CROI 2026 in Denvar: Deadlines, Abstract Submission & Fees

Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI 2026) is set to take place in Denver, Colorado, from February 22 to 25, 2026. Renowned as one of the leading global conferences in the field of HIV, hepatitis viruses, SARS-CoV-2, mpox, and related infectious diseases, CROI serves as a vital platform for sharing the latest scientific research, clinical advancements, and public health strategies.

CROI 2026 will bring together researchers, clinicians, and policymakers from across the world to present groundbreaking findings and discuss emerging challenges in infectious-disease control. Find complete details about CROI 2026 key dates and deadlines overview, CROI 2026 registration process, registration fees, and abstract submission guidelines, helping attendees prepare effectively for the event.

CROI 2026 Key Dates and Deadlines Overview

To make everything run smoothly, you’ll want to mark your calendar carefully. Here are the major milestones for CROI 2026:

• Submission Opens for General Abstracts: August 28, 2025.
• Submission Deadline for General Abstracts & Scholarship Applications: October 1, 2025, at 5:00 PM Pacific Time.
• Registration Opens: October 22, 2025.
• Late-Breaking Abstract Submission Opens: December 1, 2025.
• Late-Breaking Abstract Submission Deadline: January 5, 2026 at 2:00 PM PT.
• Registration Fee Increases / Hotel Cancellation Deadline: January 15, 2026.
• Conference Dates: February 22–25, 2026 in Denver, Colorado.
• For more details visit.

CROI 2026 are strict about deadlines. If you miss one, you could lose early-registration pricing, get excluded from certain presentation slots, or even lose hotel deals. Keep these dates handy and set reminders now.

Venue Details: Why Denver is the Chosen Host City

Denver is more than just a location—it’s an experience. Hosting CROI 2026 in Denver gives attendees access to a city that combines modern infrastructure with outdoor adventure and a vibrant local culture. The conference venue—Colorado Convention Center (presumed, based on typical choices)—offers ample space, high-quality meeting rooms, and well-connected transport options.

From the airport to downtown hotels, you’ll find relatively smooth logistics. This is especially helpful if you’re traveling internationally from India, Europe or Africa, as you can arrange flights, visas and hotel bookings in one coordinated trip. And in the evenings? You’ll have the chance to enjoy Denver’s craft-beer scene, mountain views and a lively arts district. It’s a great way to balance intense scientific immersion with relaxation and networking.

CROI 2026 Registration: Step-by-Step Process

When I registered for a past scientific meeting, I learned that the registration path can feel stressful if you wait until the last minute. So here’s how you should approach CROI 2026 registration:

• Visit the official portal (via the “Apply to Register/Register” button on the CROI website) once registration opens (Oct 22, 2025).

• Create or log into your CROI profile, completing professional details such as affiliation, position, country, etc.

• If you’ve also submitted an abstract, indicate that in your registration form. Authors of accepted abstracts are often pre‐approved.

• Choose your attendance type: in-person (Denver) or virtual access. For many international delegates, weighing virtual vs. in-person is important (costs, travel logistics, visa considerations).

• Pay the registration fee by the early deadline—avoiding the surcharge.

• Once registered, secure your accommodation through the conference hotel block to take advantage of negotiated rates.

Pro tip: If you’re coming from Mumbai (or anywhere abroad), register early so you can use your confirmation letter for visa applications and book flights/hotels while rates are still reasonable.

CROI 2026 Registration Fees and Payment Options

Here’s what the fee structure looks like for CROI 2026—this section helps you budget and plan ahead. According to the registration page:

• In-person (US dollars): Early registration (before Jan 14, 2026) is US$895. On or after Jan 15, 2026, the fee jumps to US$995.

• Virtual attendance: Same numbers—US$895 (early) vs US$995 (later) for virtual access.

• Important note: attendance is strictly for the full 3-day conference; there are no lower fees for 1- or 2-day participation.

Payment options generally include credit card, institutional invoice/wire transfer, and sometimes alternative methods for international participants.

Cancellation and refund policies apply and hotel cancellation deadlines coincide with registration fee increase dates (January 15, 2026) so be sure to read the fine print. Planning ahead for a budget of at least US$1,000 for registration (plus travel/hotel) is wise.

CROI 2026 Abstract Submission Guidelines

For researchers seeking to present at CROI 2026, abstract submission is your moment. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of how to handle it:

• Submission opens August 28, 2025 for general abstracts in HIV, hepatitis viruses and their related conditions, SARS-CoV-2, mpox, etc.

• Deadline for general abstracts is October 1, 2025 at 5:00 PM PT. Matters such as word counts, formatting instructions and categories must be adhered to.

• Choose your category carefully (basic science, clinical, epidemiologic, public health etc.) to ensure alignment with the review committee’s expertise.

• Key components: Title; Background; Methods; Results (even preliminary); Conclusion; and often Keywords. Accuracy and clarity matter.

• If you anticipate new data emerging after October, you also have the late-breaking submission window (opens December 1, 2025; deadline Jan 5, 2026) for urgent top-tier findings.

• Work on your abstract early: get collaborators to review, check grammar, ensure you’ve captured ethics / consent statements where relevant, and that your figures/tables (if allowed) follow guidelines.

Avoid common traps: over-ambitious claims without data, misspelling “HIV”, inconsistent abbreviations, or failing to include your affiliation. A polished submission reflects well on you and increases your odds of acceptance.

CROI 2026 Abstract Review and Acceptance Notification

Once you hit “submit,” the waiting begins—but you can stay proactive. Here’s how the flow works:

• After the general-abstract deadline, dispositions (acceptance/rejection) are emailed by November 12, 2025.

• If your abstract has been accepted, you’ll receive instructions regarding whether you’ve been selected for a poster session, oral presentation, or virtual e-poster.

• Start preparing your materials early: finalize your poster layout (if poster), prepare slides (if oral), check technical requirements (screen resolution, upload deadlines).

• Once accepted, registration (if not already done) and travel/hotel logistics should be finalized promptly.

• If you aren’t accepted, don’t despair: many attendees still benefit from networking, attending sessions, and learning from others. Consider submitting late-breaking if your data evolves.

Being accepted at CROI is a significant credential. It signals your work is among current topics of interest in HIV and opportunistic-infection research.

CROI 2026 Tips for Attendees and Presenters

From my experience attending several international conferences, a few tips make the difference between “just attending” and “making the most of” the event. Here are tailored suggestions for CROI 2026:

• Start early: With deadlines for abstracts, registration, hotel and visa, the earlier you begin the better your planning and less your stress.

• Network intentionally: Identify 2-3 researchers or institutions you want to connect with. Book coffee meetings or participate in social events—these are often where collaborations begin.

• Plan your schedule: Before you head to Denver, review the preliminary program and flag sessions of interest. Make a “must-see” list and a “nice-to-see” list.

• Prepare your “elevator pitch”: When you meet other attendees, be ready to describe your research succinctly: problem, method, result, next step.

• Stay on top of logistics: For international travelers from India (as you are in Mumbai), allow time for visa processing, travel insurance, currency exchange, power-plug adapters and scheduling around time-zones.

• Use the virtual platform (if registering virtually): Engage in live Q&A, connect in virtual poster halls, and follow up with contacts you meet online as well as in-person.

• Document your trip: Take notes, flag emerging themes, record links to interesting posters, and debrief on your return. That way, your participation becomes a launchpad for post-conference action, not just a memory.

Accommodation, Travel & Visa Information

Given the international attendee mix at CROI 2026, here are some practical travel notes for those coming from abroad:

• Book your flight to Denver (via Denver International Airport) well in advance—peak hotel/airfare demand will happen once registration opens and housing blocks fill.

• Reserve a hotel within the CROI block to get conference-negotiated rates, and note the cancellation deadline coincides with the registration fee increase date (Jan 15, 2026) so reassess by then.

• For Indian attendees: apply for the US visa early, submit your conference registration confirmation, accommodation booking, and invitation letter (if required) as part of your supporting docs.

• Check power-plug types, travel insurance, health requirements (vaccinations etc.), and factor in time-zone adaptation.

Consider travel to/from the conference venue: airport transfers, taxis or rideshare, public transport around Denver. Make sure you arrive at least a day early to account for travel fatigue and drop-in time.

FAQs

1. What is CROI 2026 and why is it important?

CROI 2026 (Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections) is one of the most prestigious global scientific meetings focusing on HIV, hepatitis viruses, SARS-CoV-2, mpox, and related infectious diseases. It plays a crucial role in presenting new research findings, clinical data, and public health strategies to combat viral infections.

2. When and where will CROI 2026 be held?

CROI 2026 will take place from February 22 to 25, 2026, in Denver, Colorado, USA. The event will feature both in-person and virtual attendance options to accommodate global participants.

3. When does registration for CROI 2026 open and how can I register?

CROI 2026 registration opens on October 22, 2025 through the official CROI website. Attendees must create a CROI account, verify professional credentials, and select either in-person or virtual participation to complete registration.

4. What are the CROI 2026 registration fees?

The CROI 2026 registration fees are expected to be:

• Early registration (before Jan 14, 2026): USD 895
• Late registration (on or after Jan 15, 2026): USD 995
  These rates apply to both in-person and virtual attendees. Students and researchers may qualify for discounted fees or scholarships.

5. What are the key deadlines for CROI 2026?

The CROI 2026 key dates and deadlines overview includes:

• Abstract submission opens: August 28, 2025
• Abstract submission deadline: October 1, 2025 (5:00 PM PT)
• Registration opens: October 22, 2025
• Late-breaking abstracts: December 1, 2025 – January 5, 2026
• Conference dates: February 22–25, 2026

6. How do I submit an abstract for CROI 2026?

To complete your CROI 2026 abstract submission, visit the official submission portal once it opens. Authors should prepare a structured abstract (300–400 words) covering background, methods, results, and conclusions. Abstracts must adhere to CROI’s formatting, category selection, and ethical guidelines.

7. Who is eligible to attend CROI 2026?

CROI 2026 attendance is limited to scientists, healthcare professionals, researchers, educators, and policymakers working in HIV, virology, and infectious diseases. Commercial or marketing professionals without a research focus may not be eligible to register.

8. Does CROI 2026 offer scholarships or travel grants?

Yes. CROI provides scholarships and travel assistance for early-career investigators, community educators, and researchers from low- and middle-income countries. Applicants must apply during the abstract submission period and meet eligibility requirements.

9. What topics will CROI 2026 cover?

CROI 2026 will feature sessions on HIV prevention and treatment, viral hepatitis, SARS-CoV-2, mpox, tuberculosis, vaccine development, and emerging infectious diseases. The program will also include clinical case studies, poster sessions, and symposia led by global experts.

10. How can I stay updated about CROI 2026 announcements?

Participants can stay informed by subscribing to the official CROI email updates or visiting www.croiconference.org. Updates on abstract deadlines, registration, schedules, and speaker announcements are posted regularly on the website.