Visa Information
International Fellows, guest physicians, and meeting attendees: The process of obtaining a visa to attend meetings in the US currently takes much longer than in prior years. You are strongly urged to apply for a visa as early as possible, preferably at least 60 days before the start of the meeting. View detailed information regarding obtaining a visa and the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) .
You may request a letter from the College welcoming you to the meeting when you register online for the meeting or by emailing registration@facs.org.
Affiliate Group Functions
Groups planning a social function or business meeting to be held in conjunction with the Clinical Congress are required to obtain approval. If events are to be held at one of the participating venues/hotels, affiliate groups are required to secure event space through ACS. Request function space with the online request form, or contact Julianna Theberge, Meeting Planner, ACS Convention and Meetings, at jtheberge@facs.org. Space assignments are made on a first-come, first-processed basis. After the space request deadline of May 6, space is more limited and assigned on an availability basis.
Prayer Room
A prayer room will be available at the San Diego Convention Center during the meeting and open during registration hours. Room location will be confirmed in onsite navigational materials.
Lactation Room
A lactation room will be available at the San Diego Convention Center during the meeting. Room location will be confirmed in onsite navigational materials.
Child Policy
- Children older than 1 year and under the age of 16 are not permitted in the scientific sessions. Childcare services must be utilized.
- Infants in arms, younger than 1 year old, are allowed in sessions when accompanied by a parent or guardian.
- Guardians are asked to be mindful of the sessions and to maintain a professional and disturbance-free environment at all times, including immediately stepping out of session rooms if an infant becomes fussy.
- Children are never permitted in the Exhibit Hall.
Childcare Services
The American College of Surgeons will offer Camp ACS, an onsite childcare/children’s program in San Diego.
The service will include activities such as arts and crafts and active games designed to entertain your children while you are attending meetings and sessions. Camp ACS, which is offered to all children ages 6 months through 17 years, will be conveniently located at the San Diego Marriott Marquis and offered 7:30 am–10:00 pm Sunday, October 16 through Wednesday, October 19.
Little Medical School
Little Medical School is an educational enrichment program prepared by board-certified physicians and educators that allows children the opportunity to explore the world of medicine, science, and health in an engaging and fun way. Available for children 2 years and older, this optional programming is offered as an add-on option to Camp ACS. The program will be held at the San Diego Marriott Marquis on Monday, October 17 9:00 am–12:00 noon, and is supervised by our licensed childcare provider.
