RSNA 2020 Opening Night Welcome Reception: A Complete Guide
The Radiological Society of North America's 2020 meeting, held 29 November to 4 December in Chicago, opened with its traditional welcome reception. For radiology professionals arriving from across the globe, this evening is the social anchor of the week, a chance to shake off jet lag and meet colleagues before the scientific sessions begin. Australian delegates look forward to it as a warm handshake before days packed with plenary lectures and poster tours.
The gathering blends the formality of an international congress with the relaxed hospitality Chicago is famous for. Expect well-stocked bars, regionally inspired canapés, and plenty of conversation starters. Whether you are a first-time attendee or a seasoned RSNA traveller, the welcome reception sets the tone for a productive week of learning and networking.
For Australian groups, the reception offers more than a pleasant evening. Delegations from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth frequently use it to arrange side meetings with American collaborators and European imaging researchers. The relaxed setting is ideal for the corridor conversations that often lead to research partnerships down the track.
Below is a practical walkthrough of what to expect, how to prepare, and where to head once the welcome reception begins. We will cover the venue, the dress code, the networking potential, and a few free attractions worth visiting while you are in town.
The reception's role within the scientific assembly
The opening night welcome reception bridges the gap between arrival and the formal start of the scientific assembly. It typically runs for several hours on the Sunday evening before the technical exhibitions begin. Attendees use this window to collect badges, review the printed schedule, and confirm meeting points with colleagues who may have arrived on different flights.
For radiology departments across Australia, this reception has become an unofficial checkpoint. Teams from Royal Melbourne Hospital, Westmead, and the Royal Brisbane and Women's often coordinate travel so they can meet at the welcome reception before splitting into smaller sessions. Junior registrars find it especially useful, as the relaxed setting makes it easier to introduce themselves to senior consultants.
Venue, atmosphere, and what the space feels like
The 2020 welcome reception occupies the festival hall at McCormick Place, a cavernous venue that organisers transform into a series of intimate lounges through clever lighting, draped fabric, and acoustic panels. The result feels less like a conference centre and more like an oversized art gallery, with quiet pockets for conversation threaded between busier bars and photo walls.
Music encourages mingling rather than dancing, which is a relief for those just stepped off a long-haul flight from Sydney or Perth. Themed food stations represent Chicago's culinary heritage, alongside a coffee bar serving espresso, cold brew, and the occasional flat white for homesick Australians.
Dress code and personal preparation
The dress code is business or business casual, depending on specialty and seniority. Most attendees opt for a suit without a tie, or a tailored dress with comfortable shoes, because standing for several hours is unavoidable. Australian radiologists tend to err toward business casual, especially those who have packed light and want to save formal attire for award dinners later in the week.
Comfortable footwear matters more than it sounds. The festival hall is large, and you will cover significant ground moving from one networking pocket to the next. Bring a small leather card holder rather than a bulky briefcase, and a charged phone with a portable battery pack, especially if you plan to share photos with colleagues back home.
Networking opportunities for Australian attendees
| Networking pocket | Vibe | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Industry bar | Lively, sponsor-heavy | Vendor meetings and product demos |
| Academic lounge | Quieter, seated | Research collaboration talks |
| Junior registrar corner | Welcoming, informal | First-time attendees |
| Alumni tables | Nostalgic, group-based | University and hospital reunions |
Australians tend to congregate near the alumni tables and the junior registrar corner, partly out of habit and partly because those pockets feel closest to the culture of an Aussie conference dinner. Push yourself to visit the industry bar at least once. You will meet people you would never bump into at a RANZCR meeting in Adelaide.
Conversation starters that work well include questions about travel itineraries, recent publications, and the differences between American and Australian radiology training pathways.
Travel logistics from Australia to Chicago
Most Australian delegates fly into O'Hare International, with a smaller number arriving at Midway. Direct flights from Sydney to Chicago take roughly 17 hours and are operated by Qantas and United, while Melbourne connections usually route through Los Angeles or San Francisco. Chicago operates on Central Standard Time, which puts it 16 hours behind Sydney during the southern summer.
Plan your arrival for at least the day before the welcome reception. The jet lag from a long-haul flight from Perth or Brisbane is no joke, and you do not want to walk into the festival hall still feeling like it is breakfast time. Hydration, sensible meals, and a short afternoon nap will set you up well.
If you are travelling with a group, consider booking a shared shuttle from your hotel to McCormick Place. It removes the stress of navigating Chicago's public transport with luggage in tow, and gives your delegation one more chance to align on the week ahead.
Programme highlights worth knowing before the reception
A quick scan of the scientific programme before you fly will help you prioritise which sessions to attend once the congress begins. The reception itself is a soft opening, but the schedule immediately afterwards is intense, with plenary lectures starting at 8 a.m. on Monday morning. Knowing which symposia you want to attend helps you steer conversations at the welcome reception toward the right people.
Look for sessions led by Australian researchers, as these often attract international collaborators. Topics around AI-assisted imaging, prostate MRI, and lung cancer screening have historically drawn strong contingents from Australia.
Free attractions near the reception hotels
Chicago offers a remarkable number of free attractions within a short walk or transit hop from the major RSNA hotels. Many delegates underestimate how much there is to see without spending a cent, especially if they only have a few hours between sessions. A standout option is the Lincoln Park Zoo, which sits in one of the city's prettiest neighbourhoods and welcomes visitors year-round without an admission fee.
The Lakefront Trail, Millennium Park, and the Chicago Cultural Center are equally generous. If you have a free afternoon before flying home, a stroll along the lake can be a lovely way to decompress after a packed congress week.
Practical recommendations for a smooth opening night
A few small habits will make your welcome reception experience considerably easier:
- Arrive early to avoid the peak queue at badge collection
- Carry a printed map of the festival hall to navigate the networking pockets
- Set a phone alarm for any early Monday sessions you have committed to
- Drink water between alcoholic beverages, especially after a long flight
- Exchange digital business cards through an app to avoid paper overload
- Confirm your return transport before the reception begins
- Send a quick message to colleagues back home so they know you arrived safely
These small preparations turn an overwhelming evening into a productive and enjoyable one.
Plan your RSNA 2020 trip today and secure your spot at the welcome reception, your scientific sessions, and the surrounding Chicago experiences that make this annual meeting truly memorable.