Congress Dates

September 15-18, 2026

Important Dates for Your Calendar

  • March 17, 2026 – Abstract Submission Deadline
  • June 23, 2026 – Early Registration Deadline
  • Aug 11, 2026 – Late Breaking Abstract Submission Deadline
  • September 15-18, 2026 – SIOP 2026 Congress

Venue

Henry B. González Convention Center

Address: 900 E Market St, San Antonio, TX 78205, USA

Website: www.sahbgcc.com

Format

The congress will be held in-person, and all sessions will be recorded and made available on-demand (no live broadcasting).

Visa Processes and Entry Requirements

Visa regulations for entering the United States depend on your nationality and country of origin. It is recommended that you contact your nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for full and official instructions on the specific visa requirements and application procedures that apply to you.

It is the responsibility of the traveller to obtain a visa if required.

How to Enter the USA

Most travellers to the United States need a visa unless they are from a Visa Waiver Program (VWP) country, in which case they may apply for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) online before arrival.

Common types of U.S. visas include:

  • B-1/B-2: Business or tourist visas

  • F-1: Student visa

  • J-1: Exchange visitor visa

  • H-1B: Work visa

In addition to a visa or ESTA, travellers must have a valid passport and may need to provide proof of onward travel, financial means, or other supporting documents, depending on the visa type.

For detailed guidance, visit the U.S. Department of State’s travel website or your local U.S. Embassy/Consulate.

Upon request, the SIOP 2026 Congress Secretariat will send personal invitation letters to participants.

This invitation is prepared solely for visa applications. It is not a commitment on the part of the organisers to provide any financial support or confirmation of inclusion in the Scientific Programme.

Liability and Insurance

The Congress Secretariat and organisers cannot accept liability for personal accidents or loss of or damage to the private property of participants. Participants are advised to arrange their own individual travel and health insurance for the duration of the trip.

Weather

September in San Antonio, Texas, is still part of the late summer season, bringing hot and humid weather. Temperatures typically range between 23°C to 34°C (74°F to 93°F), with occasional afternoon thunderstorms. Days are generally sunny and warm, while evenings can be slightly cooler but still comfortable. Light, breathable clothing is recommended, along with sun protection such as a hat or sunscreen. Carrying a small umbrella or rain jacket can be useful for the occasional rain shower.

Currency

The United States dollar (sign: $; code: USD) is the currency of the United States. The dollar uses the symbol “$” and is subdivided into 100 cents, symbol “¢”. International credit cards such as American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard, and Visa are widely accepted throughout the United States, including San Antonio, Texas. ATMs and currency exchange services are readily available in major areas such as airports, banks, and tourist locations.

For exchange rates: www.xe.com

​Time Zone

Central Daylight Time (CDT) — GMT/UTC-5

Safety and Security

Follow the same rules of safety that you follow while travelling anywhere else with respect to using hotel safe deposit boxes and keeping travel documents safe.

  • When in public places, keep them in your hotel or with you all the time when moving about.
  • Always carry the hotel address with you when you leave the hotel.
  • Do not leave bags/mobile phones unattended.

​Language

The official language of the SIOP 2026 Congress is English.

Clothing

During the entire meeting, attire will be informal.

Electricity 

In San Antonio, Texas (and throughout the United States), the standard electricity supply is 120V with a frequency of 60Hz. The U.S. uses Type A and Type B electrical plugs:

  • Type A: Two flat parallel pins

  • Type B: Two flat parallel pins plus a grounding pin

If you are travelling from a country that uses a different plug type or voltage, you may need a plug adapter and, if your device is not dual-voltage (e.g., “100–240V”), a voltage converter to safely use your electronics.

Useful Telephone Numbers

The emergency telephone number in San Antonio, as well as throughout the USA, is 911. This number can be dialled for police, fire, medical emergencies, or any other urgent assistance.

CME Credits

As in previous SIOP Congresses, an application will be made to the European Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (EACCME). The EACCME is an Institution of the European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS).

Family/Nursing Room

A complimentary lounge area will offer comfortable seating, baby-changing facilities and convenient access to power (please inquire at the registration desk for more detailed information). Parents or adult guardians must always accompany children in the family lounge.

Please note that childcare is not provided.

Consent to Use of Images 

Registration and attendance at the SIOP Annual Congress constitute an agreement by the registrant to the use of the attendees’ image or voice in photograph, video, audio, electronic or other reproduction formats, at such event for distribution on SIOP’s congress and society website or in print, digital or other promotional materials, without your express written or verbal permission.

Code of Conduct 

SIOP is committed to providing a safe, productive, and welcoming environment for all meeting participants and staff. All participants, including but not limited to attendees, speakers, volunteers, exhibitors/sponsors, staff members, service providers, and all others, are expected to abide by this Meeting Code of Conduct.

SIOP has zero tolerance for any form of discrimination or harassment, including but not limited to sexual harassment by participants or our staff at our meetings. If you experience harassment or hear of any incidents of unacceptable behaviour, SIOP asks that you contact our office by calling +41 79 687 9163 so we can take the appropriate action.

Unacceptable Behaviour is defined as:

  • Harassment, intimidation, or discrimination in any form.
  • Verbal abuse of any attendee, speaker, volunteer, staff member, service provider, or other meeting guest.
  • Examples of verbal abuse include, but are not limited to, verbal comments related to gender, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, religion, national origin, inappropriate use of nudity and/or sexual images in public spaces or in presentations, or threatening or stalking any attendee, speaker, volunteer, staff member, service provider, or other meeting guest.
  • Disruption of presentations during sessions or at other events organised by SIOP throughout the congress. All participants must comply with the instructions of the moderator and any congress staff.
  • Presentations, postings, and messages should not contain promotional materials, special offers, job offers, product announcements, or solicitations for services. SIOP reserves the right to remove such messages and potentially ban sources of those solicitations.
  • Participants should not take photos of slides or record any session on their mobile devices during the congress.

SIOP reserves the right to take any action deemed necessary and appropriate, including immediate removal from the meeting without warning or refund, in response to any incident of unacceptable behaviour.

SIOP 2026 Congress Secretariat

1-3 Rue de Chantepoulet

PO Box 1726

CH-1211 Geneva 1, Switzerland

Tel: + 41 22 908 0488
Fax: + 41 22 732 2850

Email: siop@kenes.com