The 61st STS Annual Meeting, taking place January 24-26, is the premier global event for cardiothoracic surgeons. With more than 2,000 professional attendees and 80 educational sessions, it offers unmatched opportunities for networking, learning, and professional growth.
Held at the Los Angeles Convention Center, the meeting provides a seamless experience with plenary sessions, breakout sessions, and the exhibit hall all conveniently located, making it easy to navigate and connect with colleagues and industry leaders.
By planning ahead and familiarizing yourself with the logistics, you can make the most of your time at the meeting. Here are a few tips to help you maximize your experience.
Download the App
The STS 2025 mobile app will help you navigate through the three days of meetings. Here, you’ll have easy access to times and locations for educational sessions, plenaries, hands-on workshops, exhibits, receptions, award ceremonies, industry events, and coffee/snack breaks — all at your fingertips. Attendees with specific clinical interests can easily choose their activities based on nine color-coded tracks, while trainees can earn points and prizes in a scavenger hunt. Plus, the app helps you connect with colleagues and keep up with daily meeting highlights.
Elevate Your Practice
Round out your educational experience with one of these three half-day pre-conference symposia:
- The Lung Cancer: Clinical Trials Meet Clinical Practice program will examine the latest advancements in diagnosing and treating early-stage and locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer.
- The Aortic Universe: From Birth to Adulthood program offers a comprehensive overview of aortic disease from infancy to adulthood, providing detailed insights into diagnosis, treatment, and management.
- The STS APP Conference — Redesigning the Future Together will explore innovative ways for APPs to enhance their role in cardiothoracic surgery through exposure to expert presentations and panel discussions.
Visit the Exhibit Hall
When you have downtime or are not in a session, be sure to visit the exhibit hall, where there’s always something exciting happening. More than 125 companies will showcase their latest products, and many of them have created interactive learning spaces that feel like hands-on courses. Plus, you can catch presentations from top experts, award-winning poster authors, and industry leaders at one of the three theaters located in the exhibit hall. Check out the schedules in the STS Events App.
Can’t-Miss Keynotes
Prepare to be inspired by three must-see plenary speeches at STS 2025:
- Nina Starr Braunwald Lecture: Presented by Jennifer Doudna, PhD, a Nobel Prize-winning biochemist, renowned for her pioneering work in gene editing. She will explore how scientific innovation is shaping the future of medicine.
- Vivien T. Thomas Lecture: Featuring award-winning photojournalist and filmmaker Ami Vitale, a passionate advocate for social responsibility. She will demonstrate how authentic storytelling can drive meaningful, positive change.
- Presidential Address: Delivered by STS President Jennifer C. Romano, MD, MS – the first woman surgeon in the Society’s history to give the address. Dr. Romano will reflect on her career journey, share key milestones, and offer insights into the future of the specialty and the Society.
Gather at The Hub
For the second consecutive year, The Hub will serve as the focal point for cardiothoracic surgery trainees. The Hub’s lounge area will offer a variety of engaging sessions, including Mock Oral Interviews, Job Interview Preparation, Early Career Surgeon Roundtable Discussions, a Trainee Symposium with a luncheon, and more.
Attendees can also enjoy creative activities in the Hub, such as the collaborative mural project “Splashes of Hope,” where participants can contribute their creativity to artwork that will be donated to a local children's hospital. For those eager to capture memorable moments, the Selfie Station will offer a fun and interactive backdrop perfect for sharing on social media. Additionally, a scavenger hunt will inspire attendees to engage in challenges via the Annual Meeting app, with opportunities to win prizes. To help everyone recharge and connect with fellow attendees, a coffee station will offer a selection of beverages.
Be a Part of STS TV
STS has teamed up with WebsEdge, which produces custom magazine-style TV shows, to introduce a video platform designed to elevate your meeting experience. STS TV will offer daily broadcasts showcasing research, expert interviews, conference highlights, and attendee insights — all centered on the latest advancements in heart, lung, esophageal, and thoracic surgery. Accessible via the conference website, onsite, through the mobile app, on YouTube, and in hotels in the STS room block, STS TV will keep attendees informed and engaged throughout the event.
Discover the Best of L.A.
Immerse yourself in the dynamic city of Los Angeles, a thriving metropolis where diverse cultures and industries converge. Explore iconic landmarks like the Hollywood Walk of Fame, or wander through vibrant neighborhoods such as Koreatown, Santa Monica Pier/Ocean Avenue, and Little Tokyo, each offering its own unique experiences. From the creative energy of the Arts District to world-class museums that captivate and inspire, L.A. is a lively center for culture, innovation, and entertainment. Its eclectic culinary scene also promises to delight every palate, making it a destination that truly has something for everyone.
Learn More
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