ACVS Surgery Summit 2026: Speakers, Labs, Seminars, and CE Guide
The ACVS Surgery Summit 2026 will take place October 8 to 10, with hands-on laboratories beginning October 7 at the Charlotte Convention Center in Charlotte, NC.
Hosted by the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, this veterinary surgery conference gathers surgeons, residents, technicians, and primary care veterinarians for continuing education in orthopedics, soft tissue surgery, oncology, equine surgery, rehabilitation, and surgical performance. Attendees can earn up to 27 CE credits throughout the conference, depending on the sessions they attend.
Keynotes, seminars, resident forums, scientific abstracts, and a veterinary expo fill the schedule.
What to Expect at the ACVS Surgery Summit 2026
The ACVS is dedicated to advancing veterinary surgery through education, research, and clinical practice. Its Annual Surgery Summit is the organization’s flagship educational event. The 2025 Summit attracted more than 1,830 attendees and featured over 60 breakout sessions.
The 2026 program continues this focus with sessions covering veterinary surgery research and education, along with topics that span the patient journey from diagnosis and pain management to postoperative care and rehabilitation.
Day-by-Day Program Highlights
Here’s a look at the detailed schedule for each day of the ACVS Surgery Summit 2026.
Wednesday, October 7:
October 7 will feature ACVS’s specialized laboratories.
Thursday, October 8:
The day begins with the Mark W. Allam Lecture and Awards Ceremony, presented by Melinda Thacker, MD.
Dr. Jeffrey P. Watkins then delivers the large animal keynote on equine humerus fractures.
All-day seminars include Dr. Kayla M. Corriveau on improving and assessing orthopedic outcomes and Sandra Engelmeyer, RVT, VTS (Surgery), on anesthesia and rehabilitation for technicians. The Small Animal Residents' Forum runs from 1:00 PM to 5:30 PM, and the evening closes with the Draft and Craft Poster Social.
Friday, October 9:
Dr. Steven C. Budsberg opens with an update on Librela (bedinvetmab injection), followed by Dr. Louise Southwood's keynote on large animal emergency and critical care, from colic and beyond.
Dr. Bronwyn Fullagar explores the science of surgical performance, while Dr. Dominique J. Griffon hosts the lunchtime session Veterinary Surgery, Let's Talk.
Afternoon sessions feature Dr. Owen T. Skinner on failure in surgical oncology, Dr. Jarrod Troy on large animal analgesia and Dr. William T. N.
Culp on interventional radiology and advanced vascular options. Technicians can follow Engelmeyer's orthopedics track on joint replacement and cranial cruciate ligament injuries.
Saturday, October 10:
Mike Karlin presents 3D guide design and additive implant manufacturing, and Dr. Sharon C. Kerwin tackles challenging lameness, asking whether the cause is orthopedic or neurologic.
Dr. Tristram C. Bennett covers diaphragmatic and thoracic body wall reconstruction and hernias. Equine specialists can join Dr. Lacy Kamm for arthroscopic surgery updates or Dr. Jose M. Garcia Lopez's navicular bursoscopy working group.
The final sessions feature Dr. Caleb C. Hudson on challenging stifle conditions and Dr. Bryden J. Stanley on upper airway complications and revisions.
Research and Professional Growth
Research takes center stage through Small Animal and Large Animal Residents' Forums, flash posters, the Draft and Craft Poster Social, and dozens of scientific abstract and case report sessions. Lunchtime working groups cover brachycephalic airway syndrome, elbow dysplasia, the equine cervical spine, equine emergency care, exotics, and navicular bursoscopy, and most are already full.
Career sessions address surgeon culture and belonging in the OR, thriving as a new surgeon, balancing quality care with financial realities, and strengthening referral partnerships. Technicians can follow Sandra Engelmeyer's tracks and attend the AVST Awards and Pinning Ceremony.
Exhibit Hall at ACVS Surgery Summit 2026
The exhibit hall will give attendees a chance to explore veterinary equipment, surgical technology, and new products alongside the educational program.
GerVetUSA will exhibit at Booth No. 811, showcasing surgical instruments for small animals, large animals, and equine procedures.
How to Register for the ACVS Surgery Summit 2026
Online preregistration closed on October 1, and laboratory registration has closed as well, but you can still join the Summit onsite.
Registration opens Wednesday, October 7, at 9 AM at the Registration Desk in Concourse C of the Charlotte Convention Center. To speed things up, ACVS suggests filling out its printable registration form ahead of time, and you will need your license number to receive CE credit.
Full-meeting onsite registration rates range from $450 for students and interns to $975 for veterinary and other professionals, with technicians at $550 and ACVS Diplomates at $850. One-day passes run from $325 to $525. Visit the official ACVS registration page for the full rate table, or email [email protected] with questions.
Planning more travel this fall? Browse our veterinary conferences page, and follow the Veterinary News section on Vet and Tech, your source for the latest veterinary news, industry updates, events, and professional developments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should attend the ACVS Surgery Summit 2026?
Veterinary surgeons, surgery residents, technicians, and primary care veterinarians will all find sessions built for their role.
What happens on October 7?
That day is dedicated to ACVS laboratories, which focus on practical surgical training before the seminars begin.
Are there sessions for veterinary technicians?
Yes. Technician programming includes anesthesia and rehabilitation on Thursday and an orthopedics and joint replacement track on Friday.
Where can I meet GerVetUSA?
Stop by Booth No. 811 in the exhibit hall to see surgical and orthopedic instruments and talk with the team.
