General Questions

What are the dates and location of the meeting?

The 62nd STS Annual Meeting will take place in person at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. The official meeting dates are Thursday, Jan. 29 – Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026.

Following the meeting, all registrants will receive 30-day access to the recorded meeting content which will be available approximately one month after the event. 
 

Where will the meeting take place?

All educational programming for the 62nd STS Annual Meeting will take place at: 

Ernest N. Morial Convention Center 
900 Convention Center Boulevard
New Orleans, LA 70130

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 2026 is the Hilton New Orleans Riverside. 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?

Shuttle service will be provided from all official STS hotels, with the exception of the Hampton Inn and Suites. 

Will there be a virtual registration option?

No. STS 2026 will take place in person only, though the meeting will be recorded and available for purchase in March 2026. The meeting will not be live-streamed. 

How much does registration cost?

Visit the STS 2026 Pricing page for details. Early bird registration rates are available until October 30, 2025.

Do any programs or sessions require an additional fee?

Five hands-on courses will be offered on a range of topics in cardiothoracic surgery; these can be added for a fee during the registration process. Mock Oral Exams and Mock Interviews will be offered in The Hub and can also be added during registration. 

Two symposia are included in overall meeting registration. Those who are interested in these events, but do not plan to attend the entire meeting, can register with a one-day fee. (If you choose the one-day option, you may not attend any other Annual Meeting sessions or events.)

  • STS/ISHLT Lung Transplant Symposium
    Thursday, Jan. 29, 9:45 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
  • Innovation and Partnership: Advancing APP Care in Cardiothoracic Surgery
    Saturday, Jan. 31, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Wellness activities will be available for a fee. Add a spin class or sign up for the STS pickleball tournament; details are included in Annual Meeting registration. 

What is the dress code?

Attire is business professional. Wear comfortable shoes and bring layers, as the temperature in meeting rooms may be cold. The attire for Sunday is casual - no suits and ties! Instead, all are encouraged to dress comfortably and casually, including sneakers and jeans. 

Check the current weather report for New Orleans. 

What if I need to cancel my registration?

All requests for cancelations must be made in writing and sent to STSsupport@cmrus.com by Jan. 22, 2026. Requests for refunds will not be honored if submitted after that date. Please note: A processing fee of $100 will be charged for all cancelations for the in-person conference.

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. 29, through Sunday, Feb. 1. Registering in advance assures you a discounted rate.

Registration Hours (subject to change):

Thursday, Jan. 29: 6 a.m. – 6 p.m. 
Friday, Jan. 30: 6 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. 
Saturday, Jan. 31: 6 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Sunday, Feb. 1: 6 - 11 a.m.

When is the Exhibit Hall open?

Exhibit hall hours are:   

  • Thursday, Jan. 29 – 4:30 – 6 p.m.
  • Friday, Jan. 30 – 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
  • Saturday, Jan. 31 – 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

The Exhibit Hall Opening Reception will be held on Thursday, Jan. 29, 4:45 p.m. – 6 p.m. CT.  

*all times subject to change 

Rapid fire presentations, the CT Surgery Resident Showdown, and social activities also will take place during regular Exhibit Hall hours.

When is the Presidential Address?

Joseph F. Sabik III, MD, will deliver his presidential address on Friday, Jan. 30, at 11:15 a.m.  

When is the President's Reception?

STS will honor the presidency of Joseph F. Sabik III, MD, at a special event on Friday, Jan. 30, 7 – 9:30 p.m. CT. Enjoy New Orleans-themed hors d’oeuvres, drinks, and entertainment, and celebrate the past year’s successes at Generations Hall, a historic venue that embodies the rich history and spirit of New Orleans jazz. Complimentary shuttles will transport attendees from STS hotels. 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 Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026, 7 - 8 a.m. CT. 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?

The following programs require an additional fee: hands-on courses, the President’s Reception, Mock Oral Exams, Mock Interviews, the Extraordinary Women in Cardiothoracic Surgery Awards Breakfast, and two wellness activities (spin class and pickleball tournament). Purchase these tickets during Annual Meeting registration. (STS members receive a discount on the educational courses offered as add-ons.)  

What amenities does STS offer in the convention center?

The STS Annual Meeting offers complimentary coat check and bag check near registration. A private mothers' room will be available for nursing parents. 
 

What wellness events are scheduled?

Choose to participate in: 

Spin Classes ($35/session, space is limited)

  • Friday, Jan. 30, 6–6:45 a.m.
  • Saturday, Jan. 31, 6–6:45 a.m.

Pickleball Tournament ($45/person, space is limited)

Friday, Jan. 30, 4–6 p.m. 
Reserve a spot and pay the fee individually. Then check in on tournament with a partner, or arrive a few minutes early to be paired with another player.

Sunrise Run/Walk (no charge)

Saturday, Jan. 31, 6 a.m. 
A route map will be provided, and participants are free to complete the course at their preferred pace. 

 

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. 

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