2026 Annual Meeting
Florida Chapter’s 2026 Annual Meeting & Edward M. Copeland, III, MD, FACS Research Symposium
Saturday, April 11 - Sunday, April 12, 2026
Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute
Venue Information
Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute
62 Columbia St., Orlando, FL 32806
Easy, complimentary parking on site
Registration
Early Registration Rates:
Member (Florida/South Florida Members): $200
Non-Member: $250
Resident/Fellow-in-Training: $85
Medical Student: $40
Early Rate Deadline: EXTENDED to March 6, 2026
After the deadline, registration rates increase to:
Member (Florida/South Florida Members): $225
Non-Member: $275
Resident/Fellow-in-Training: $100
Medical Student: $65
Cancellation Policy: Cancellation requests must be made in writing and received on or before March 11, 2026. Cancellations and registrations postmarked after the deadline date will not be eligible for refunds. There is a $50 handling fee for all refunds and returned checks.
Accommodations
Towne Place Suites by Marriott Orlando Downtown (across the street from Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute)
51 Columbia St. | Orlando, FL 32806
(407) 601-5100
$149 + tax per night
Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando Downtown
1.2 Miles
191 E. Pine St. | Orlando, FL 32801
(407) 841-1000
$120 Standard and $140 Deluxe
Residence Inn by Marriott
2.5 Miles
680 N. Orange Ave. | Orlando, FL 32801
(407) 482-1500
Standard Room $154 + tax per night
*Please call hotel directly and mention Orlando Health to receive a discounted hotel rate.
Saturday, April 11
7:00 AM: Registration and Breakfast
8:00 AM: Welcome Announcements
8:15 AM: Controversies in General Surgery - The Cutting Edge Debate/ Appendectomy vs Antibiotics: Is the Knife Still King?
Pro - Opening Statement
Con - Opening Statement
Rebutals
Audience Poll/Q&A
8:45 AM: Controversies in General Surgery - The Cutting Edge Debate/ Access, Equity, and Outcomes in Obesity: Scalpel or Syringe?
Pro - Opening Statement
Con - Opening Statement
Rebutals
Audience Poll/Q&A
9:15 AM“Got Nerve?" All the Feels, From Relief to Restoration in Surgery
Nerve Grafts for Neurotization, RPNI
Cryoablation of Intercostal Nerves (Rib Fractures/Thoracic Surgery)
Regional Nerve Blocks/Multimodal Pain Control
Q&A
10:00 AM: Break with Exhibitors
10:30 AM: Rethinking Surgery: AI, Magnets, and Machines
Artificial Intelligence in Surgery
Magnetic Anastomosis in Bariatric Surgery
Robotics
Q&A
11:30 AM: ACS Foundation
11:45 AM: Beyond the Scalpel: Leadership and Advocacy
Report from Leadership & Advocacy
Update from Dr. Patete and Surgeon's Voice Tutorial
12:15 PM: Lunch with Exhibitors
1:15 PM: ACS Update - Michael Sutherland, MD, FACS
1:45 PM: Distinguished Edward M. Copeland, MD Resident Paper Competition
Basic Science
Clinical Science
Commission on Cancer
3:30 PM: Break with Exhibitors
3:45 PM: Spectacularly Challenging Cases and Surgical Surprises
4:15 PM: E-Poster Presentations / Break with Exhibitors
4:30 PM: Happy Hour Begins
5:15 PM: “Next-Gen Surgery Innovation Lab: Explore the Tools Shaping the OR”
Sunday, April 12
7:00 AM: Breakfast
7:00 AM: Rise and Connect: Women in Surgery Networking Breakfast
8:00 AM: Buzzers, Brains and Bragging Rights: Resident Jeopardy
9:00 AM: ACS Lecture
10:00 AM: Program Directors Unplugged: Training Surgeons in Today's Environment
11:00 AM: Navigating the Next Chapter: From Residency to Practice
11:45 AM: Chapter Business Meeting
12:00 PM: Adjourn