The AACR Annual Meeting is returning to San Diego, from April 17 to 22, where the sun will not be the only thing shining. Some of the brightest minds in cancer research will gather at the San Diego Convention Center to share the latest advances in the field, forge connections with their peers, pick up new skills to help further their careers, and maybe even find time to enjoy the beautiful weather with a run to raise funds for research or by lunching on local fare from food trucks outside the convention center.

“The nice thing about San Diego is the weather is always perfect,” said Pamela Ballinger, CMP, vice president of Meetings and Exhibits at AACR. “But the meeting itself is the real highlight. It will be classic AACR, which means phenomenal, cutting-edge science.”

With so much happening over the course of six days, there is a lot for attendees to think about as they plan their itineraries. That planning can start by perusing the Online Itinerary Planner or downloading the AACR Annual Meeting App—both of which contain the full program as well as the proffered abstracts that will be presented at the meeting. A printable Program Guide will also become available on April 10.

One exciting development this year: Meeting registration includes access to the Educational Program. So, all registered attendees can check out the more than 65 Educational Sessions and Methods Workshops that will be presented on Friday, April 17, and Saturday, April 18. In-person and virtual attendees can also watch livestreams of these sessions—and all scientific sessions—on the virtual platform where recordings will remain available through the end of October.

As teased earlier, those headed to San Diego can also sign up to participate in the 2026 AACR Runners for Research 5K Run/Walk on Saturday morning with all proceeds going to cancer research. People are encouraged to run or stroll at their own pace—and even those not participating can still donate. Later on Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., the 2026 AACR Cancer and Biomedical Research Career Fair offers scientists at all levels the opportunity to seek employment within academia, government, or industry.

Young investigators can also look to make connections with potential collaborators and some of the most respected investigators in their fields during the AACR Networking Hubs on Sunday, April 19, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Later that night, attendees can see respected researchers in a completely different capacity—rocking out. The CheckPoints are once again performing at the Annual Reception from 8:30 to 11:30 p.m. (Learn more about The CheckPoints’ roster of music-loving immunologists on the AACR’s blog, Cancer Research Catalyst.)

“Everyone loves getting to see these scientists perform live,” Ballinger said. “I always stress that this event is for all attendees because it is just a lot of fun.”

Anyone who has yet to register or confirm their hotel can still do so through the official authorized registration site. Please be aware that some unauthorized companies are using deceptive advertising to direct users to fraudulent websites for registration and housing. Onsite registration will also be available each day of the meeting at the following times:

• Friday, April 17: 12-6 p.m.
• Saturday, April 18: 7 a.m.-6 p.m.
• Sunday, April 19: 7 a.m.-6 p.m.
• Monday, April 20: 7 a.m.-6 p.m.
• Tuesday, April 21: 7 a.m.-6 p.m.
• Wednesday, April 22: 7 a.m.-12 p.m.

Any attendees in need of special accommodations—such as auxiliary learning aids or special transportation—are encouraged to make those requests ahead of the meeting or go to Room 23 BC in the convention center during the meeting. Accommodations will also be available to nursing mothers and those in need of childcare services. AACR provides a Nursing Mothers Suite in Room 13 with additional Mamava Lactation Suites at Lobbies B and H on the ground level, Lobby 20 on the upper level, and outside Room 17 on the mezzanine level. The childcare program, administered by KiddieCorp, is available on a first-come, first-served basis, so attendees should try to request a spot ahead of time.

Those seeking lunch options may want to check out the food trucks that AACR is arranging to be available on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday between the convention center and the Hilton San Diego Bayfront. Attendees can either grab something quick and head to their next session or enjoy an outdoor meal at the provided tables nearby.

AACR will also help feed attendees’ appetites for information about everything happening at the meeting. Be sure to subscribe to get updates from AACR Annual Meeting News; follow #AACR26 on Bluesky, LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and your other social media channels; and check out the “Live Updates From the AACR Annual Meeting 2026” on Cancer Research Catalyst for session recaps and other highlights.

Register Today for the AACR Annual Meeting 2026 »

Don’t miss the world’s premier cancer research event, April 17 to 22 in San Diego. In-person and virtual registration packages include access to live sessions, Q&A, networking, CME/MOC credits for select sessions within the Educational Program, and more.