General Questions

What are the dates and location of the meeting?

The 61st STS Annual Meeting will take place in person Friday, Jan. 24 – Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025 at the Los Angeles Convention Center in Los Angeles, California.

An extensive pre-conference program will be available on Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025.

Will there be a virtual registration option?

No. STS 2025 will take place in person only. The meeting will not be live-streamed. 

Will the sessions be recorded?

Yes. In-person registration includes access to Annual Meeting Online, the recorded archive of the meeting. The recorded sessions will be available within two weeks of the event and remain accessible for one year.  

Can I purchase Annual Meeting Online if I don’t register for the meeting?

Yes, it will be available for purchase starting in February of 2025. 

How and where do I book a hotel stay?

Exclusive discounted rates are available when you reserve your hotel through the Society’s room block. Book early as certain hotels have limited availability. You must register for the Annual Meeting before reserving a room in the STS room block. 

Which is the headquarters hotel?

The headquarters hotel for STS 2025 is the JW Marriott L.A. LIVE. More information can be found on the Annual Meeting Registration & Hotel website

Will transportation be provided from the official STS hotels to the convention center?

Most of the STS hotels are located within walking distance of the Los Angeles Convention Center. Shuttle service will be provided from only the Hotel Indigo Los Angeles Downtown and the InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown. 

How much does registration cost?

Visit the STS 2025 Pricing page for details. Early bird registration rates are available until October 15, 2024.

Are any additional educational programs available?

Yes. The Annual Meeting includes a selection of hands-on courses on a range of topics in cardiothoracic surgery, as well as three pre-meeting symposia (Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025). These can be added during the registration process and require additional fees. It is possible to attend a pre-conference symposium only, though rates are lower for STS 2025 registrants. Hands-on courses are only available as an add-on to meeting registration. 

What is the dress code?

Dress is business casual. Check the current weather report for Los Angeles. 

My question isn’t listed here. Whom can I contact?

Onsite Questions

Can I register when I arrive?

Advance registration is strongly recommended, however onsite registration will be available every day, Thursday, Jan. 23, through Sunday, Jan. 26. Registering in advance assures you a discounted rate.

When is the Exhibit Hall open?

Exhibit hall hours are:   

  • Friday, Jan. 24, 9 a.m. – 6:15 p.m. PT 
  • Saturday, Jan. 25, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. PT 
  • Sunday, Jan. 26, 8 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. PT 

The Exhibit Hall Opening Reception will be held on Friday, Jan. 26, 4:45 p.m.–6:15 p.m. PT.  

*all times subject to change 

E-Poster presentations, the CT Surgery Resident Showdown, and product theaters hosted by industry also will take place during regular Exhibit Hall hours.

When is the Presidential Address?

Jennifer C. Romano, MD, MS, will deliver her presidential address on Friday, Jan. 24, at 4 p.m.  

When is the President's Reception?

STS will honor the presidency of Jennifer C. Romano, MD, MS, at a special event on Saturday, Jan.  25, 7-9:30 p.m. PT. Enjoy delicious hors d’oeuvres, sip drinks, and celebrate the past year’s successes amidst a majestic backdrop of North American wildlife dioramas that festoon the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. Complimentary shuttles will transport attendees from STS hotels and the convention center. Purchase a ticket when registering for the meeting; don’t delay, as space is limited.

When is the Extraordinary Women in Cardiothoracic Surgery Awards Breakfast?

The Awards Breakfast will take place Friday, Jan. 24, 2025, 6:30 a.m. - 7:45 a.m. PT. The event is open to all meeting registrants, but a ticket is required and can be purchased during Annual Meeting registration

Which events require an additional ticket?

Hands-On Courses, the President’s Reception, three new pre-conference symposia, and the Extraordinary Women in Cardiothoracic Surgery Awards Breakfast each require an additional ticket that can be purchased during Annual Meeting registration. STS members receive a discount on the educational courses offered as add-ons.  

Accreditation and Credit Information

What kind of continuing education credit is available?

The Society of Thoracic Surgeons is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.  

Physicians and physician assistants may claim AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Participants should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. 

The final credit count will be provided close to the meeting.