RISE @ ESC Congress returns for 2026: Registration now open!

Women As One is pleased to announce that RISE @ ESC Congress will return in 2026 as our partnership with the European Society of Cardiology enters its third year. With ESC Congress 2026 registration now open, tickets for RISE are also on sale, offering women in cardiology the opportunity to add a full day of leadership development, community building, and career advancement to their week in Munich. RISE @ ESC Congress 2026 will take place on Thursday, August 27, the day before ESC Congress begins.

The 2026 theme, Growing and Thriving as a Leader in Cardiology, reflects our continued commitment to women in cardiology at every career stage and across every practice setting. This year’s agenda is entirely new and crafted to be widely applicable, whether you work in academic medicine, community hospitals, private clinics, or research settings. The agenda will include didactic sessions led by senior women leaders in clinical care, scientific research, and business, as well as expert faculty from renowned leadership education programs. Those who have attended RISE before will find fresh content, new perspectives, and practical strategies to take into their work.

RISE @ ESC Congress 2026 is shaped by four global Program Directors whose expertise and leadership anchor the experience: Pamela Douglas, MD (USA); Maria Rubini, MD (Spain); Zainab Samad, MD (Pakistan); and Malissa J. Wood, MD (USA). Their combined viewpoints reflect the global cardiology community and demonstrate RISE’s international reach and relevance. Together, they are designing an agenda that addresses the real-world challenges women in cardiology face and the emerging opportunities across the field.

Our 2026 program is designed to equip participants with meaningful skills, actionable insights, and a strong sense of community.
Malissa J. Wood, MD, Chief Medical Officer, Women As One

Women As One’s Chief Medical Officer and RISE Program Director, Malissa J. Wood, MD, emphasized the importance of the 2026 focus, sharing: “RISE has become a vital part of the professional landscape for women in cardiology. Our 2026 program is designed to equip participants with meaningful skills, actionable insights, and a strong sense of community. With a new agenda and a global team of Program Directors, we are committed to supporting women as they lead in all areas of cardiovascular medicine.”

ESC Congress remains one of the most influential cardiovascular meetings in the world, attracting tens of thousands of participants each year. The 2026 event in Munich is expected to continue this tradition by convening a global audience of clinicians, scientists, researchers, and industry partners. The alignment of RISE with ESC Congress creates a powerful combination of scientific advancement and leadership development, providing women in cardiology with both cutting-edge clinical updates and dedicated time for career growth.

Jean-Francois Riffaud, CEO of the European Society of Cardiology, highlighted the value of the continued partnership, noting, “Across Europe and worldwide, women have too often been under recognized in cardiovascular care and underrepresented in research and leadership. That inequity limits our science and costs lives. The ESC is committed to measurable progress—advancing women’s leadership, strengthening sex specific evidence, and building mentorship networks. RISE @ ESC Congress 2026 is a cornerstone of that commitment, and we invite colleagues to help make equity the norm in cardiology.”

The objectives of RISE @ ESC Congress 2026 underscore this shared mission. The program aims to equip women in cardiology with tools for leadership across research, clinical practice, and professional development; explore emerging innovations in AI, technology, and patient-centered research to improve outcomes for women; encourage collaboration among physicians, researchers, and industry; and provide structured opportunities for mentorship, sponsorship, and network building.

The ESC is committed to measurable progress… RISE @ ESC Congress 2026 is a cornerstone of that commitment, and we invite colleagues to help make equity the norm in cardiology.
Jean-Francois Riffaud, CEO, European Society of Cardiology

These priorities address key areas of growth for women in cardiology and are designed to support attendees throughout their careers. Whether you are navigating your first leadership opportunity, expanding your influence in your institution, seeking new ways to shape research and clinical care, or looking to help guide the future of the specialty, RISE offers the knowledge and community you need to thrive.

As ESC Congress registration opens, we encourage you to secure your RISE ticket and join a day dedicated to meaningful development, new insights, and collective progress for women in cardiology.

Register for RISE @ ESC Congress 2026 Now