Cover Story | ACC.25: Breakthrough Science, Bold Ideas, Unmatched Fun
Ask Katie Berlacher, MD, MS, FACC, who chairs the ACC's Annual Scientific Session, for one word to describe this year's meeting in Chicago and she doesn't hesitate: "Fun!"
"Fun while learning is our goal," she says. "ACC.25 will highlight innovative and practice-changing science while also creating a conference that feels like a party with your friends and colleagues so that learning itself is joyful."
The sense of fun is critical to the foundational nature of adult learning, according to Berlacher. While didactic sessions remain valuable to educational programming, they are now complemented by creative advances in education such as gamification and interactivity.
For instance, at ACC.25 attendees will apply the new peripheral artery disease guidelines in "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire" and compete against experts in the pulmonary hypertension trivia challenge. The "Family Feud" approach to critical care cardiology is sure to keep everyone learning while also laughing a bit. Each of the 10 featured pathways will have one session in the Gameshow Room, which features its own stage, audiovisual setup, and dynamic lighting to create an immersive learning environment.
The fun continues on the Engage Stage with presentations including the Young Investigator Awards, Heart Tank for the Cardiovascular Investigator, and skit-based TED talk style debates on critical care cardiology. One of the most anticipated Engage Stage sessions is always the Battle of the Chapters FIT Jeopardy Competition, which draws a standing room-only crowd. "It's a blast to see the next generation of cardiologists answer hard questions and compete with each other for the title," says Berlacher.
This is Berlacher's first year chairing the meeting, and she's reveling in it. "I am lucky to be able to attend a number of meetings throughout the year," she says. "And I love those meetings. They have great science, great lectures, great people. But I have yet to see a meeting that has the diversity of formatting and education that we have in place this year at ACC.25."
"The primary reason people come to live meetings is to interact with one another and it's also the best way for adults to learn," says ACC.25 Vice Chair Julie Damp, MD, FACC. "The inclusion of more engagement and interactive learning greatly enhances the experiences and knowledge exchanges that occur at the meeting."
Wisdom. Innovation. Inspiration.
Hear from an exciting lineup of leading experts, researchers and visionaries as part of five named Keynote presentations during ACC.25. Click here for Keynote details.
ACC's strengths when it comes to delivering cutting-edge clinical guidance, actionable knowledge and education are on full display at the meeting. "ACC.25 operationalizes the ACC's Mission in 72 hours," says Cardiovascular Team Lead Kimberly Guibone, DNP, ACNP-BC, FACC
"The meeting is a critical part of achieving the ACC's Mission of transforming cardiovascular care and improving heart health for all," Damp says. Attendees can "spend a focused, condensed amount of time getting high-yield, practice-changing science as part of our lifelong learning, engage with people who are at the forefront of that science, and leave with practical knowledge they can implement into practice from day one."
Two new formats debut this year: Fireside Chats and Town Hall sessions. "The goal with the Fireside Chat is to create an opportunity for more intimate conversations with the crowd and the experts on the stage much like being in your own home with a friend," Berlacher says. Meanwhile, the Town Hall format emphasizes continuous audience participation with moderators moving through the crowd during the session to facilitate real-time interaction.
And, in a first for the meeting, ACC.25 features a crowdsourced session developed through social media and online engagement. "We sent out a request announcing that we had one open session, and we wanted to hear from everyone as to what topics were not yet a part of the program," Berlacher says. More than 50 people responded, and, after identifying key themes and putting three to a social media vote, the crowdsourced winner is a session on private equity in cardiology, which will be held in the Town Hall classroom on Monday.
The theme of this year's Intensive Session is Artificial Intelligence in Cardiology. "Artificial intelligence (AI) is a huge tsunami that's coming towards health care and we need to be educated on how to use it safely and make it better," says Guibone.
"I'm really excited about the Intensive portion focusing on AI," says Damp. "It's something for which I have a big learning gap and I need to add to my own skill set." In addition, AI topics will be woven throughout the meeting, including Heart2Heart sessions and a session in the Main Hall Tent moderated by ACC Chief Innovation Officer Ami B. Bhatt, MD, FACC.
Share the Love … For ACC Blue
Go all in on ACC Blue on Monday, March 31! Think blue shoes, blue shirts, blue pants, blue socks, blue dresses – if it's blue, it's fair game. Pack your suitcase or swing by the ACC Store in ACC Central to grab some branded gear. The sky's the limit – so go bold, go blue, and let's make Monday pop! Extra points if you snap a photo on the Bridge to the Future and share on social media using #ACC25.
A returning hit is The Future Hub: Cardiology 2050, which showcases the role of digital health, big data, medical devices, telehealth, precision health, virtual care and health care analytics, among other areas, in the future of the field. The Future Hub's theater will host live presentations from medical and technology professionals as well as the ACC.25 Innovation Challenge, in which entrepreneurs will pitch their ideas for products and services in digital health and medical devices.
Following its success last year, the Health Equity Hub returns to the Expo floor. The dedicated space facilitates learning, networking and discussions around providing and achieving equitable cardiovascular care. Sessions include addressing access challenges for rural populations; barriers to advanced cardiac imaging in underserved communities; cultural competency; pharmacy deserts; food insecurity; and maternal health equity. Back by popular demand, attendees can once again interact with a health equity heat map showing cardiovascular disease burden across the U.S. and globally.
Indeed, the global impact of cardiovascular medicine is also a highlight with 14 joint symposia with partner cardiovascular societies addressing challenges in preventable deaths, global disease burden and emerging clinical topics. In addition, the World Heart Federation Heart Café in the Global Meet-Up lounge will host discussions on issues like Chagas disease, air pollution and the impact of climate change on cardiovascular health.
This year's meeting also introduces "Featured Fields," focused areas that have evolved from previous Special Topics tracks. These include critical care cardiology, cardio-oncology, cardio-obstetrics, sports cardiology, geriatric cardiology and the business of cardiology. "We acknowledge that they're not necessarily transient, which Special Topics implied at one point," Damp says. "These are very important areas that people really enjoy emphasizing and learning."
ACC.25 App: Your All-in-One Guide to ACC.25 – Right at Your Fingertips!
From planning to networking to learning, the ACC.25 App is your go-to tool for making the most of the conference! Build your itinerary, explore the Expo, and navigate the convention center with ease. Use Peer Finder to connect with colleagues, join the fun with the Where's Artie? Scavenger Hunt, and get instant access to live-streamed sessions, interactive polls, and downloadable slides. Plus, claim credit seamlessly and stay in the loop with real-time updates and ACC's social media feeds. Search ACC.25 in your app store and download it today!
Late-breaking clinical trials (LBCTs) remain a cornerstone of the meeting. "This year's LBCTs are outstanding, mind blowing, really awesome science," she says, "and we can't wait to share them with colleagues around the world. The outcomes of these trials are sure to change our practice."
New this year is the "After Chat" area in the Meet-Up Zone in the Lounge & Learn Pavilion where attendees can meet with trialists after LBCT presentations, as well as guideline authors and experts from the AI Intensive and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This is yet another opportunity for attendees to interact in a small and engaging setting.
A key focus for ACC.25 is creating an environment where attendees feel comfortable pushing beyond their comfort zones and trying new things, Berlacher says, "as that is when we learn the most."
"Unlike in our day-to-day practice, where trying something new or different may be risky, the meeting is a safe space," she says. "We welcome everyone to try something new and learn something different than they would at home."
Speaking of safe spaces. . . The puppies are back! All available for adoption, they will be in the Relax & Recharge Lounge, which can be found in the new Heart Park area of the Expo, to help attendees decompress. "Even if you're not looking for a new furry friend, it's a space to go and relax and get a little unconditional love," Damp says. Side note: All of last year's puppies found their forever homes.
Teamwork Matters
ACC.25 continues the College's commitment to team-based cardiovascular care through dedicated programming and leadership structure. "We recognize the need for every member of the heart team to walk away with practical advice and instructions on how to better daily practice," says Guibone. "Whether you're interested in newly released research, pharmaceutical management of cardiovascular disease states, troubleshooting procedural complications, or learning more about the business side of cardiology and program development, all members of the CV Team will find value in attending."
The emphasis on the entire team, not just physicians, is critically important, Guibone adds. "Members of the CV Team don't often have an opportunity to meet other members of the team nationally and establish those connections to improve patient care on a broader level. It's the opportunity to meet and greet, to exchange ideas, to come up with new innovations, and to build a network you can lean on later and use for future opportunities."
Click here for highlights about programming for the CV Team and to plan your best meeting.
Artificial Intelligence: The Basics and Beyond
Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing cardiovascular medicine – and it's taking center stage at ACC.25. This year's two-day Intensive program will showcase how this ever-evolving technology can be incorporated into practice and lead to better patient care.
Co-chaired by Srinath Adusumalli, MD, FACC, and David Ouyang, MD, FACC, the Intensive kicks off on Saturday, with "The Machines Are Coming! Basics of Clinical Augmented Intelligence For the Practicing Clinician." Learn the basics of AI and receive a run-down on the most effective AI-based tools for your practice. Plus, don't miss the 56th Annual Louis F. Bishop Keynote, "Past, Present and Future of Clinical AI in Cardiovascular Medicine," delivered by John S. Rumsfeld, MD, PhD, MACC.
On Sunday, go "Diving Into the Weeds" to discuss the practical considerations for implementing AI in practice. Learn how AI is changing business models, engage in discussion around malpractice risks, better understand government regulation, and more.
"The vast amount of medical data available exceeds human capacity, necessitating AI to distill relevant information," says ACC Chief Innovation Officer Ami B. Bhatt, MD, FACC. "Clinicians need to understand AI to decide the best steps for patient care."
See It, Try It, Learn It: ACC.25 Expo Awaits
More than 300 exhibiting companies and organizations will showcase the latest advances in pharmaceuticals, imaging, devices, health IT and the services needed to provide high-quality care to patients as part of the ACC.25 Expo.
Be sure to visit ACC Central to discover how ACC is leading the way in transforming cardiovascular care for all. Learn more about membership benefits, NCDR and ACC Accreditation efforts, education programs and products and so much more. Also, stop by the ACC Store to pick up some ACC swag, including something blue to wear on Monday's "ACC Wears Blue Day."
Plus, take advantage of the following five Learning Destinations offering new and creative ways to expand your educational experience:
- Future Hub – Explore the latest in digital health, medical devices, and big data and see who wins this year's Innovation Challenge in this interactive space showcasing the future of cardiovascular care.
- Health Equity Hub – Engage in sessions and demos focused on advancing health equity and fostering collaboration in cardiology.
- Industry-Expert Theaters – Gain insights from experts during 65 different sessions focused on cutting-edge cardiovascular practices, services, and technologies – plus, enjoy refreshments during break-time presentations.
- Innovation Stage – Join focused, 30-minute discussions in a relaxed theater setting featuring the latest innovations in cardiology.
- Interactive Learning Labs – Get hands-on with new technology and expert-led training as companies step beyond their booths to bring education directly to you.
The Engage Stage also makes its return to the Expo and will serve as the home for some of the most popular sessions like the Young Investigator Award presentations and FIT Jeopardy.
As always, the Relax & Recharge Lounge will offer a place to recharge mobile devices and one's own well-being with some puppy love. Other Expo features include free nonfasting lipid screening for Lp(a) and hs-CRP, and the ever-popular Portrait Lounge for updating your professional headshot.
Game On!
Get ready for high-stakes fun in the ACC.25 Gameshow Room.
Which interventional trial will take the crown in the March Madness-style showdown? Will you keep the rhythm or "Let the Beat Drop" as you put your ECG skills to the test?
Join the excitement as all-star cardiac imaging experts face off in a Jeopardy-style battle, tackling the trickiest cases. Think you've got what it takes? Step up and challenge the pros in a fast-paced clinical trivia showdown covering the latest guidelines.
A perfect mix of education and entertainment, jump in, cheer loud, and test your cardiology IQ. Additional Gameshow Room highlights include:
- Cardio Clash: Imaging Jeopardy Extravaganza (#210)
- Who Wants to Be a Millionaire: PAD Guidelines! (#226)
- "Oh Crap" Ischemic Heart Disease Cases: Audience Versus Expert (#242)
- Tackling Cardio-Ob Myths: Battle of the Cardio-Ob Teams (#326)
- Fontan Fiascos (#358)
- Critical Care Cardiology International Family Feud... The Gloves Are Off (#390)
- The Great GDMT Debates: A Heart Failure Family Feud (#426)
- Cardio Clash: Faculty Face-Off on Cardiovascular Health (#458)
See It First: Late-Breaking Clinical Trials
Late-Breaking Clinical Trials (LBCTs) are among the hallmarks of ACC's Annual Scientific Session, delivering the hottest, just-released findings that will shape the future of cardiology. Don't miss your chance to hear it first, debate the data, and engage with experts across six must-see LBCT sessions (below), five Featured Clinical Research (FCR) sessions and two Clinical and Investigative Horizon sessions spanning all three days.
The excitement kicks off Saturday in the Main Tent, right after the Opening Showcase – be there as investigators for WARRIOR, STRIDE and API-CAT trials take center stage.
Click here for complete details.
Zone-ing In On Community
The all-new Lounge & Learn Pavilion, in North Hall B, is your go-to destination for making connections, joining engaging sessions and diving into interactive learning.
This dynamic hub is designed with you in mind and features four exciting zones:
- The Gathering Zone: A lively space where attendees can mingle, relax and connect. Everyone is invited, and there are designated spots for members of the CV Team, Young Professionals and Women in Cardiology.
- The Education Zone: With three engaging theaters, this zone is packed with professional development and nonclinical sessions that will inspire and inform. Plus, don't miss the return of the Heart2Heart Stage, featuring powerful discussions on key issues shaping the future of cardiology! Click here for Heart2Heart sessions.
- The Personalized Skills Zone: This immersive space lets you sharpen both procedural and decision-making skills through interactive, hands-on learning experiences. Returning for its second year and not to be missed is the Escape Room! Click here for details about the stations and sessions in this zone.
- The Meet-Up Zone: Keep the conversation going! This interactive space is perfect for connecting with speakers, panelists and fellow attendees in After-Chats, where you can ask questions, share insights and explore real-world applications of cutting-edge research.
The Lounge & Learn Pavilion is also home to exclusive spaces like the Faculty Lounge, and the all-new FACC/AACC Lounge – where MACC, FACC and AACC members can enjoy complimentary coffee or lunch, join exclusive Meet and Greet sessions, and snap a photo with friends. It's also home to the HeartPAC Lounge where domestic members can learn more about the College's U.S. advocacy work to advance health policies that protect patient access to care.
Whether you're looking to learn, connect or simply recharge, the Lounge & Learn Pavilion is the place to be.
Make the Most of ACC Anywhere
All ACC.25 attendees (in-person and virtual) receive one year of free access to ACC Anywhere, the College's comprehensive video library.
Likened as the "Netflix of cardiology," ACC Anywhere will feature on-demand access to 200+ sessions from ACC.25. New this year, ACC Anywhere will also include access to daily science wrap-ups and quick-take videos featuring key ACC leaders and trial investigators.
Make the most of your subscription and activate your account at ACC.org/Anywhere.
Observing Eid al-Fitr? Need a Place For Prayer and Reflection?
We recognize and respect the diverse beliefs of our attendees and want to ensure everyone feels welcome. A dedicated prayer and meditation room is available for all faiths and spiritual practices. Those observing Eid al-Fitr or other religious traditions during ACC.25 are welcome to use this quiet space as needed.
Follow Along With #ACC25
Follow the ACC on X, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, BlueSky and YouTube for highlights from ACC.25. Be sure to tag @ACCinTouch and @JACCJournals and use the hashtag #ACC25 in your posts. A special thanks to Social Media Ambassadors with perspectives from across the College's membership. Learn more about who to follow and to access ACC's official Hashtag Guide.
Not on social media? ACC.org will be providing comprehensive daily news coverage from the meeting, including summaries on the hottest Late-Breaking Clinical Trials and Featured Clinical Research studies, visual abstracts, video wrap-ups and more. Bookmark ACC.org/ACC2025 for all the meeting news coverage. In addition, in-person attendees can pick up a copy of the ACC.25 Daily newspaper located throughout the Convention Center each morning to read all about the day's highlights.
Join the Fun – Virtually
Can't make it to Chicago? Join ACC.25@Home and live stream the latest breakthroughs and top sessions from ACC.25 – wherever you are. Watch the Opening Session, six Late-Breaking Clinical Trial sessions, five Featured Clinical Research sessions, a Late-Breaker Deep Dive session, a Clinical and Investigative Horizons session, 11 Town Halls, and evening Clinical Spotlight discussions. Plus, gain exclusive access to 4,000 ePosters and enjoy a one-year subscription to ACC Anywhere.
ACC.25 Finale: A Celebration of Achievements and New Beginnings
Close out ACC.25 with the annual Convocation and Closing Ceremonies on Monday at 3:45 p.m. CT. Don't miss the chance to celebrate the many distinguished accomplishments of ACC members around the world, welcome new Fellows and Associates to the ACC family, and recognize Christopher M. Kramer, MD, FACC, as the College's next president.
Presided over by outgoing ACC President Cathleen Biga, MSN, FACC, the time-honored tradition will usher hundreds of new Fellows and Associates into the College and honor the mentors, educators, scientists and difference-makers who make up this year's Distinguished Award winners. Recipients of the Hani Najm Global Scholar Awards, ACC/ABC/Merck Research Fellowship Awards, Proctor Harvey Awards, and William A. Zoghbi International Research Award will also be celebrated.
Convocation is also an important time for recognizing global partners, who share the College's Mission to transform cardiovascular care and improve heart health for all. It also marks the transition to the next ACC President.
"As I look back on this extraordinary year, I am overwhelmed with gratitude, pride, and a sense of accomplishment," says Biga. "This year has been exhilarating, unique and undeniably one of the most momentous of my career. Passing the chain to Christopher M. Kramer, MD, FACC, will be the honor of a lifetime. With his leadership and the guidance of ACC's CEO Cathleen C. Gates and the entire Board of Trustees, I am confident that ACC will continue to deliver immense value to our members around the world."
Click here for more information and don't forget to stay for the reception immediately following.
Keywords: Cardiology Magazine, ACC Publications, Artificial Intelligence, ACC Annual Scientific Session, ACC25
