AI, Ablation Innovation and Multidisciplinary Education Take Centre Stage as Heart Rhythm Congress Returns to Birmingham, UK

• Heart Rhythm Congress (HRC2026) returns to the ICC, Birmingham, UK, from 11 - 13 October 2026, marking its 22nd year as the UK’s largest event for arrhythmia care
• New for 2026: a dedicated Career Zone, launched in response to the popularity of HRC’s career-support sessions and growing demand from delegates, offering access to experienced professionals and guidance on career pathways and professional development
• The Scientific Programme spans dedicated sessions for electrophysiologists, cardiologists, nurses, physiologists, GPs, paediatricians and pharmacists from across the world, alongside a dedicated Patients Day
   

HRC Press Release 

Wednesday 15 September 2026 – Birmingham, UK - For more than two decades, Heart Rhythm Congress (HRC) has been at the forefront of education, discussion and collaboration in heart rhythm care. Organised by Arrhythmia Alliance, an international patient-led charity, HRC is uniquely placed to bring the whole international heart rhythm community – clinicians, researchers, allied health professionals, patients and industry – together under one roof for an educational meeting like no other. 

The aim is simple: to educate healthcare professionals and patients on the latest advances, evidence and technology in cardiac rhythm management. This is achieved by working with the world's leading experts, specialists, scientists and innovators in the field - because through learning and collaboration, the lives of people living with heart rhythm disorders can be improved. 

HRC2026 is set to be the most comprehensive and exciting Scientific Programme yet. Developed by HRC’s Scientific Committee representing a diverse range of disciplines, and led by Programme Director Dr Shouvik Haldar, the congress covers the challenges, practical solutions and evidence-based management strategies that healthcare professionals caring for arrhythmia patients need to know.

What is new for HRC2026

This year’s programme reflects six major themes shaping the future of arrhythmia care:

1. AI moves into clinical practice – its growing role in detection, diagnosis, ablation, monitoring and risk prediction
2. The next era of ablation – beyond the pulsed field ablation (PFA) hype, to durability, new energy sources and advanced mapping
3. From evidence to implementation – practical approaches to capacity, workflow, remote monitoring and service design
4. The future of AF – from early intervention to left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO), personalised treatment and next-generation ablation
5. The future of pacing and devices – conduction system pacing (CSP), leadless pacing, lead extraction and smarter programming
6. A bigger, broader heart rhythm community – more dedicated content for syncope, PoTS, nurses, physiologists, trainees, paediatrics and patients

A truly collaborative event

Uniquely among arrhythmia meetings, HRC brings the whole care team together in one meeting, alongside a dedicated Patients Day. 

• Hundreds of patients will gather to hear presentations by world-leading arrhythmia experts on conditions including atrial fibrillation (AF), and those causing syncope (fainting)
• Following the popularity of HRC’s career-support sessions and growing demand from delegates, the new dedicated Career Zone will provide an informal setting in which healthcare professionals at every career stage can seek advice, discuss professional development and learn from experienced members of the heart rhythm community
• Joint Symposia on topics ranging from ventricular arrhythmias to pharmacological considerations in AF will be explored alongside international organisations: Heart Rhythm Society (HRS), World Society of Arrhythmias, European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA), AF Association and STARS (Syncope Trust And Reflex anoxic Seizures)
• Simulator training will be available for hands-on learning and industry partners will be exhibiting the latest technologies and innovations available

Dr Shouvik Haldar, HRC2026 Programme Director, said: ‘At HRC, the measure of good education is not simply what delegates hear in the lecture theatre, but what they do differently in their next clinic. HRC2026 brings the whole heart rhythm community into one conversation, giving healthcare professionals the opportunity to challenge new ideas, learn practical skills and decide how the latest evidence and technology should translate into better care. From AI and the next generation of ablation to devices, service design and career development, the programme has been built around the real decisions our colleagues face every day. With 18 Category 1 CPD credits available, delegates will leave not only better informed, but better equipped to make a difference for their patients'.

Trudie Lobban MBE, Founder and Trustee, Arrhythmia Alliance, added: ‘Arrhythmia Alliance was founded over 20 years ago on a simple belief: that no one affected by a heart rhythm disorder should be left behind. Heart Rhythm Congress is where that mission comes to life - bringing together clinicians, researchers, allied health professionals, industry professionals and patients from around the world for the 22nd year running. Each year we raise the bar, because when the whole care team learns together, it changes outcomes for patients. That is what Arrhythmia Alliance has always stood for, and it is what HRC delivers.’
For more information and to register for HRC2026, please visit www.heartrhythmcongress.org.

About Heart Rhythm Congress (HRC)
Heart Rhythm Congress (HRC) is dedicated to education, training and innovation for all healthcare professionals involved in arrhythmia care. HRC provides an unrivalled platform for clinicians, researchers and allied health professionals to share best practice and learn from expert-led discussions and debates, showcase innovation and the latest developments in cardiac rhythm management, and network with UK and international delegates. Uniquely, HRC includes extensive Patients Day sessions, nurse education, primary care shared learning, and professional development accreditation. With a dynamic trade exhibition running throughout, HRC brings together all healthcare professionals focused on improving patient outcomes and advancing the field of heart rhythm care. 

Website: www.heartrhythmcongress.org

About Arrhythmia Alliance (A-A)
Arrhythmia Alliance (A-A) works to improve the diagnosis, treatment and quality of life of people affected by heart rhythm disorders. It is a coalition of charities, patients and patient groups, carers, medical groups and allied professionals working together under one umbrella to promote timely diagnosis, effective treatment, patient support, education and awareness. 

Website: www.heartrhythmalliance.org/aa