The International Stroke Conference is the world’s largest meeting dedicated to the science and treatment of cerebrovascular disease. This 2½-day conference features more than 1,300 presentations that emphasize basic, clinical and translational sciences as they evolve toward a more complete understanding of stroke pathophysiology with the overall goal of developing more effective prevention and treatment. Sessions in clinical categories will center on stroke community risk factors, emergency care, acute neuroimaging, endovascular and nonendovascular treatment, diagnosis, cerebrovascular occlusive disease, in-hospital treatment, and outcomes of stroke. Sessions in basic science categories focus on vascular biology in health and disease, experimental mechanisms and models, and basic and translational neuroscience of stroke recovery. Further specialized topics include rehabilitation and recovery, pediatric stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage, nursing, preventive strategies, vascular cognitive impairment, aneurysm, subarachnoid hemorrhage and other neurocritical management, vascular malformations, and ongoing clinical trials. Cutting-edge presentations on these topics attract a wide range of healthcare professionals and investigators including adult and pediatric neurologists, neurosurgeons, neurointerventionalists, neuroradiologists and interventional radiologists, physiatrists, emergency medicine specialists, primary care physicians, nurses and nurse practitioners, rehabilitation specialists, physical, occupational, and speech therapists, pharmacists, and basic researchers spanning the fields of cerebrovascular function and disease.

The International Stroke Conference is the world’s largest meeting dedicated to the science and treatment of cerebrovascular disease. This 2½-day conference features more than 1,300 presentations that emphasize basic, clinical and translational sciences as they evolve toward a more complete understanding of stroke pathophysiology with the overall goal of developing more effective prevention and treatment. Sessions in clinical categories will center on stroke community risk factors, emergency care, acute neuroimaging, endovascular and nonendovascular treatment, diagnosis, cerebrovascular occlusive disease, in-hospital treatment, and outcomes of stroke. Sessions in basic science categories focus on vascular biology in health and disease, experimental mechanisms and models, and basic and translational neuroscience of stroke recovery. Further specialized topics include rehabilitation and recovery, pediatric stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage, nursing, preventive strategies, vascular cognitive impairment, aneurysm, subarachnoid hemorrhage and other neurocritical management, vascular malformations, and ongoing clinical trials. Cutting-edge presentations on these topics attract a wide range of healthcare professionals and investigators including adult and pediatric neurologists, neurosurgeons, neurointerventionalists, neuroradiologists and interventional radiologists, physiatrists, emergency medicine specialists, primary care physicians, nurses and nurse practitioners, rehabilitation specialists, physical, occupational, and speech therapists, pharmacists, and basic researchers spanning the fields of cerebrovascular function and disease.

At the conclusion of the International Stroke Conference, participants should be able to:

• Identify recent advances in basic models of stroke and translational research.
• Evaluate recent advances in the diagnosis, treatment, prevention and rehabilitation of cerebrovascular disease.
• Analyze new and ongoing clinical research advances through late-breaking science and ongoing clinical trials sessions.
• Communicate in the interactive exchange of new research, treatment and intervention with scientists and investigators working in all areas of cerebrovascular disease.
• Interpret the rapidly changing areas within the stroke spectrum such as emerging options for the diagnosis and treatment of acute stroke, mechanisms of stroke recovery, and the impact of vascular cognitive impairment.
• Appraise the diverse challenges presented by cerebrovascular disease to specific populations, including ethnic and racial minorities, women, children, and developing communities.

Following is a list of key policies and procedures strongly enforced at the International Stroke Conference.

Wearing Your Badge
For your safety and security, all attendees, exhibitors, staff and suppliers are required to wear their badge to have access to the American Stroke Association’s International Stroke Conference.

Loss of Badge Credentials
The American Stroke Association reserves the rights to revoke or deny attendance of any registered participant, speaker, exhibitor, news media reporter or photographer of presentations or activities at AHA/ASA scientific conferences and meetings.

Registration Fee Policy
The American Stroke Association will not refund registration fees paid if a person joins at one member level, registers accordingly and then later upgrades to another member level with a lower registration fee.  Similarly, no refunds will be given to anyone who registers in one category and then later submits verification to receive a discounted rate.

Policy of Recording
Unauthorized recording of the AHA Scientific Sessions, scientific conferences and the AHA/ASA International Stroke Conference is prohibited, whether by video, still or digital photography, audio or any other recording or reproduction mechanism. This includes recording of presentations and supporting audiovisual materials, poster presentations and supporting poster materials.  The American Heart Association and America Stroke Association reserve the rights to all recordings or reproductions of presentations at AHA/ASA scientific conferences and meetings. Check the program for information about the availability of videotapes or audiotapes for purchase.  Exceptions to this policy prohibition are:

• Audiotape recording for strictly personal and non-commercial use is permitted if not disruptive; and exhibitors may photograph their own booth for promotional purposes upon prior written consent of the AHA/ASA.

Post-Event Photography Notice
During the International Stroke Conference, attendees, vendors, guests and others may be photographed and videotaped by AHA/ASA vendors in capturing the event. Some of these photographs or videos may be displayed by the AHA/ASA in future publications or materials connected with the event. If you do not wish for your image to be displayed by the AHA/ASA, please contact the AHA/ASA in writing at 7272 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, TX 75231, Att: International Stroke Conference Meetings Department, no later than two weeks after the meeting - February 22, 2013.

Children
Exhibit Hall: The AHA/ASA does not allow children between 6 months to 16 years of age in the Exhibit Hall at any time. Infants under 6 months will be allowed in the Exhibit Hall during show days only. For insurance, liability and safety, infants must be held at all times; strollers and infant carriers will not be allowed. Parents are required to sign a liability waiver before taking an infant into the Exhibit Hall, and badges will need to reflect that a waiver has been signed. Waivers will be available at the family-member registration area. 

Education Sessions: Because of the professional nature of the program and limited seating, children are not allowed into scientific presentations. 

Poster Hall: For safety reasons, children are not permitted in the Poster Hall.

Lost and Found
If you lose or find an item, please go to the International Stroke Conference Show Office, Room 325 AB.

No-Smoking Policy
The American Stroke Association policy prohibits smoking in all areas of the convention center and all hotel meeting rooms hosting American Stroke Association functions.

Details on the following transportation methods coming soon: air, train, airport shuttle service, convention center shuttle service, rental cars, parking. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Here, you'll find information about who attends the International Stroke Conference.

2010 Demographics(PDF) | 2009 Demographics (PDF)