Family Resources

Please note access policies differ according the child’s age and conference venue.

All minors (children under age 18) must be registered at the Special Assistance Desk in the registration area. This information is needed in the event of an emergency or if a child needs to be reunited with a parent.

Child Access to Sessions

Children 6 months and older may be brought into all conference sessions.

If the child begins to fuss or becomes a distraction to other attendees, the parent should step out to address the needs of the child. Reentry will be permitted once the disruption is resolved.

For children 6 months and older, on-site child care is available with a licensed vendor, for a nominal fee.

Child Access to Exhibits

To keep family members safe and comply with our insurance, child access to the exhibit hall is restricted based on age:

• Only children 16 years of age or older are allowed in the exhibit hall during installation, dismantling, or outside of exhibition hours.
• Children ages 12–16 are allowed in the exhibit hall during regular hours, provided they have their own Exhibits Hall Only pass. Each child must wear (gets to wear!) a badge and must be accompanied by a registered adult at all times.
• During Family Day (see below), parents and children 6 months and older are invited to walk through the exhibit hall.

Children at Receptions

For parents wishing to bring their children to the Exhibitor Reception and/or Technical Program Program Reception, please visit the Special Services Desk (near Registration) and show your conference badge. If your badge is eligible for these events, you may request a free wristband for your children (ages 17 and under) for one or both events. You will be required to sign an IEEE-CS minor consent form.

We reserve the right to request proof of age for older children near the cutoff age. We ask that the children above the age of 2 wear the wristbands at all times during the receptions, and parents of children under two will wear the wristband on their child’s behalf.

Parents Room

Room TBD

At the convention center, we will have a Parents Room designed for parents with children 6 months to 5 years. More information on Parents Room amenities will be available Summer 2026.

Child Care

Room TBD

Information for child care services available at SC26 in Chicago will be available Summer 2026.

Any registered attendee can register for a Family Day pass. On Wednesday from 4–6 pm, come to the exhibit hall and show your family around. Children 6 months and older are invited.

No additional fee is required, though all family members must register at the Assisted Registration Desk in the registration area and obtain a wristband.