First-Time Attendees: Welcome!
The ACGME is thrilled to welcome first-time attendees to the largest graduate medical education (GME) conference in the world. At the ACGME Annual Educational Conference, you’ll find educational opportunities, networking experiences, and practical solutions tailored to your role. From planning your schedule and securing your hotel room, to setting learning goals and networking with colleagues, a little preparation goes a long way. Follow these seven steps to make the most of your #ACGME2027 experience!
1. Mark Key Dates on Your Calendar
Conference planning begins well before you arrive in San Antonio. Be sure to keep these important dates in mind:
Late October
> Session content becomes available online
Early November
> Conference registration opens
> Hotel reservations open for registered attendees
December 16, 2026
> Early Bird registration pricing ends
January 8, 2027
> Deadline to register using deferred payment
February 4, 2027
> Last day for online registration
February 17, 2027
> Last day to transfer your registration to a colleague
February 24, 2027
> On-site registration and badge pick-up opens
February 25-27, 2027
> ACGME Annual Educational Conference at the Henry B. González Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas
Adding these dates to your calendar now can help you avoid missing important deadlines and maximize savings.
2. Explore the Program Guide
Take time now to review the Program Guide and begin mapping out your conference experience.
This year’s conference will feature multiple Full-Day Courses on Thursday, all included in your registration fee, as well as more than 130 concurrent educational sessions on Friday and Saturday. Topics span accreditation, well-being, faculty development, coordinator education, Milestones, specialty-specific initiatives, and much more.
Reviewing the agenda before registration opens will help you identify sessions that align with your professional interests and goals.
3. Register Early and Gather the Information You’ll Need
When registration opens in early November, having your information ready can make the process faster and easier.
Before registering, make sure you have the following details organized and on hand:
- Attendee name
- Email address
- Institution or organization
- Job title
- Mobile phone number
- Work address
- Specialty
- Primary role in GME
- Emergency contact information
- Dietary restrictions, if applicable
Don’t forget to take advantage of Early Bird pricing, available through December 16, 2026. Current residents and fellows can also benefit from significantly discounted registration rates.
4. Know What’s Included with Your Registration
Your registration provides access to much more than educational sessions. Conference registration includes:
- Attendance at all conference sessions (space permitting)
- A Full-Day Course on Thursday
- Keynote presentations
- Daily continental breakfast and lunch
- Marvin R. Dunn Welcoming Poster Reception and Exhibitor Kick-Off
- Complimentary appetizers and one beverage at the Kick-Off event
- Hands-on philanthropic food-packing activity
- Stretch, meditation, and sound bath sessions
- Toast on the Terrace with ACGME Leadership at the close of the conference
- Networking events and activities
- Access to PowerPoint presentations from attended sessions
- Consultations with ACGME staff members in the ACGME Hub
- CME credit or a Certificate of Completion
- Prizes and giveaways
Knowing what’s included can help you take full advantage of everything the conference has to offer.
5. Book Your Hotel and Travel Early
Once you’ve registered, reserve your hotel room as soon as possible. Rooms within the ACGME’s room block typically fill quickly, and booking early will provide the best selection and rates.
Registered attendees will receive hotel reservation information in their registration confirmation email. For your protection, only use the hotel links provided by the ACGME. Third-party websites may claim to offer conference hotel reservations but are not affiliated with our conference.
If possible, plan to arrive on Wednesday, February 24. Picking up your badge that evening will save you time on Thursday morning and allow you to walk right into your Full-Day Course without having to wait in long registration lines Thursday morning.
6. Set Goals for Your Conference Experience
With more than 130 educational sessions available, it helps to establish objectives before you arrive.
Ask yourself:
- What challenges am I hoping to address?
- Which topics are most relevant to my role?
- Who would I like to connect with?
- What ideas can I bring back to my institution?
Whether your interests focus on accreditation, well-being, faculty development, coordinator education, or specialty-specific initiatives, establishing goals ahead of time will help you create a more meaningful and productive conference schedule.
7. Prepare Before You Arrive
A few simple steps before traveling can make your conference experience much smoother.
Download the Conference Mobile App
A few weeks before the conference, attendees will receive instructions for downloading the ACGME’s Conference Mobile App. The app is an essential tool for:
- Managing your schedule
- Reviewing session details
- Learning about presenters
- Navigating the convention center
- Receiving conference updates
Watch for Attendee Insider Emails
Registered attendees receive Attendee Insider communications leading up to the conference, featuring important information about logistics, programming, and conference activities.
First-time attendees will also receive a dedicated First-Time Attendee Insider with helpful guidance for navigating the conference.
Stay Through the End of the Conference
If your schedule permits, consider staying through Saturday evening to attend the Toast on the Terrace with ACGME Leadership and enjoy one final opportunity to connect with colleagues from across the GME community.
See You in San Antonio!
The most successful conference experiences begin long before the event actually begins. By reviewing the program guide, registering early, booking your hotel, and planning your schedule ahead of time, you’ll be ready to make the most of every moment at the 2027 ACGME Annual Educational Conference!
We look forward to welcoming you to San Antonio, Texas, February 25-27, 2027, for three days of learning, collaboration, and innovation. Sign up to be notified when registration opens, and visit the 2027 Annual Educational Conference website for the latest updates.