 90 days or less.	$40.00	At least 72 hours before travel; typically approved within minutes to 72 hours

Citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries may enter the U.S. without a visa for up to 90 days for business or tourism purposes. VWP countries include: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Chile, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom

The United States accepts ATA Carnets for the temporary importation of commercial samples, professional equipment, and goods for use at exhibitions and trade shows. The ATA Carnet allows duty-free and tax-free temporary entry for up to one year. Exhibitors should check with their customs broker for specific requirements.

Official visa page

Weather

Orlando in October offers a comfortable transition from summer heat. Average high temperatures range from 83°F (29°C) to 84.7°F (29.3°C), with average lows from 67°F (19°C) to 69°F (20.6°C). Average precipitation is approximately 74.6–75.9 mm (about 3 inches) spread over roughly 6–8 rain days. Humidity is moderate at about 70–73%. Pack light clothing for warm days, but bring a light jacket or sweater for air-conditioned indoor spaces. Afternoon showers are possible, so a compact umbrella is recommended.

Plan for the climate

Check temperatures and pack accordingly

Venue connectivity

Orlando World Center Marriott is located at 8701 World Center Drive, Orlando, FL 32821 The resort offers a complimentary scheduled shuttle service to all four Walt Disney World theme parks and Disney Springs, included in the resort fee (reservations required; available up to 3 days in advance). The hotel does not provide airport shuttle service. The nearest major airport is Orlando International Airport (MCO), 17 miles southwest. The Brightline Orlando Station (intercity rail) and Amtrak – Kissimmee are also accessible. The resort is cashless; ATMs are available on property

Ride-hailing

Taxis

Public transit

Car rentals

Cultural notes

Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.

Business Etiquette & Tipping

In Orlando's business culture, punctuality is expected and professional attire is standard for conference settings. A firm handshake and direct eye contact are common when introducing yourself. For dining, the standard tipping etiquette for good service is 18% to 22% of the pre-tax bill. For hotel housekeeping, a tip of $3 to $5 USD per day per room is customary. If service charges are included on receipts for private experiences or fine dining, check to avoid double-tipping

Orlando's Biomedical Engineering Ecosystem

Orlando is a growing hub for biomedical engineering and healthcare innovation. The region is home to the Lake Nona Medical City, a 650-acre health and life sciences cluster that includes the University of Central Florida's College of Medicine, the Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, and Nemours Children's Hospital. Attendees may consider scheduling visits to these institutions to explore potential collaborations and research partnerships.

Networking and Professional Development at BMES

BMES 2026 offers extensive networking opportunities beyond the scientific sessions. The Welcome Reception on Wednesday evening, hosted receptions on Thursday, and Member Appreciation Night at ICON Park on Friday provide informal settings to connect with peers, mentors, and industry leaders. Ticketed special events, including the LatinXinBME Symposium, Building Accessibility Breakfast, Celebration of Culture Luncheon, and Fair Access in BME Luncheon, foster community and inclusion. The Medtronic/BMES Student Design Competition showcases the next generation of biomedical engineering talent.

Orlando Beyond the Conference

Orlando is one of the world's top tourist destinations, offering world-class attractions including Walt Disney World Resort (1.5 miles west), Universal Orlando Resort (approx. 10 miles northeast), SeaWorld Orlando (approx. 8 miles northeast), and ICON Park (approx. 5 miles northeast). Attendees can take advantage of exclusive offers available to BMES Annual Meeting attendees. The city also boasts a vibrant dining scene, from upscale restaurants to diverse international cuisine.

Practical guides

Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials

Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.

Flights

Destination: Orlando International Airport (MCO)

Visa

Most non-U.S. citizens attending BMES 2026 will need either a B-1 Business Visitor Visa or, if eligible, an ESTA under the Visa Waiver Program. The B-1 visa is for business conference attendance and requires a consular interview. ESTA is an online authorization for citizens of VWP countries for stays of 90 days or less. BMES can provide an invitation letter to support visa applications

Estimated cost: Not yet confirmed

Processing: B-1: several weeks to months; ESTA: 72 hours (typically)

BMES advises beginning the visa process as early as possible. An invitation letter can be requested from BMES and will be emailed within 7-10 business days if eligible. Applicants should use the U.S. Department of State's Visa Wizard to determine their specific requirements

Official

Hotels

Find a stay near the venue with options for every budget.

Areas to stay

On-site: Orlando World Center Marriott (official host hotel, most convenient) · Lake Buena Vista / Disney Springs area (2–5 miles, wide range of hotels) · Bonnet Creek (1–3 miles, premium resorts) · Kissimmee / Highway 192 (3–8 miles, budget-friendly options)

Premium

$269 – $500+ per night

Book

Mid-Range

$150 – $280 per night

Budget

$80 – $150 per night

Transport

Get to the venue and around the city with these options.

Airport → venue: Orlando International Airport (MCO) is 17 miles SW. Hotel does not provide shuttle service. Options: Mears Transportation shuttle – $22.00 USD one way (reservation required)-; Taxi – ~$55 USD one way-; Ride-share (Uber, Lyft) – variable; Lynx public bus Route 311 – $2.00 USD, ~2h 40min.

Hotel → venue: Orlando World Center Marriott is the venue; attendees staying off-site can use ride-share, taxi, or rental car. Complimentary scheduled shuttle from the Marriott to Walt Disney World theme parks and Disney Springs (included in resort fee).

Ride-hail: Uber and Lyft operate throughout Orlando; estimated fare from MCO to venue ~$35–$55 depending on demand.

Public transit: LYNX bus system serves Central Florida with fares starting at $2.00 per ride. Routes 304, 350, 38, and 111 serve the World Center Drive area. Limited weekend service; not recommended for time-sensitive conference travel.

Parking: On-site self-parking at Orlando World Center Marriott: $40.00 daily; valet: $57.00 – $61.00 daily. Garage clearance: 7 ft 4 in. 8 electric vehicle charging stations available for a fee.

Weather

Plan and pack for the event climate.

Seasonality: Orlando in October typically has average high temperatures of 83°F (29°C) and lows of 67°F (19°C). Average rainfall is about 3 inches (74.6 mm). Humidity is moderate. Pack light clothing, but bring a light jacket or sweater for air-conditioned indoor spaces. Afternoon showers are possible.

Packing: Orlando in October offers a comfortable transition from summer heat. Average high temperatures range from 83°F (29°C) to 84.7°F (29.3°C), with average lows from 67°F (19°C) to 69°F (20.6°C). Average precipitation is approximately 74.6–75.9 mm (about 3 inches) spread over roughly 6–8 rain days. Humidity is moderate at about 70–73%. Pack light clothing for warm days, but bring a light jacket or sweater for air-conditioned indoor spaces. Afternoon showers are possible, so a compact umbrella is recommended.

Itinerary builder

Add priorities and side trips to make the most of your visit.

Add side trips

Default day plan

Day 1 – Wednesday, October 21Arrival & Registration
4:45 PM – 6:00 PMOpening Plenary Session with Dr. Kafui Dzirasa
6:00 PM – 7:30 PMWelcome Reception & Exhibit Hall Opening
Day 2 – Thursday, October 22Scientific Sessions, Workshops, and Exhibit Hall
11:00 AM – 12:15 PMBMES Robert A. Pritzker Distinguished Lectureship Award – Dr. William Wagner
Day 3 – Friday, October 23Scientific Sessions, Poster Presentations, and Member Appreciation Night at ICON Park
Day 4 – Saturday, October 24Final Scientific Sessions, Exhibit Hall (until 2:30 PM), and Closing

Plan your trip

Planning

Best day to visit: Thursday, October 22

Thursday offers the fullest programme with the Exhibit Hall open for extended hours (8:00 AM – 11:00 AM & 12:15 PM – 4:30 PM), multiple scientific sessions, the BMES Robert A. Pritzker Distinguished Lectureship Award (11:00 AM – 12:15 PM), poster sessions, and hosted receptions in the evening—providing the most comprehensive experience for both learning and networking

Confirm attendance budget and secure approval — Estimate total cost including registration, travel, accommodation, and meals. Early-bird registration ends September 2.

Register for the conference and book travel — Register at bmes.org to secure early-bird rates. Book flights to Orlando International Airport (MCO) and reserve hotel room.

Review the preliminary program and plan sessions — Review the schedule at bmes.org/2026/annualmeeting/program. Identify must-attend plenaries, scientific sessions, and special events.

Request visa invitation letter (if applicable) — International attendees requiring a visa should request an invitation letter from BMES via the International Attendees page.

Finalise session schedule and download the event app — Create a personalised schedule. Check for any last-minute programme changes.

Pack and prepare for the event — Pack business attire, comfortable shoes, laptop/tablet, chargers, and business cards. Check Orlando weather forecast.

Check in online and confirm travel arrangements — Confirm flight status and hotel check-in. Review the conference app for any updates.

Day 1 (Oct 21)

Arrive, register, and attend Opening Session — Registration opens at 7:00 AM. Opening Session at 4:45 pm. with Dr. Kafui Dzirasa. Welcome Reception in Exhibit Hall at 6:00 PM

Day 2-4 (Oct 22-24)

Attend scientific sessions and network — Engage with speakers, visit the Exhibit Hall, and attend networking events.

Sample visitor itinerary

Route-optimised day

Day 1 – Wednesday, October 21

Arrival & Registration

Orlando World Center Marriott

4:45 PM – 6:00 PM

Opening Plenary Session with Dr. Kafui Dzirasa

Orlando World Center Marriott

6:00 PM – 7:30 PM

Welcome Reception & Exhibit Hall Opening

Exhibit Hall

Day 2 – Thursday, October 22

Scientific Sessions, Workshops, and Exhibit Hall

Orlando World Center Marriott

11:00 AM – 12:15 PM

BMES Robert A. Pritzker Distinguished Lectureship – Dr. William Wagner

Orlando World Center Marriott

Day 3 – Friday, October 23

Scientific Sessions, Poster Presentations, and Member Appreciation Night at ICON Park

Orlando World Center Marriott & ICON Park

Day 4 – Saturday, October 24

Final Scientific Sessions, Exhibit Hall (until 2:30 PM), and Closing

Orlando World Center Marriott

Side trips

Walt Disney World Resort

Theme Park

Iconic theme parks including Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom. The hotel offers complimentary scheduled shuttle service.

1.5 miles west / 2 min drive

Disney Springs

Shopping / Dining / Entertainment

Open-air shopping, dining, and entertainment complex with over 150 stores and restaurants. Hotel shuttle available

2.1 km / 2-9 min drive

ICON Park

Entertainment Complex

Features The Wheel (400-foot observation wheel), dining, nightlife, and rides. BMES Member Appreciation Night will be held here on October 23

Approximately 5 miles northeast

Universal Orlando Resort

Theme Park

Universal Studios Florida and Islands of Adventure, featuring. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and other thrill rides

Approximately 10 miles northeast

SeaWorld Orlando

Theme Park / Aquarium

Marine-life theme park with roller coasters, animal encounters, and shows

Approximately 5 miles northeast

Hawk's Landing Golf Club

Golf

Championship golf course located at the Orlando World Center Marriott, offering a challenging round with scenic views

On-site / 6-9 min walk

Orlando Vineland Premium Outlets

Shopping

Over 160 designer and brand outlet stores with significant discounts

2.9 miles

Networking spots

Welcome Reception

Reception

Wednesday, October 21, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM in the Exhibit Hall. Open to all attendees

Exhibit Hall

Exhibition

Open Thursday 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM & 12:15 PM – 4:30 PM; Friday 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM & 12:00 PM – 4:30 PM; Saturday 10:00 AM – 2:30 PM

Hosted Receptions

Reception

Thursday, October 22. Specific times and locations to be announced.

Member Appreciation Night

Social

Friday, October 23 at ICON Park. Complimentary transportation from the hotel starting at 6:30 PM

Meet the Faculty Candidates Forum

Networking

Wednesday, October 21, 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM. A networking event for faculty candidates and search committees

Industry Mixer Networking Event

Networking

Friday, October 23. Ticketed event ($15)

Budget

Costs & budget

Shell scheme

Not yet confirmed

Raw space

USD 285–941 / m²

Standard booth

9.29 m²

Standard 10'x10' booth: Academic $2,650, Corporate $3,200. Premium 10'x10': Academic $2,800, Corporate $3,350. Larger sizes available at higher rates. Raw space per sqm calculated from standard 10x10 booth (approx 9.29 sqm). All booth packages include 2 full conference registrations, pipe and drape, 1 six-foot draped table, 2 chairs, and a wastebasket. Exhibitor Services Kit available via BMES exhibitor portal for furniture, carpet, shipping, electrical, and internet ordering.