The STS Annual Meeting is the preeminent event in cardiothoracic surgery, offering more translational science and hands-on activities than any other educational event of its kind. The meeting features thought-provoking lectures, late-breaking research, and outstanding didactic and interactive educational programs, an expansive Exhibit Hall, and unique networking opportunities for every member of the cardiothoracic surgery team.
Attendees experience:
- Three and a half days of sessions (Thursday, Jan. 29 - Sunday, Feb. 1) covering the latest research and practice for cardiothoracic surgical professionals of every discipline and at every career level
- A vibrant exhibit hall showcasing the latest products and services, as well as industry symposia featuring hot topics and expert speakers
- Educational add-ons, like hands-on courses and one-day symposia, to round out your onsite experience and enhance your learning
- The CT Surgery Resident Showdown finals, luncheons, President’s Reception, and a variety of networking opportunities
- Robust programming—educational and social—especially designed for early career surgeons and trainees
- Fun wellness activities
Teaching for Tomorrow Together
The theme of STS 2026, Teaching for Tomorrow Together, celebrates STS’s dedication to innovation, training the next generation, and moving the specialty forward through collaboration and community. Learn more.
Meeting Mobile App
Download the new STS 2026 meeting mobile app for the best event experience. Using the mobile app helps ensure that you have the most up-to-date program information at your fingertips. Save sessions and programs to your personalized schedule, connect with other attendees, submit questions to panelists during sessions, and more.
Annual Meeting Assistant
Navigate the program, build a custom schedule, and more with the Annual Meeting Assistant powered by CORA (the Cardiothoracic Online Resource Assistant.)
Meeting Details
- Meeting Program
- Mobile App
- Claim Credit
- Headshots (available for download after Feb. 6)
- For Speakers (Abstracts, invitations)
- Meeting FAQs
- About New Orleans
Plenary Speakers
STS 2026 featured these inspiring and informative plenary speakers:
Thursday, Jan. 29
- Vivien T. Thomas Lecture
The Courage To Go Together™: Three Questions to Change How You Work, Live, and Lead
Shola Richards, Founder & CEO, Go Together Global, and Best-Selling Author
- AI Across the Care Continuum
Geoff S. Martha
Chairman and CEO, Medtronic
Friday, Jan. 30
- Plenary
From the Dugout to the OR: The Art of Building a Winning Team
Terry Francona, Two-Time World Series Champion and Cincinnati Reds Manager
- Presidential Address: Teaching for Tomorrow Together
Joseph F. Sabik III, MD
Saturday, Jan. 31
- C. Walton Lillehei Lecture
How to Become a Surgical Scientist, and Why Anyone Would Want To
Frank W. Sellke, MD
Sunday, Feb. 1
- Plenary
Auditing Your Well-Being
Ben Alldis, Wellness Specialist, Author & Peloton Instructor
Volunteer Leadership
Thank you to the entire Workforce on Annual Meeting, who work tirelessly throughout the year to put together a rich and robust STS Annual Meeting for all attendees.
STS TV
STS is excited to announce its renewed partnership with WebsEdge to bring STS TV to the 62nd STS Annual Meeting in January 2026.
STS TV will broadcast daily episodes throughout the conference featuring:
- On-site interviews, session highlights, and attendee reactions from around the meeting.
- In-depth films from hospitals, medical centers, and other institutions highlighting innovations, proven best practices, and other initiatives making a difference.
Attendees will be able to view STS TV on-site at the conference, at STS.org, STS’s YouTube Channel, and other STS social media platforms.
Accreditation
The Society of Thoracic Surgeons is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
The Society of Thoracic Surgeons designates this live activity for a maximum of 22.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Physician Assistants (PAs) may claim AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ for completing any of these activities. NCCPA accepts AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ from organizations accredited by ACCME or a recognized state medical society.
Ethical MedTech
This meeting has been assessed as COMPLIANT with MedTech Europe Code of Ethical Business Practice and EFPIA Code of Practice.