SC Conference (Supercomputing Conference) 2026

SC Conference is an annual event for high-performance computing, networking, storage, and analysis with strong relevance to enterprise software dealing with large-scale computing and data science.

SC26

SC26, the International Conference for High Performance Computing, Networking, Storage, and Analysis, runs November 15–20, 2026 at McCormick Place in Chicago. The technical program runs Sunday through Friday, and the exhibit floor is open Tuesday through Thursday, November 17–19.

What it is

SC is the annual conference of the high performance computing community. The organizer describes its audience as "scientists, engineers, researchers, educators, programmers, system administrators, and developers" from the international HPC community. The technical program covers papers, tutorials, workshops, invited talks, panels, Birds of a Feather sessions, posters and the Doctoral Showcase, along with a keynote, the HPC Unites Plenary and awards including the ACM Gordon Bell Prize.

On the exhibit floor, industry, research organizations, universities and startups show hardware, software and services. SCinet, the conference network, is designed, built and run by volunteers from industry, academia and government. The conference belongs to the SC Conference Series, whose steering committee includes members from the Association for Computing Machinery and the IEEE Computer Society.

Exhibit hours

• Sunday, November 15: Exhibitor Reception, 6:30pm–9:30pm
• Monday, November 16: Grand Opening Gala Reception, 7pm–9pm
• Tuesday–Wednesday, November 17–18: 10am–6pm
• Thursday, November 19: 10am–3pm (short last day)

Registration shape

Registration is split into separate categories rather than one badge. Technical Program registration includes all three days of workshops. Workshops Only covers the Sunday, Monday and Friday workshops but not the exhibits.

Tutorials are sold as one-day or two-day passes, and Exhibits Only is a separate in-person option. The categories can be combined. Standard registration closes October 14, 2026, rates go up after that, and ACM, IEEE and SIGHPC members get a discount.

A Digital Experience lets people attend remotely, with most sessions live-streamed or on demand, but there are no virtual exhibit booths.

Students have their own track, Students@SC, with the Student Cluster Competition, mentoring and volunteer roles, and a Career Fair runs during the week. Children aged 12–16 may enter the exhibit hall with an adult and their own Exhibits Only pass.

Child care for registered attendees is offered in the convention center. The Metra Electric line stops inside McCormick Place's Grand Concourse.