Registration and Check-in

April 10-11, 2026, check-in is 7:30 AM - 08:00 AM
Denton A. Cooley Auditorium at Texas Heart Institute
6770 Bertner Ave, Houston, TX 77030

In-person Conference

Agenda
(Last uploaded: 2/25/26)

COURSE OVERVIEW
Join us in Houston for a redesigned, high-impact two-day hybrid program delivering the latest in echocardiography. The 16th Annual Houston State-of-the-Art Echo Symposium & Boot Camp for the 2026 Board brings together cardiologists, sonographers, and fellows for an immersive experience that blends cutting-edge guideline updates, advanced imaging techniques, multidisciplinary Heart Team discussions, and dedicated NBE board preparation.

Led by nationally recognized faculty from Houston’s premier institutions, the symposium emphasizes real-world application through fast-paced lectures, interactive case reviews, multi-modality integration, and practical imaging pearls designed to elevate daily practice and strengthen board readiness.

COURSE HIGHLIGHTS

• State-of-the-art updates covering the newest ASE guidelines (right heart and pulmonary hypertension, LV diastolic function, prosthetic valves, echo reporting, and more)

• New data and contemporary best practices to close gaps between published recommendations and real-world echocardiography utilization

• Advanced imaging sessions, including 3D echo, strain, stress echo, and multimodality integration with cardiac MRI, CT, and POCUS

• Multidisciplinary Heart Team panels featuring imaging cardiologists, interventionalists, electrophysiologists, and heart failure specialists discussing complex real-world cases

• Comprehensive case-based reviews across ischemic, valvular, congenital, and cardiomyopathic disease

• Dedicated NBE Echo Board Boot Camp with structured review, formula mastery, and board-style question practice

• Industry exhibits showcasing innovation in cardiac imaging technology

• Networking opportunities with faculty, peers, and industry leaders

Whether you aim to stay current with rapidly evolving imaging standards or prepare for certification, this course delivers the depth, innovation, and practical relevance to advance your echocardiography practice.

NEEDS STATEMENT

This comprehensive educational activity is designed to address critical professional practice gaps in echocardiography, as identified by national training standards and clinical outcomes. The symposium targets deficiencies in the detection and management of adult congenital heart defects, and the accurate assessment of valvular heart disease, including both stenosis and regurgitation, where misinterpretation can lead to inappropriate clinical decisions. To meet these needs, the course integrates guideline-based instruction with case-based learning and fast-paced didactic lectures. Participants will gain practical skills in Doppler assessment, quantitative imaging techniques, and multimodality integration, enhancing their ability to evaluate complex valvular lesions and congenital abnormalities. Sessions on cardiomyopathies, coronary complications, cardiac masses, and pericardial disease further support the development of diagnostic accuracy in nuanced clinical scenarios. The program also includes a dedicated boot camp to prepare attendees for the National Board of Echocardiography (NBE) exam, offering structured review, formula memorization, and board-style question practice. By simulating realworld lab conditions and emphasizing quality improvement and lab efficiency, the course ensures learners can apply advanced imaging techniques in daily practice. Ultimately, this activity supports a diverse audience, including physicians, sonographers, and trainees, by equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to close practice gaps, improve patient outcomes, and stay current with evolving echocardiographic standards.

TARGET AUDIENCE

Physicians, Sonographers, Trainees, and other Healthcare Professionals

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

At the conclusion of the conference, participants should be able to:

• Detect and diagnose common adult and congenital heart defects using guideline-based approaches and case-based reviews that simulate real-world echocardiography lab scenarios. 
• Apply accepted guideline-based methods for assessing valve stenosis and regurgitation severity, and correlate findings with appropriate treatment pathways using Doppler and quantitative imaging techniques. 
• Improve the quality and efficiency of echocardiography laboratories by implementing best practices in image acquisition, interpretation, and reporting, aligned with current ASE and ACC guidelines. 
• Recognize morphological features of cardiac disease using 2D, M-mode, and advanced modalities such as 3D and speckle tracking echocardiography. 

EDUCATIONAL METHODS

Lecture, Panel Discussion, and Case Study

ACTIVITY EVALUATION 

Evaluation by questionnaire will address program content, presentation, and possible bias.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

For conference questions, contact [email protected]