Your MWM26 Questions Answered!

General Information

Q: What are the dates of the 2026 Midwinter Meeting?
A: Thursday, February 19 – Saturday, February 21, 2026

Q: Where does the 2026 Midwinter Meeting take place?
A: The meeting is located at McCormick Place West Building, 2317 S. Indiana Ave, Chicago, Illinois.

Q: Do I have to be a member of CDS to attend the meeting?
A: No! The Midwinter Meeting is open to everyone in the dental profession and the extended medical community. If you are an ADA member, CDS membership gets you significant discounts! Do you reside outside of Cook, DuPage, or Will Counties? Become an Associate Member and register for the Midwinter Meeting for FREE!

Q: Can dental students attend the meeting?
A: Absolutely! The CDS Midwinter Meeting provides engaging events and valuable resources to help students advance their professional careers. Students can explore the Exhibit Hall, attend various educational sessions,
volunteer as a Room Chair, participate in social events, and network with dental professionals from around the world.

Q: Where should I stay?
A: The Midwinter Meeting offers a variety of hotel options to choose from based on personal preference. You can book the headquarters hotel for convenient access to the event, or select a more budget-friendly hotel in the area. Hotel blocks will be open November 1, 2025.

Registration

Q: How do I register for the Midwinter Meeting?
A: Registration will open on Monday, November 3. Participants can browse the available courses now and thenregister online when registration opens. We strongly encourage you to register in advance for workshops, lectures, and events to ensure you secure a spot in your preferred sessions. Registration will remain open until the end of the meeting. You may register as a group and take advantage of the 3=1 Free value incentive (register 3 people, get the 4th free!). You may also register individually. If you are part of the dental team and attending with your CDS member, be sure to register as a group and take advantage of the CDS Member/Team Lecture Package.

Q: Where do I pick up my badge?
A: All exhibitors & attendees will be able to pick up their badges onsite on Level 3, McCormick Place West, and at special hotel satellite kiosks. Check back on updates for which hotels!

Q: What is included in my meeting registration?
A: Your meeting registration provides full access to the Exhibit Hall, which showcases over 500 innovative and state-of-the-art exhibiting companies from around the world. The Exhibit Hall features various activities, including Student Scientific Poster sessions, two Sponsored Learning Theaters, the Dental Innovation Lab, headshot sessions at the CDS Experience Booth, "Pop-In" for Garrett Popcorn, Sips, Suds, & Sales, Recharge & Relax Stations, Hadley's Hounds Pet Park, and a complimentary tote bag.

Additionally, the Midwinter Meeting offers a range of lectures, panels, workshops, and special events, some of which are free while others require a fee. CDS is recognized as an ADA CERP provider.

Q: How do I take advantage of CDS member incentives at the Midwinter Meeting?
A: CDS member dentists enjoy a variety of benefits, including free registration, an optional CDS Member/Team Lecture Package, and Rebate Rewards. If you are a current ADA member living outside the CDS tri-county area, you can join CDS online at www.cds.org/join. To qualify, your ADA membership must be active for the year in which the Midwinter Meeting occurs. International dentists can also join CDS directly online at www.cds.org/join.

All attendees qualify for the 3=1 Free incentive. For every three paying registrations you purchase, you can sign up for a fourth registration at no cost. The value of the lowest registration fee will be automatically credited at the time of registration.

Q: What is the deadline for cancelling or changing my registration and/or courses?
A:

The deadline to cancel, change, or request refunds is February 6, 2026.
All registration cancellations must be made in writing by February 6.
- Name changes are not allowed after February 6. New registration and payment are required.
Registrations are non-transferable.
No refunds will be issued for registration, courses, or events that are purchased but not used.
Refund requests received after February 6 will not be accepted or processed for a refund.
- Please note: Registration is non-refundable for those who register after February 6.

Q: Can I register onsite?
A: Yes. On-site registration will be open for walk-in registration. Please be prepared to wait in line.

Wednesday, February 18, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Thursday, February 19, 6:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Friday, February 20, 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Saturday, February 21, 7:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Education Sessions

Q: Do I need to register for lectures and workshops?
A: Yes, registration is required for all courses, whether they are free or paid. Each session has a fee unless otherwise stated. To gain access and receive CE credit, make sure the QR code on your name badge is scanned when you enter the course room.

Q: Which courses have prerequisites for lectures and/or supplies?
A: Some workshops include mandatory lectures as part of the presentation. These courses will be denoted with an "M.” When you register for a workshop, seats for these mandatory lectures will be automatically reserved for you. Please note that an additional fee may apply for mandatory lectures. Attendees should review the prerequisites and supply list to confirm the requirements and recommendations for their courses before the meeting.

Q: Where can I find the course lineup for the Midwinter Meeting?
A: To find the course line-up for the Midwinter Meeting, visit our Program Schedule. The Course Schedule will list all workshops, lectures, events, lounges, and sponsored learning theater opportunities.

Q: What happens if the sessions I want conflict with each other?
A: You may not register for two courses happening at the same time. To allow as many people to attend as possible, several of our courses will be repeated during the meeting. Courses that are repeated are marked with an “R.”