The practice of pediatric cardiac intensive care depends on a collaborative effort from all disciplines involved in the care of critically ill pediatric patients with cardiovascular disease. The 8th International Conference of the Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Society was reflective of this collaborative effort as experts from several disciplines, including neonatology, critical care, cardiology, neurology, anesthesia and surgery, gathered to discuss the latest advances in the care of pediatric cardiovascular disease, beginning with the fetus and extending into adulthood. Discussion on innovations in imaging and mechanical circulatory devices, the impact of genetics on outcomes, hybrid techniques (that bridge the catheterization laboratory and the operating room), surgery in very low birthweight neonates, and the discussion of adults with congenital heart disease were demonstrative of this collaborative, multidisciplinary effort.