Frequently Asked Questions
Learn how to use the FAQ page to get answers to your most pressing questions.
Welcome to our Annual Meeting FAQ page, your go-to resource for all the information you need about our event. Here, you'll find answers to the most commonly asked questions, covering everything from registration and accommodations to event schedules and attendee services. Browse the FAQs to quickly find the information you need and ensure a smooth, enjoyable experience. If you have further questions, feel free to contact us directly.
Programming Questions
This section provides essential information about the program, helping you plan and make the most of your time at the event.
Yes! We’ve put together a helpful guide with tips for planning ahead, making connections, and navigating the meeting with confidence. Whether you're presenting, attending sessions, or hoping to expand your professional network, this resource is a great place to start.
👉 View Networking Tips & Tricks for the SGIM Annual Meeting
Registration for the SGIM Annual Meeting includes access to all general sessions, including workshops, plenaries, and poster presentations. Additionally, registrants can access networking events, mentoring opportunities, the career fair, and certain meals or refreshments, depending on the meeting program. Please note that there are a few separate fee events on Wednesday, including pre-courses and career development programs. For specific details, refer to the registration page.
Presenter Questions
This section provides essential information about the requirements, formats, and key dates for various presentation types, helping you prepare effectively for your session.
All attendees must register and pay registration fees set by the SGIM Council, regardless of whether they are presenting. One-day registration is not available.
Important: If you invite colleagues to speak in updates or workshops, make clear that your invitation does not include complimentary registration.
Poster Numbers
- Beginning Tuesday, April 21, poster numbers will be available in the SGIM meeting app by searching your last name or poster title in the Posters Tab.
- How do I read my poster number?
- PSX indicates your assigned session
- 000 is your assigned board number
- Example: PS1-010 means Poster Session 1, Board 10
- If you're presenting multiple posters in one session, they have been numbered consecutively.
Poster Design
- What format should my poster be? All posters must be designed in a horizontal format.
- What are the available sizes?
- 36" height x 72" width: Design at 18" x 36" (50% of final size)
- 42" height x 84" width: Design at 21" x 42" (50% of final size)
- What are some design tips?
- Make it visual with drawings, photos, charts, and graphs
- Create a clear left-to-right flow
- Use lines, frames, contrasting colors, or arrows for emphasis
- Choose a clean, consistent font (smallest letters at least ¼" tall/18 points)
- Limit to 4 colors for visual harmony
- Balance accuracy with visual appeal to avoid clutter
Poster Printing
- Do I need to submit my poster before the meeting? No, but you are responsible for bringing your printed poster.
- What are my printing options?
- Use our optional printing service for on-site pickup (orders must be placed at least seven business days before your presentation)
- Print independently and ship to your hotel
- Where can I place an order for on-site pickup? [See Poster Ordering Instructions below]
Poster Setup & Teardown
- When should I mount my poster in the poster hall? You must mount your poster in the poster hall 15 minutes prior to the start of your session (pins will be provided). You must remove your poster within 30 minutes of the poster session ending. Any unclaimed posters will be recycled.
Presenter Changes
- Can I change the listed presenter? The deadline to change presenters is March 3. After this date, changes will no longer be made to the agenda or mobile app.
- Can someone else present my poster? Yes, another registered meeting attendee may present your poster in an unofficial capacity. No additional action is required.
Poster Rescheduling
- Can I reschedule my poster? The deadline to request a new poster session has passed.
- What if I can't attend? You can ask another registered attendee to present for you or notify SGIM at annualmeeting@sgim.org to withdraw your poster.
Abstract Publication
- Will my abstract be published? All accepted and presented posters will be published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine supplement after the meeting.
- What if my abstract was accepted but I declined to present? These abstracts are not included in the supplement.
Before the Session
- Prepare a 1-minute summary/ elevator pitch of your poster (clear, jargon-free).
- Identify 2–3 key visuals to highlight during conversations.
- Have handouts or QR codes ready for attendees who want more info.
- Practice open-ended questions to start conversations (e.g., “How do you approach this in your practice?”).
During the Session
- Stand in front of your poster—avoid sitting or hiding behind tables.
- Smile and make eye contact with passersby.
- Greet attendees proactively: “Hi, would you like to hear about [topic]?”
- Use your elevator pitch when someone stops.
- Point to visuals to spark interest and guide discussion.
- Relate findings to clinical relevance: “This could impact patient care by…”
- Invite questions and listen actively.
- Engage groups by including everyone in the conversation.
- Avoid distractions—no phone use during your session.
Slow Periods
- Step forward and approach attendees nearby, introduce yourself, and invite them over.
- Ask a thought-provoking question related to your topic.
- Stay energetic and approachable throughout.
Poster Printing and Ordering Information (SGIM26)
All posters for the SGIM 2026 Annual Meeting will be printed on eco-friendly cotton fabric. Fabric posters are lightweight, reusable, easy to travel with, and reduce shipping and landfill waste.
All posters will be printed in advance and shipped to the conference site for on-site pickup.
Before You Start
Please note the following before placing your order:
- File format: PDF only, print-ready
- No changes allowed after submission
- All posters ship to the SGIM meeting site (no personal shipping)
Poster Ordering Deadlines
- Early bird pricing: Through April 12
- Regular pricing: April 13 – April 24
- On-site printing: Orders placed after April 24
- Requires at least 7 business days before your presentation
- Subject to print volume and availability
How to Order Your Poster
- Go to the ordering site
- Create an account
- Click Register
- Create a unique username and password
- Enter the registration code: Users@SGIM
- Select your poster
- After logging in, click POSTERS in the blue menu bar
- Choose Eco-friendly Fabric Poster
- Select your desired size.
- Add to cart
- Click the shopping cart icon (upper right)
- Enter shipping information
- Click Ship To
- Important: Enter only the SGIM conference address
- Click Update to save
- Upload your poster file
- Click Next: Add Files
- Upload your PDF file
- Confirm size and orientation. Set the page size in your design program to either 21"x 42" or 18"x 36".
- Once submitted, no file changes can be made
- Billing and payment
- Click Next: Billing
- Add an order name or PO number if desired
- Add a payment method and select it for checkout
- Review and submit
- Click Next: Final Review
- Review all details carefully
- Click Submit Order
After You Submit
- You will receive a confirmation email with your order number
- Save your order number
You will need it to pick up your poster on site
On-Site Pickup
All posters will be available for pickup at the designated poster pickup room at the meeting. Details will be shared closer to the conference.
Q: Where can I learn more about the requirements, format, and key dates for Clinical Vignettes, Scientific Abstracts, and Innovations?
A: You can find detailed information, including submission guidelines, presentation formats, and deadlines, by visiting the following pages:
How should I prepare for my presentation?
- Oral Presentation Tips - View our guide on slide design, formatting, and effective presentation strategies.
- Workshop Presentation Tips - Practical strategies to help you optimize your session from planning to presentation day.
- Disclosure Requirements: All presentations must include a Disclosure slide at the beginning that acknowledges disclosures for all submitted authors.
What time should I arrive for my presentation?
- Plenary Presenters: Please arrive at your designated room at least 30 minutes prior to the start of the session (not your individual presentation time).
- Oral Presenters: Please arrive at your designated room at least 15 minutes prior to the start of your session (not your individual presentation time).
Where and when should I submit my presentation files?
- Submission Location: Bring your presentation file(s) on a flash/thumb drive to the Speaker Ready Room.
- Submission Timing: Submit your files the day before your presentation and no later than 3 hours before your scheduled presentation time.
- Speaker Ready Room Location: The Speaker Ready Room will be located at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center (specific room to be announced).
What equipment will be available for my presentation?
- Standard Equipment: Each presentation room will be equipped with a computer, projector, and screen.
- Supported Formats: PowerPoint and PDF presentations are supported. Videos embedded in PowerPoint must be tested in the Speaker Ready Room prior to your session.
- Personal Devices: While the use of personal laptops is discouraged, if necessary, please bring any required adapters and test your setup in the Speaker Ready Room before your session.
What is the time allotment for oral presentations?
- Presentation Length: Your specific time allotment is detailed in the confirmation email you received. Most oral abstracts are allotted 10-15 minutes, including Q&A.
- Time Management: Session moderators will enforce time limits strictly to ensure all presenters have equal opportunity to present.
What if I need to withdraw or change presenters?
- Presenter Changes: If you are unable to present and wish to designate an alternate presenter, please email annualmeeting@sgim.org as soon as possible. The alternate presenter must be registered for the meeting.
- Withdrawals: If you need to withdraw your presentation, please notify SGIM immediately at annualmeeting@sgim.org.
Will my presentation be recorded or published?
- Recording Policy: Sessions may be recorded for educational purposes. By presenting at SGIM26 you consent to having your presentation recorded.
- Publication: Abstracts from oral presentations will be published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine supplement following the meeting.
Additional Questions?
If you have any other questions regarding your oral presentation at SGIM26, please contact the SGIM staff at annualmeeting@sgim.org.
- Pair up with a nearby presenter during a lull or scheduled time.
- Present your poster in 1–2 minutes—focus on the main message and key findings.
- Listen actively when your peer presents their poster.
- After each presentation, provide:
- One positive takeaway (e.g., “I liked how you highlighted clinical relevance.”)
- One constructive suggestion (e.g., “Consider making the graph labels larger for clarity.”)
- Keep feedback specific and actionable, not general.
- Thank your peer and note any ideas you can apply to your own poster.
- Repeat with another nearby presenter if time allows.
Travel and Logistics
This section offers crucial information on accommodations, transportation, and onsite arrangements to ensure a smooth and well-organized experience at the SGIM Annual Meeting.
Yes. SGIM offers discounted meeting registration rates for medical students and residents.
You can view all SGIM26 registration rates here: https://annualmeeting.sgim.org/register/
Q: I need to change or cancel my registration. What are my options?
A: All cancellation requests must be made in writing and sent to annualmeeting@sgim.org. Please refer to the following cancellation schedule:
- Until March 9, 2026: Full refund (less $75 administrative fee)
- March 10 – April 13, 2026: 50% refund
- After April 14, 2026: No refund
Refunds, if applicable, will be processed within 7-10 business days.
For full details on how to proceed, please refer to the Registration Policies page.
A: No, there will not be a virtual option available for SGIM26.
Q: Is there a lactation room available at the SGIM26 Annual Meeting?
A: Yes, a dedicated lactation suite will be available at the conference hotel. The suite will include a mini-refrigerator, chairs, and electrical outlets. To access the room, please check in with the Registration Desk staff for further instructions.
Q: Can I bring breast milk, formula, and related supplies through airport security?
A: Yes, formula, breast milk, toddler drinks, and baby/toddler food in quantities greater than 3.4 ounces are allowed in carry-on baggage. These items do not need to fit within a quart-sized bag, as they are considered medically necessary liquids. Cooling accessories, such as ice packs, freezer packs, and gel packs, are also allowed. Your child does not need to be present for you to bring these items. Be sure to inform the TSA officer at the beginning of the screening process.
For more details, refer to TSA guidelines here.
Q: Are there options for shipping expressed breast milk to and from the SGIM26 Annual Meeting?
A: Yes, there are several services available that allow you to ship expressed breast milk in temperature-controlled packages to and from the meeting. This can be a convenient option if you prefer not to carry breast milk during travel. Check your institution’s travel policies to see if shipping breast milk will be reimbursed.
Shipping Options Include:
- FedEx
- Milk concierge services such as Save the Milk, Milkstork, and Maven Milk
Note: SGIM lists these services for illustrative purposes only and does not endorse any specific service. Other shipping services may be available.
Q: How can I connect with others to share housing, airport shuttles, or carpools for the SGIM Annual Meeting?
A: You can use the GIM Connect community to share housing, airport shuttles, and carpools with other SGIM members. To view and post in the discussion, go to the community home on GIM Connect (you must be logged in to view the full discussion or post).
Important Tips:
- Include the specific meeting you are posting about in the subject line (e.g., SGIM26 or Southern Regional Meeting 2026) to avoid confusion if multiple meetings are happening simultaneously.
- To protect your privacy, do not include your email address or phone number in your post. Instead, use the community’s secure communication features (e.g., Reply Inline, Reply to Sender).
After the Event Questions
This section provides essential information on how to claim CME and MOC credits, access post-meeting materials, and stay connected with the SGIM community following the Annual Meeting.
Claiming CME and MOC Credit for SGIM25
The period to request CME and MOC credit for SGIM25 is now closed.
To have received credit, attendees were required to complete the Overall Meeting Evaluation and, if applicable, the MOC Assessment by June 16, 2025. A separate evaluation was required for any pre-courses attended.
If you have questions or believe you completed the requirements but did not receive credit, please contact GIMLearn@sgim.org for assistance.
You can access your receipt by logging into the SGIM Member Portal at https://sgim.users.membersuite.com and following the steps outlined here.
If you prefer, you may also email us at support@sgim.org, and we’ll be happy to send you a copy.
Q: When and where will the 2027 SGIM Annual Meeting take place?
A: We are excited to announce that the 2027 SGIM Annual Meeting will be held from May 5 to May 8, 2027, in Seattle, Washington. The event will be a fantastic opportunity to gather with physicians, researchers, and experts in general internal medicine. We hope you join us!
For a list of future SGIM Annual Meetings, click here.
Career Fair & Exhibitor Questions
Considering showcasing your organization at the SGIM Annual Meeting? Our Exhibitor FAQs provide everything you need to know, from available exhibit packages and add-ons to the application process.
Q: Who attends the SGIM Annual Meeting, and who will I reach as an exhibitor?
A: SGIM26 attracts a diverse community of general internal medicine professionals from across the country. Exhibitors gain visibility with leaders from top medical schools, teaching hospitals, and healthcare systems, as well as educators, researchers, clinicians, and administrators. Attendees include department chairs, deans, division chiefs, residency and clerkship directors, clinician educators, investigators, residents, fellows, and medical students.
Q: What are the main benefits of exhibiting at SGIM26?
A: Exhibiting offers unmatched opportunities to:
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Interact face-to-face with over 2,600 academic physicians and healthcare leaders.
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Launch new products and services in a high-traffic exhibit space.
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Strengthen brand awareness and build new business connections.
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Showcase your innovations to an audience eager to collaborate and exchange ideas.
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Participate in conference sessions as a registered exhibitor (note: CME credit not included).
Q: What networking opportunities are included with my exhibitor package?
A: Exhibitors are invited to join the Wednesday evening Welcome Reception, as well as breakfast, lunch, and coffee breaks on Thursday and Friday, and breakfast on Saturday. These shared times bring high traffic to the exhibit hall and provide multiple touchpoints to connect with attendees.
Q: Are there add-on opportunities to increase visibility?
A: Yes. Add-ons include Career Center postings, Mobile App banner ads, and Refreshment Stops in the exhibit hall. These provide additional exposure and ways to engage attendees beyond your booth. Contact annualmeeting@sgim.org to explore other sponsorship ideas.
Payment in full is required upon approval of the application, with online credit card payment preferred (checks also accepted). All payments must be received by Friday, April 13, 2026. Applications are required for all exhibitors and will be reviewed within one week of submission; approval is not guaranteed. Career Center postings and Mobile App banner ads will be created only after payment is received.
Exhibitor Cancellation Policy:
All cancellation requests must be made in writing and sent to annualmeeting@sgim.org. Please refer to the following cancellation schedule:
- Until March 9, 2026: Full refund (less $75 administrative fee)
- March 10 – April 13, 2026: 50% refund
- After April 14, 2026: No refund
Refunds, if applicable, will be processed within 7-10 business days.
Q: How can I apply to be an exhibitor at the SGIM Annual Meeting?
A: The SGIM Annual Meeting Exhibitor Prospectus will be available in Fall 2025.
For more information and updates, please visit the Expo & Career Fair page.
