The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) 2026 annual conference is set for January 29 through February 1, 2026, in New Orleans, Louisiana. The 2026 meeting is the 62nd annual meeting of STS and features the theme Teaching for Tomorrow Together. Packed with four days of scheduled sessions, hands-on courses, and symposia, the 2026 STS Annual Meeting is an invaluable opportunity for cardiothoracic surgical professionals.
Today’s conference preview showcases the different registration options available, a rundown of the speakers and symposia available, and information on CME opportunities for attendees.
2026 STS Annual Meeting Registration Information
Registration for the STS Annual Meeting is currently open to all members and interested individuals. STS members, along with non-member groups including allied health professionals, residents, fellows, and medical students, receive discounted registration fees. Active duty STS members may be eligible for complimentary meeting registration and are encouraged to contact STS for more information.
Online registration is available through January 27. Once online registration closes, on-site registration will be available for an increased cost.
Additionally, attendees have the options to register for wellness activities, single symposium attendance, hands-on courses, the president’s reception, and the Extraordinary Women in Cardiothoracic Surgery Awards breakfast.
STS notes that refunds are available through January 22. No refunds will be issued following that date.
2026 STS Annual Meeting Speakers and Symposium
The following speakers and symposium are currently scheduled for this year’s STS Annual Meeting. The dates and times are accurate as of January 5. Consult the full scientific program for the most up-to-date information.
The Courage To Go Together: Three Questions to Change How You Work, Live, and Lead
- Shola Richards, Founder and CEO of Go Together Global
- 8:20 AM – 9:05 AM, Thursday, January 29
AI in the OR
- Geoff S. Martha, Chairman and CEO, Medtronic
- 4:50 PM – 5:10 PM, Thursday, January 29
STS/ISHLT Lung Transplant Symposium
- 9:45 AM – 3:30 PM, Thursday, January 29
From the Dugout to the OR: The Art of Building a Winning Team
- Terry Francona, Cincinnati Reds Manager
- 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM, Friday, January 30
Presidential Address: Teaching for Tomorrow Together
- Joseph F. Sabik III, MD
- 11:15 AM – 12:15 PM, Friday, January 30
How to Become a Surgical Scientist, and Why Anyone Would Want To
- Frank W. Selke, MD
- 8:52 AM – 9:12 AM, Saturday, January 31
Innovation and Partnership: Advancing APP Care in Cardiothoracic Surgery Symposium
- 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Saturday, January 31
Auditing Your Well-Being
- Ben Alldis, Wellness Specialist
- 9:45 AM – 10:30 AM, Sunday, February 1
2026 STS Annual Meeting CME Opportunities
The STS has not yet released the number of available credits for the 2026 STS Annual Meeting. The total number of available credits will be shared closer to the conference’s start date.
For reference, the 2025 STS Annual Conference provided the opportunity for 16.50 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits, but it was also one day shorter than the 2026 conference.
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