AQO 2026 will offer a unique opportunity to explore techniques for optimizing data collection, using case scenarios, and driving quality improvement. Head for New Orleans this September to attend the premier gathering of STS National Database professionals as they share valuable research and important clinical findings with hundreds of peers.
Request a justification letter.
Schedule
- Thursday, Sept. 24
Intermacs/Pedimacs Virtual Forum: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. - Wednesday, Sept. 30
General Thoracic Surgery Database: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Congenital Heart Surgery Database: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. - Thursday, Oct. 1
General Thoracic Surgery Database: 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Congenital Heart Surgery Database: 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Adult Cardiac Surgery Database: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. - Friday, Oct. 2
Adult Cardiac Surgery Database: 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Pricing
Register to join your colleagues in New Orleans for one or two days of exceptional learning, collaboration, and networking. In-person rates increase after Aug. 31, so don’t delay!
Virtual Pass
For those unable to travel to New Orleans, STS offers a virtual registration option. Registrants who choose the "virtual pass" will gain access to on-demand content and e-posters online before AQO and the recorded archive of all sessions following the conclusion of the meeting (the virtual pass does not include live streaming).
Intermacs Virtual Forum
Join us Thursday, Sept. 24, for the Intermacs & Pedimacs Live Virtual Forum—a full-day, interactive Zoom event held just ahead of the main AQO meeting. This forum will focus exclusively on Intermacs and Pedimacs registry content, featuring live presentations, real-time Q&A, and opportunities to connect with presenters and fellow attendees. Be ready to join on camera and actively participate in the discussion. (Note: Intermacs content will NOT be offered as part of the in-person meeting.)
In-Person Registration | Registration Fee | Late Registration Fee |
|---|---|---|
STS Member — One Day | $700 | $800 |
STS Member — Two Day | $1,100 | $1,200 |
Non-Member — One Day | $800 | $900 |
Non-Member — Two Day | $1,200 | $1,300 |
Industry Employee | $1,200 | $1,300 |
Virtual-Only Registration | Early Bird Registration Fee | Standard Registration Fee |
|---|---|---|
STS Member Virtual Pass + | $450 | $550 |
STS Member Virtual Pass Only | $350 | $450 |
Non-Member Virtual Pass + | $550 | $650 |
Non-Member Virtual Pass Only (no Intermacs Forum) | $450 | $550 |
*An STS Member ID (6 digits) is required to receive the discounted member rate. Database participation differs from STS membership (e.g., Surgeon or Associate Membership). Your 6-digit STS Member ID is not your site or Database participant ID. For help retrieving your STS Member ID, contact Member Services.
Hotel Arrangements
A block of rooms has been reserved at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside (2 Poydras Street, New Orleans, LA 70140). The special AQO group rate of $259, plus state and local taxes, is guaranteed through Tuesday, Sept. 8, or until the group block is sold out. Guest rooms reserved after the cutoff date or when the room block is sold out are subject to hotel availability. Reserve your room online.
Cancelations
The Society of Thoracic Surgeons will issue a refund, minus a $100 administrative fee, for all cancelations received in writing by Sept. 16, 2026. Ne refunds will be issued after this date.
