RSNA Press Release

OAK BROOK, Ill. (December 14, 2012)—The Radiological Society of North America's 98th Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting (RSNA 2012) spotlighted the finest in radiologic research and education and the world's largest technical exhibit floor for medical imaging.

RSNA 2012, held in Chicago's McCormick Place November 25 – 30, highlighted RSNA's ongoing commitment to improving patient care through radiology education and research.

"The RSNA annual meeting is the world's premier scientific and educational forum in radiology, bringing together more radiology and medical imaging professionals than any other venue," said RSNA Executive Director, Mark Watson.

Throughout the week at McCormick Place, professional attendees could choose from 1,863 scientific presentations, 235 refresher courses, 86 multisession courses, 40 series courses, 45 informatics courses, 2,111 education exhibits and 1,257 scientific posters, as well as numerous special lectures.

Technical exhibits at RSNA 2012 filled three buildings of Chicago's McCormick Place, with 649 exhibits in 444,900 square feet of space, including 90 first-time exhibitors.

In an effort to minimize the environmental impact of the meeting, RSNA joined with McCormick Place, Savor Catering Services and Chicago hotels and restaurants in implementing more than two dozen recycling and conservation efforts during RSNA 2012.

Official registration figures for RSNA 2012 reported total attendance at 53,778, including 26,154 professional attendees, 21,288 exhibitors, and 6,336 attendees classified as "guest" or "other." Thirty-six percent of professional attendees were from outside North America. Professional and exhibitor attendance numbers were on par with previous years.

The economic impact to the City of Chicago is estimated to exceed $130 million.

The RSNA 2012 Virtual Meeting attracted more than 6,000 attendees from 107 countries and offered access to nearly 50 scientific and education courses and sessions.

"RSNA 2012 was very successful," Watson said. "As a consequence of the uncertain global economic climate, we anticipated a decrease in overall attendance. However, professional and exhibitor attendance remained strong, and RSNA member attendance increased over that of 2011."

RSNA 2013–The Power of Partnership, RSNA's 99th Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, will take place December 1 – 6 in Chicago.

RSNA is an association of more than 51,000 radiologists, radiation oncologists, medical physicists and related scientists, promoting excellence in patient care and health care delivery through education, research and technologic innovation. The Society is based in Oak Brook, Ill. (RSNA.org)