Due to COVID-19 concerns and travel restrictions, the 2020 Heart Rhythm Scientific Sessions (HRS 2020) will not take place in San Diego, USA, on 6–9 May as planned, the Heart Rhythm Society has announced.
Instead, HRS will offer several new digital programmes over the next few months on its online learning platform, Heart Rhythm 365, the organisation said. These will be available starting 6 May, including the HRS 2020 abstract e-poster catalogue, Late-Breaking Clinical Trial sessions, and the Young Investigator Awards session.
In a statement, the Society thanked the Scientific Sessions programme committee, faculty, abstract presenters, exhibitors, sponsors, partners, media, and others for their commitment to this year’s Heart Rhythm Scientific Sessions.
The statement read: “Due to the continued global escalation of COVID-19 and our careful evaluation of evolving government advisories, available alternatives, and most importantly the health and well-being of our attendees, the Heart Rhythm Society board of trustees regrets to announce that the 2020 Heart Rhythm Scientific Sessions scheduled for May 6-9, 2020, in San Diego, CA is cancelled.
“HRS was founded by clinicians and researchers who understood the value of sharing ideas with others to advance the profession. From that vision, the annual Scientific Sessions has grown to become the largest and most widely recognised event in the field of heart rhythm care. The decision to cancel for the first time in the history of the Society was not an easy one, but it was the right choice during these unprecedented events.”
Patricia Blake, chief executive officer of HRS, said: “The Society will be announcing the details of our digital offering very soon. Our goal is to provide the EP community with a curated collection of education activities, which includes select sessions, Late-Breaking Clinical Trials, abstracts, case presentations, and more. Equally important, we are planning to include interactive elements such as Q&As with authors and presenters. Please visit HRSonline.org for updates as they become available.”
