Cape Town: What To Know Before You Go

General Tips

• Bring a universal plug adapter (South Africa uses Type M plugs).
  • Make sure your devices can accept South African mains voltage of 230 volts before you plug them in! Failure to do so can destroy incompatible devices!
  • If you absolutely must bring a device that does not accept 230 volts (e.g. US electronics that use 120 volts), you will need a voltage adapter.
• May is autumn in Cape Town, so pack layers and prepare for rain during your stay.
• Cape Town offers a guide to travel wisely:
  • How To Travel Wise in Cape Town: A Guide to Navigating Safely in Our Beautiful City

Travel Reminders

• International Travelers: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date.
• Check visa requirements early (eVisa support available): https://www.ismrm.org/26m/visa-information/.
  • https://ehome.dha.gov.za/epermit/home
• Airport: Cape Town International Airport (CPT) is located 21 km (13 miles) away from the Cape Town International Convention Centre, around a 20-30 minute car ride.
• Transportation: Shuttles and ride shares (Uber & Uber Black) are available. More information is available on our Travel page.

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Transportation: Getting Around Cape Town

• UberBLACK: Upon arrival, upgrade to a premium experience for the top-rated drivers on Uber. Riders are picked up on the ground floor of Parkade 1 (P1), located directly opposite the main terminal baggage. Please be sure to choose the UberBLACK option for an easier and more reliable transfer.
• EZ Shuttle Airport Shuttle Service: Pre-book your ride for stress-free collection and drop-off. This economical option offers shuttle services from a trusted provider and is used frequently by the Cape Town Convention and Visitor’s Bureau.
• Avoid taking the train to/from the airport.
• As with any major city, stay aware of your surroundings and plan routes in advance.
• See our Travel page for more.

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Weather & Packing Tips

The weather in Cape Town in May has chances of rain and more overcast skies. May is in the middle of the autumn season, and temperatures range from a high of 20°C (68°F) to a low of 8°C (46°F).

Attendees should pack umbrellas and a waterproof jacket/warmer clothing for the nights.

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Luggage Storage

Luggage storage will be available on the last day of the meeting at the Cape Town International Convention Centre:

• Thursday, 14 May
• 07:30 – 20:00 SAST
• Meeting Room 1.53
• Please pick up your luggage by 20:00!
• ISMRM will not be responsible for items still in the room after this time.

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What To Pack

• Attire: business casual for the meeting; wear layers for outdoor activities.
  • Remember: conference rooms can be chilly—bring layers!
• Evenings: rain or weatherproof jacket, sweater or heavier jacket for cooler evenings or air-conditioned venues
• Sun Protection: sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, and reef-safe sunscreen
• Footwear: comfortable walking shoes for exploring
• Swimwear: Although it’s May, your accommodation may have a pool. Don’t forget your swimsuit for beach outings or hotel pools.

Pro Tip: Pack a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated and support our sustainability efforts.

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Things To Do

Make the most of your time in Cape Town and experience it like a local with help from your global MR community.

• Take in the views from Table Mountain (weather permitting—go early!).
• Visit the V&A Waterfront for dining, shopping, and harbor views.
• Explore the scenic coastline, including Clifton and Camps Bay beaches
• Discover local culture, food, and history throughout the city.

Check the Annual Meeting Community Hub for attendee-recommended spots, local tips, and meetups already being shared.

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Accommodations

• Housing notice:
  Online Housing for the 2026 ISMRM & ISMRT Annual Meeting & Exhibition has closed.
  • All reservations have been transferred to your confirmed hotel. Please reach out to your hotel directly about any changes.
  • If you have any questions, contact CHM at ismrm@chmrooms.com. They will respond within 24 business hours, Monday – Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. PDT.
• Headquarters hotel:
  The Westin Cape Town

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Scheduling

Plan Your Schedule

Use the Program-at-a-Glance to map out your week and prioritize sessions, posters, and events.

Click any session or presentation’s star button (☆/★) in ECHO’s program to add it to “My Schedule” and build out your schedule for the week.

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On-Site Registration & Pre-Registered Badge Pickup Hours

Registration counters will be located on the ground level of the CTICC 1. Pick up your badge early to avoid lines and get a head start on networking.

**Bring a photo ID to pick up your badge.

Registration Area: Jasminum

• Friday, 08 May: 14:00 – 19:00 SAST
• Saturday, 09 May: 06:30 – 18:00 SAST
• Sunday, 10 May: 07:00 – 19:00 SAST
• Monday, 11 May: 06:30 – 18:30 SAST
• Tuesday, 12 May: 07:00 – 18:00 SAST
• Wednesday, 13 May: 07:00 – 17:45 SAST
• Thursday, 14 May: 07:30 – 17:00 SAST

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Key Dates & Times

• ISMRT sessions begin Saturday, 09 May, 08:00 SAST in room 2.60.
• ISMRM sessions begin Saturday, 09 May, 08:00 SAST.
• *Opening Reception is on Sunday, 10 May, 18:45 – 20:15 SAST in Halls 2-4A.
• Exhibition Hall opens Monday, 11 May, 10:00 – 17:00 SAST
  • View the List of Exhibitors here.
• *Networking Closing Reception is on Thursday, 15 May,18:50 – 21:00 SAST in Halls 5-7 of CTICC 2.
• ISMRM & ISMRT Awards Ceremonies: Check the PAAG for times & locations.

* Minors under the age of 16 are not admitted. Babes in arms are allowed for nursing mothers.

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Registration Barcode

The barcode that appears on the conference badge contains pieces of your contact information. By allowing exhibitors or sponsors to scan your badge, you are providing your consent to share your contact information with them. Scanning this barcode is optional, and you have the right to refuse badge scanning.

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Exhibition Hall Hours

Halls 2–4A

Our exhibitors bring the latest innovations, product launches, and live demonstrations to Cape Town.

• Monday, 11 May: 10:00 – 17:00 SAST
• Tuesday, 12 May: 10:00 – 17:00 SAST
• Wednesday, 13 May: 10:00 – 17:00 SAST
• Thursday, 14 May: 10:00 – 16:30 SAST

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Poster Hall Hours

Exhibition Hall, Halls 2–4A

Dedicate some time to explore posters for deep scientific exchange and one-on-one discussions.

• Monday, 11 May: 07:00 – 19:00 SAST
• Tuesday, 12 May: 07:00 – 19:00 SAST
• Wednesday, 13 May: 07:00 – 19:00 SAST
• Thursday, 14 May: 07:00 – 15:15 SAST
  • Traditional Poster Removal Hours: 12:00 – 16:30 SAST

Notes for poster presenters:

• Digital Poster presentations must be uploaded into ECHO by 23:59 SAST the night before the day of presentation to be displayed in the Exhibition Hall.
• Review the Guidelines for Posters & Presentations here.
• Traditional posters remaining after removal hours will be discarded.

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Speaker Ready Room Hours

Room: Strelitzia

• Friday, 8 May: 14:00 – 19:00 SAST
• Saturday, 9 May: 06:30 – 17:00 SAST
• Sunday, 10 May: 06:30 – 18:00 SAST
• Monday, 11 May: 06:30 – 18:00 SAST
• Tuesday, 12 May: 06:30 – 18:00 SAST
• Wednesday, 13 May: 06:30 – 18:00 SAST
• Thursday, 14 May: 07:30 – 17:00 SAST

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Attendee Code of Conduct

https://www.ismrm.org/26m/code-of-conduct/

The ISMRM & ISMRT (“The Society”) aim to promote research, development, education, and policy formation in the area of magnetic resonance in medicine and biology and related topics. The Society is a diverse society of trainees and professionals from across the world, with widely varying availability of resources and differing issues in the practices of medicine and research. We expect all members to promote an inclusive and supportive environment at the annual meeting that encourages sharing of ideas and collaboration through these and similar behaviors.

Read more…

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Connect

Join the Annual Meeting Community Hub

Your meeting experience starts before you even arrive.

Our Annual Meeting Community in the One Community Hub is already active with attendees from around the world connecting, asking questions, and sharing insights.

• Get tips from fellow attendees on must-see sessions.
• Start networking before you arrive.
• Ask questions about the program, travel, and Cape Town.
• Participate in discussions on Study Group Sunday, MRI Reading Room sessions, and more.

Join the conversation and arrive in Cape Town already connected!

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Stay Connected

• Meeting App (app.ismrm.org): Download the ISMRM & ISMRT 2026 Meeting App for schedules, maps, session updates, and announcements.
• Social Media: Share your experience! Tag us at #ISMRM #ISMRM26 #ISMRM2026 and #ISMRT #ISMRT26 #ISMRT2026.

Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi will be available throughout the Cape Town International Convention Centre.
Network (SSID): ISMRM2026
Password: springbok

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Sustainability Efforts

We’re committed to hosting a greener meeting. We are printing a smaller number of the exhibition guides.

• The digital program is available via the ECHO app (beta).
• Recycling stations are located throughout the venue.
• Bring your own refillable water bottles; water refill stations are provided!
• There are no attendee bags, so be sure to bring your own.

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Support Opportunities

The International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine (ISMRM) is committed to promoting communication, research, development, applications and the availability of information on magnetic resonance in medicine and biology and other related topics internationally; to developing and providing channels and facilities for continuing education and communication in the field; and to ensuring that scientists and clinicians working in the field have equal and fair opportunities to contribute to it.

In appreciation of your donation of US$200 or more to the ISMRM Research & Education Fund, we invite you to enjoy the ISMRM Donor Lounge on site at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. See an ISMRM representative at the registration desk to make a donation and receive your invitation to the Donor Lounge. Drop your donation off at the registration desk or donate online by logging on and clicking “My Donations” in the menu bar of our online member services system.

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