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These events aren’t just about sitting in lectures. They’re about connecting with people who “get it,” sharing experiences, learning from real cases, and walking away with ideas you can bring back to your team. Whether you’re a specialist, coordinator, perfusionist, medical director, or part of the broader care team, there’s something energizing about being in a space full of people doing the same work you are.
There are plenty of great conferences out there, and this list highlights just a handful of some of the most well-known and impactful ones to consider.
ELSO Annual Conference
If there’s one conference that brings the global ECMO community together, this is it. The ELSO Annual Conference is a go-to for anyone involved in ECLS care.
You’ll find everything from neonatal to adult ECMO topics, cutting-edge research, and a chance to hear directly from leaders in the field. It’s big, it’s comprehensive, and it’s one of those events where you leave feeling both inspired and slightly overwhelmed, in a good way.
Keystone Conference (Colorado)
The Keystone Conference has a loyal following for a reason. Set in the mountains of Colorado, it offers a slightly smaller, more relaxed setting while still delivering high-quality content, especially for pediatric and neonatal ECMO.
What people love most about Keystone is the vibe. It’s interactive, conversational, and full of practical “How do you handle this?” discussions. It’s a great place to dig into real-world challenges and walk away with ideas you can actually use.
ECMO & Advanced Therapies Symposium
This conference brings together a mix of pediatric and adult perspectives, making it a great option for teams that work across patient populations.
It focuses on advanced therapies and complex cases, with a strong multidisciplinary feel. You’ll hear different viewpoints, learn how others approach tough situations, and gain a broader perspective on where ECMO care is heading.
Neonatal & Pediatric ECLS Conference (UPMC)
If pediatric ECMO is your focus, this one is definitely worth a look.
This conference leans into hands-on learning, simulation, and practical application. It’s less about theory and more about asking, “What does this look like at the bedside?” That kind of practical focus can be incredibly valuable when you’re managing real patients.
SCCM Congress
The SCCM Congress is a bit different, but in a really good way. It’s not ECMO-only, but ECMO shows up in a big way throughout the conference.
What makes SCCM unique is the broader lens. It brings together the entire critical care world, so you get to see how ECMO fits into the bigger picture, ventilation strategies, ICU workflows, team dynamics, and more.
It’s a great opportunity for ECMO providers of all roles to connect with the wider critical care community and pick up insights that directly impact daily practice.
ELSO Regional & International Meetings
Beyond the main annual meeting, ELSO also hosts regional conferences around the world. These events offer a chance to see how ECMO is practiced in different settings while still staying aligned with global standards.
They’re especially helpful if you’re interested in collaboration, benchmarking, or just gaining a fresh perspective.
Simulation & Training Courses
Not every learning experience happens in a big conference hall, and sometimes the smaller settings are where the magic happens.
Simulation courses and hands-on training are incredibly valuable for building confidence, troubleshooting challenges, and sharpening skills in a realistic environment. These are the kinds of experiences that stick with you long after the course ends.
Why It’s Worth Going…
At the end of the day, conferences are about more than education, they’re about connection.
They give you a chance to step away from the day-to-day, recharge a bit, and come back with new ideas and renewed energy. You meet people facing the same challenges, share stories, and realize you’re not alone in the complexities of ECMO care.
Choosing What’s Right for You…
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Some conferences are big and comprehensive, others are smaller and more focused. Some are hands-on, others are more research-driven.
The best choice really comes down to what you’re looking for at that moment—whether it’s learning, networking, skill-building, or just getting a fresh perspective.
Final Thoughts
This list is just a starting point. There are many great ECMO and critical care conferences out there, and new opportunities are always emerging.
The key is to stay curious, stay connected, and take advantage of the chances to learn from one another. Because in a field like ECMO, growing together is what ultimately makes the biggest difference, for teams and for patients alike.
