Annual National Convention

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Save the date for the 54th Annual National Convention on October 15-17 at Embassy Suites by Hilton, Charlotte Concord Golf Resort & Spa in Concord, North Carolina!

You may know that the iconic dogwood is North Carolina’s state flower, but did you know that it is also a symbol of hope and new beginnings? Our 54th Annual National Convention theme pays tribute to our host state and recognizes our community’s transition into a new era of sickle cell care.

SCDAA’s Annual National Convention fosters the exchange of the latest scientific and clinical information through innovative training seminars and educational workshops, interactive panel discussion, advocacy lectures and special events. Stay tuned for updates!

2026 National Abstract Competition

Submissions Open: May 1

Do you want a chance to present your work at the SCDAA Annual National Convention in October? Gather your research together for the 2026 abstract competition! We encourage researchers, community-based organizations, physicians, nurses, social workers or anyone working on behalf of people living with SCD and their families to submit their work. Topics include public health policy, basic and translational research, clinical research, SCD global health, community-based research, psychosocial research, sickle cell trait, gene therapy and hematopoietic stem cell transplant. “Best Abstract” in each category, including trainees, will be announced at the Gala on the Friday evening of convention.

The 53rd Annual National Convention was held October 15-18, 2025, in Rosemont, Illinois!

Click here to check out photos from the event!

Learn more about our Annual Award Winners.

Read the program book. 

Order Convention Shirts

Want to show off your convention pride? Commemorative shirts are now available! Short sleeve t-shirts, sweatshirts, pull-over hoodies and zip hoodies are for sale. All proceeds benefit SCDAA. Click here to order!

2025 Convention Metrics

  • TOTAL NUMBER OF REGISTRATIONS: Over 600
  • TOTAL NUMBER OF SPEAKERS: 148
  • TOTAL NUMBER OF SESSIONS: 140
  • TOTAL STATES REPRESENTED: 25
  • TRAVELED THE FARTHEST – GLOBAL: Kenya
  • TRAVELED THE FARTHEST – DOMESTIC: California

Sign in to the attendee hub to download the agenda, recordings and more.

2026 Legacy Sponsor

2026 Diamond Sponsor

2026 Gold Sponsor

The Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, (SCDAA), Inc., 53rd Annual Convention was comprised of speakers and presenters representing a range of industries, agencies and organizations. The opinions, guidance and recommendations of speakers are solely their own. SCDAA promotes the presentation of accurate and fair assessment of the risks as well as the benefits of the drugs, treatment options, trials, treatment side effects and other topics discussed during the convention, but their views do not necessarily represent those of SCDAA, Inc., nor its members, staff, committees or board.