The STS Annual Meeting is the preeminent event in cardiothoracic surgery, offering more translational science and hands-on activities than any other educational event of its kind. The meeting features thought-provoking lectures, late-breaking research, and outstanding didactic and interactive educational programs, an expansive Exhibit Hall, and unique networking opportunities for every member of the cardiothoracic surgery team.
Add your name and contact information to the interest list to be among the first notified when registration opens.
When you register to attend, you’ll experience:
- Three and a half days of sessions (Thursday, Jan. 29 - Sunday, Feb. 1) covering the latest research and practice for cardiothoracic surgical professionals of every discipline and at every career level
- A vibrant exhibit hall showcasing the latest products and services, as well as industry symposia featuring hot topics and expert speakers
- Educational add-ons, like hands-on courses and one-day symposia, to round out your onsite experience and enhance your learning
- The CT Surgery Resident Showdown finals, luncheons, President’s Reception, and a variety of networking opportunities
- Robust programming—educational and social—especially designed for early career surgeons and trainees
- Fun wellness activities
- And more!
Teaching for Tomorrow Together
The theme of STS 2026, Teaching for Tomorrow Together, celebrates STS’s dedication to innovation, training the next generation, and moving the specialty forward through collaboration and community. Learn more.
Meeting Details
(All times Central and subject to change):
Thursday, Jan. 29: 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 30: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. (President's Reception 7 – 9:30 p.m.)
Saturday, Jan. 31: 8 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Sunday, Feb. 1: 7 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Hands-On Courses
Hands-on courses offer an immersive learning experience in a variety of surgical procedures, particularly for residents and early career surgeons. Five courses will be offered throughout the Annual Meeting. Each carries an additional fee; choose your session(s) and add them during meeting registration. STS members receive a discount!
TEVAR 101 for Aneurysm and 201 for Dissection
Friday, Jan. 30
2:30 - 4 p.m.
Course Directors: George Arnaoutakis, MD, and Ibrahim Sultan, MD
Sponsored by W. L. Gore and Associates
Aortic Annular Enlargement
Saturday, Jan. 31
1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Course Directors: Bo Yang, MD, PhD, Marc Pelletier, MD, FRCSC, Karen Kim, MD, and Marvin Atkins, MD
Complex Central Airway Reconstruction
Sunday, Feb. 1
7 – 8:30 a.m.
Course Directors: Robert Merritt MD, Douglas J. Mathisen, MD, Michael Lanuti, MD, and Christina Costantino, MD
The Ross Procedure
Sunday, Feb. 1
7 – 8:30 a.m.
Course Directors: Ismail El-Hamamsy, MD, PhD, Vaughn Starnes, MD
Mitral Valve Repair
Sunday, Feb. 1
7 – 8:30 a.m.
Course Directors: Steven F. Bolling, MD, and Stephanie Mick, MD
Mock Oral Exam Courses
STS will offer an installment of its Mock Oral Exam Course during STS 2026. The goal of the program is to help decrease the stress of the Board exam by allowing trainees to prepare for and practice with the oral exam format. The in-person session will group more than one examinee together with mock examiners who will present case scenarios, pose questions, and provide individualized verbal and written feedback to each participant. Limited spots are available, and priority will be given to cardiothoracic surgery residents who are scheduled to take the ABTS oral examination in June 2026. STS members receive a discount; choose your preferred session during Annual Meeting registration:
Thursday, Jan. 29 12 - 1 p.m. | Friday, Jan. 30 10:15 - 11:00 a.m. | Friday, Jan. 30 12:15 - 1:15 p.m. | Saturday, Jan. 31 7 - 7:45 a.m. | Saturday, Jan. 31 3:30 - 4:15 p.m. |
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Fees are $325 for STS members and $425 for non-members. Add the Mock Oral Exam Course to your STS 2026 registration.
Mock Interviews
Trainees, residents, fellows, and early career surgeon looking to improve their job interview skills can sign up for a 30-minute one-on-one session with a mock interviewer to include 20 minutes of interview practice with 10 minutes of feedback. Academic-focused and non-academic focused interviews are available. Ten slots are available; make your selection during STS 2026 registration. Fees are $25 for STS members and $35 for non-members.
Registration and Housing
Registration will begin in early September. Register by Oct. 30 to enjoy a discounted registration rate. STS members save even more.
Registration includes access to the recorded meeting content which will be available approximately one month after the event. This provides a subsequent opportunity to earn significantly more continuing medical education credit beyond what you can earn during the live event.
Ticketed events are available at an additional cost to in-person registrants.
Housing
Exclusive discounted rates are available when you reserve your hotel through the Society’s room block! Book early as some venues have a limited number of rooms. (Annual Meeting registration is a prerequisite of booking your hotel.)
Making your reservation through the official STS room blocks helps the Society continue to leverage the best possible pricing for its meeting attendees. Staying in the STS hotel block also may help facilitate informal connections and networking opportunities that occur at the hotels during the meeting. You must register for the Annual Meeting before you can book your housing. Reduced hotel rates are available through Jan. 15, 2026.
Note: The Society has engaged Convention Management Resources (CMR) as the only approved official registration and housing provider for the STS Annual Meeting. Please be wary of any other companies ostensibly offering registration and/or housing assistance for the STS Annual Meeting. Such companies typically imply that they are working with STS, but in reality are unauthorized. Contact the STS Meetings Department if you are contacted by anyone other than CMR.
Volunteer Leadership
Thank you to the entire Workforce on Annual Meeting, who work tirelessly throughout the year to put together a rich and robust STS Annual Meeting for all attendees.

Industry Opportunities
Increase your company’s visibility among the most influential leaders in cardiothoracic surgery. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with your audience, display your products and services, and connect with decision-makers in the specialty. Secure your exhibit space, then view the Sponsorship Gallery for other opportunities to engage with attendees.
Accreditation
The Society of Thoracic Surgeons is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians. The total number of available credits will be provided closer to the meeting dates.