The Unofficial RSNA Survival Kit: 150+ Years of Collective Wisdom in 10 Essential Tips

Every year, more than 40,000 radiologists, innovators and healthcare leaders descend on Chicago for the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA). Part science fair, part endurance test, part family reunion.

And whether it’s your first trip or your 30th, one thing never changes: RSNA is huge. 

Miles of exhibit halls, back-to-back sessions, ongoing networking. It’s exhilarating and exhausting all at once.

So before you hit McCormick Place, take a minute to learn from those who’ve been there, done that, and figured out how to make the week not just survivable but enjoyable.

Here are 10 hard-earned tips distilled from 150+ collective years of RSNA experience gathered from our team of RSNA veterans.

1 - Pick Up Your Badge Early

Procrastination and RSNA don’t mix. Badge pickup on opening morning is a masterclass in gridlock (and patience). If you can, grab yours on Friday or Saturday. You’ll start your week with one less line and one more cup of coffee.

2 - Choose Comfort Over Couture

The exhibit floor is not the place to break in new shoes. Attendees average 10,000–15,000 steps a day, often while carrying laptops, backpacks or gear. Go with supportive footwear, add insoles if you can and save the sleek boots for dinner. By Day 3, you’ll spot the rookies limping between halls. Don’t be one of them.

3 - Win the Morning Coffee Battle

Two truths about RSNA: caffeine is currency and Starbucks lines are eternal. The hidden gem? The Hampton Inn Starbucks connected to McCormick Place. It’s faster, warmer, and somehow better at moving people through. Order ahead on the app if you can (you’ll thank yourself).

4 - Dress for the Chicago Shuffle

RSNA weather has one consistent feature: inconsistency.

Outside, it’s winter in full force. Inside, it’s a climate rollercoaster. Arctic in one hall, sauna in another. Dress in layers, keep gloves in your bag and skip bulky coats (booth closets fill up fast). And remember: Chicago wind doesn’t care about your hair.

5 - Escape McCormick Like a Pro

Leaving McCormick Place at 5 p.m. can feel like trying to leave a stadium after a playoff game. Avoid the rideshare crush by taking the shuttle or bus back to your hotel first, then calling an Uber from there. If you’re walking, use the lower-level exits behind the exhibit halls. They’ll drop you closer to shuttles and street level, no detour required.

6 - Plan Vendor Visits Before You Arrive

The exhibit hall is a world unto itself. Thousands of booths, hundreds of demos and no possible way to see it all. A little planning goes a long way:

• Make a short list of the companies you must see.
• Schedule meetings ahead of time. You’ll skip lines, avoid overlapping demos and get quality facetime instead of quick walk-ups.
• Leave room for discovery. Some of the best finds are the smaller startups tucked between the giants.

If you want to see the latest thinking in radiology AI, workflow innovation, or reporting tech — schedule time with the teams that intrigue you most. RSNA is one of the few times you can talk directly with the people building what’s next.

7 - Pack the “Micro-Survival Kit”

RSNA veterans carry one thing in common: a small bag of sanity-savers. Here’s what makes the list:

• Mints or gum (you’ll talk a lot)
• Water bottle (hydration is a power move)
• Portable charger (your phone will die halfway through the AI Pavilion)
• Granola bars or snacks (lunch lines can be long or you may not have time to eat)
• Band-Aids or ibuprofen (trust us)

You’ll look like a hero to whoever forgot theirs.

8 - Be Strategic on the Floor

Don’t try to see it all. No one can.

Instead, pick a focus each day: AI innovation, new modalities, reading efficiency, enterprise imaging, whatever drives your work. RSNA rewards curiosity, not speed. The best insights often come from conversations. Ask questions. Linger. Be the person who actually learns something new instead of just collecting tote bags.

9 - Make the Most of Chicago Nights

RSNA evenings are where business and bonding happen but pace yourself.

• Book dinners early. Chicago’s best restaurants fill up months ahead.
• Mix your nights. Plan one team dinner, one client dinner, and one night to recharge solo.
• Avoid the Uber gridlock. Walk when you can; it’s faster and far more scenic. And remember: deep dish pizza is a rite of passage, but real locals know Chicago’s culinary scene goes far beyond it.

10 - Have Fun (Cheesy We Know. But Seriously, Have Fun)

RSNA is a marathon, not a sprint. Build in moments to breathe, recharge, and reflect. Step outside for five minutes of fresh air. Walk the Lakeside corridor just for the view. Bring your sense of humor. Something will go wrong and it’ll make a great story later.

Final Words from the Veterans

After decades of Thanksgivings spent in Chicago, the universal wisdom is simple:

Plan ahead. Pace yourself. And wear comfortable shoes.

Because RSNA isn’t just another conference. It’s where radiology’s future takes shape, one conversation (and one very long walk) at a time.

See you in Chicago.