SOFT–TIAFT 2026 Annual Meeting FAQs

Planning Your Trip

When and where is the SOFT–TIAFT 2026 Annual Meeting?

The SOFT–TIAFT 2026 Annual Meeting will be held September 19–24, 2026, at the Hilton Chicago in Chicago, Illinois.

What dates should I plan to attend?

Your travel dates depend on which portions of the meeting you plan to attend.

Workshops are scheduled for Sunday, September 20 and Monday, September 21, 2026. If you are attending a morning workshop, you should plan to arrive the day before your workshop.

Attendees who are not attending workshops should review the meeting schedule before making travel plans.

Is transportation provided from the airport to the hotel?

No. Airport transportation is not provided by SOFT, TIAFT, or the Hilton Chicago.

Attendees are responsible for making their own transportation arrangements from the airport to the hotel. The Hilton Chicago can assist guests with transportation questions or arrangements.

For assistance, contact the Hilton Chicago:

Phone: +1 312-922-4400
Email: [email protected]

Meeting Schedule

Where can I find the meeting schedule?

A general meeting schedule is available now and will be updated as more details are finalized.

Will more schedule details be added?

Yes. Additional details will be added as they become available, including session information, room assignments, and other meeting activities.

When will the scientific schedule be available?

The full scientific schedule will be posted when it is finalized. Until then, attendees should use the current meeting schedule for general planning purposes.

Should I wait for the full scientific schedule before making travel plans?

No. The current meeting dates and general schedule can be used for travel planning. The full scientific schedule will provide more detail about specific presentations and sessions, but the overall meeting dates and structure are already available.

Hotel

Where should I stay?

The meeting will be held at the Hilton Chicago, which is also the official meeting hotel. Attendees are encouraged to book through the official SOFT hotel reservation link to receive the meeting rate and be included in the official room block.

What is the hotel reservation deadline?

The hotel reservation cutoff date is Monday, August 24, 2026. After that date, the hotel may not honor the SOFT–TIAFT meeting rate.

Rooms in the SOFT–TIAFT block are available on a first-come, first-served basis and may sell out before the cutoff date.

Is a deposit required when I book my hotel room?

Yes. A deposit equal to one night’s room and tax is due when you make your reservation.

Can I cancel my hotel reservation?

Yes. Hotel reservations are fully refundable if canceled at least 72 hours before the meeting.

How do I know if a hotel email or call is legitimate?

Please be cautious with third-party hotel or housing companies. Official hotel information will be available through SOFT communications and the official meeting website. When in doubt, use the links provided by SOFT or contact the SOFT office before making a reservation.

Registration

How do I register?

Registration is available online through the SOFT–TIAFT 2026 Annual Meeting registration form. Please review the registration options carefully before submitting your registration.

What is included with my meeting registration?

Your meeting registration includes all official meeting programming and events, from the Opening Ceremony through the Closing Banquet.

The only exceptions are optional Wednesday excursions, which require separate reservations and payment.

Can I change my completed registration?

Completed registrations cannot be changed online.

If you need to make a change, such as adding or changing a workshop, please contact Richard for assistance.

Can I add a workshop after I have already registered?

Yes, if space is available. Since completed registrations cannot be changed online, please contact Richard if you would like to add a workshop.

Can I switch workshops after registering?

Workshop changes may be possible if space is available. Please contact Richard for assistance.

What if I need to cancel my registration?

Cancellation instructions, deadlines, and refund policies are included on the registration page. If you have questions about your registration, please contact Richard.

Workshops

Are workshops included with meeting registration?

No. Workshops require separate registration and an additional fee.

When are workshops held?

Workshops are scheduled for Sunday, September 20 and Monday, September 21, 2026, with morning and afternoon sessions.

Can I register for more than one workshop?

Yes. You may register for more than one workshop as long as the sessions do not occur at the same time.

How do I choose a workshop?

Review the workshop descriptions, schedules, and any available abstracts before selecting a workshop. Be sure to check the day and time of each workshop so you do not select overlapping sessions.

What are the workshop registration fees?

Workshop pricing is based on when you register:

Standard: July 15–September 8 — $210
On-Site: September 9–21 — $235

How do I receive my workshop continuing education certificate?

At the conclusion of the workshop, log into the SOFT Learning Center and complete the workshop survey. Once the survey is complete, your certificate will be emailed to you and stored in your SOFT Learning Center account.

Meals and Dietary Needs

Which meals are included?

Meals are provided during the main meeting days as listed in the schedule.

On workshop days, breakfast and breaks are included. Lunch and dinner are on your own.

Dinner is also on your own on Wednesday, which is the meeting’s free night.

Specific menus are not finalized until closer to the meeting.

What if I have dietary restrictions?

Dietary restriction information is collected during registration. SOFT will make accommodations when possible based on the information provided.

Visa Letters and International Attendees

I need a visa letter. What should I do?

Visa letter information is available here. Attendees who need a visa letter should request one as early as possible to allow time for processing.

Is this meeting only for SOFT and TIAFT members?

No. The 2026 meeting is a joint SOFT–TIAFT Annual Meeting, and attendees from both organizations are welcome. Non-members may also register and attend.

Scientific Program and Schedule

When will the full schedule be available?

The schedule will be updated as sessions, speakers, workshops, and events are finalized. The full schedule is expected to be available by August 12. Attendees should check the meeting website for the most current information

Will there be a meeting app?

Yes. Meeting app details will be sent by email approximately one week before the meeting.

Will session recordings be available?

No. Meeting sessions are not recorded.

Presenters and Posters

I am presenting. Where do I find instructions?

Presenter and poster instructions will be sent directly to accepted presenters via email.

When will I know my presentation time?

Presentation details will be shared once the scientific program schedule is finalized.

Continuing Education

Will CE credit be available?

Yes. CE credit will be available for eligible meeting sessions.

How do I receive my meeting participation certificate?

At the conclusion of the meeting, log into the SOFT Learning Center and complete the meeting survey. Once the survey is complete, your certificate of meeting participation will be available in your SOFT Learning Center account.

Are individual session or daily certificates available?

No. Individual scientific session certificates and daily certificates are not available.

Are workshop CE certificates separate from the main meeting certificate?

Yes. Workshops are handled separately from the main scientific program for CE purposes.

During the Meeting

What should I wear?

Business casual attire is appropriate for most meeting sessions. Meeting rooms can be cool, so layers are recommended.

The Feathers and Fedoras: The Presidents’ Banquet and Gala is a dressier event. Attendees are welcome to dress in the 1920s theme, add a hint of feathers or a fedora, or simply come as they are.

Can guests attend social events?

Yes. Guest registration information is available here: [insert link].

If you would like to purchase a ticket for a guest to attend a single event, please contact the SOFT office.

Who should I contact if I have questions?

For registration changes, please contact Richard

For general meeting questions, please contact the SOFT office.