We look forward to welcoming you to Clinical Congress 2026 in Washington, DC, September 26–29, 2026.
The Convocation Ceremony on Saturday, September 26, marks your transition from Initiate to Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.
Participation is encouraged but optional. Fellows who do not attend will be inducted in absentia. Please note that you may not use the FACS designation until the Convocation Ceremony has concluded.
Please review the information below to prepare for the Convocation Ceremony.
Initiate Registration
Clinical Congress registration is required to participate in Convocation. Registration is complimentary for Initiates. Register for Clinical Congress today.
Convocation Guest Information
- Guest registration is not required.
- Doors open for guests at 4:00 pm ET.
- Guests should be seated by 5:30 pm ET.
Convocation Schedule
The Convocation Ceremony will take place in Hall B of the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. All times listed are Eastern Time.
- Initiate check-in and robing: 4:00–4:45 pm
ACS staff will robe all Initiates. Family members are not permitted in the robing area.
- Guest seating begins: 4:00 pm
- Procession lineup: 4:45 pm
- Lineup deadline: 5:30 pm
You must be in the procession lineup by 5:30 pm to participate.
- Procession begins: 5:45 pm
- Ceremony: 6:00–7:30 pm
Please return your rented robe to the robing room immediately after the ceremony.
View full session details on the ACS Meeting Platform.
Regalia
Official ceremonial regalia is required for all participating Initiates.
Reserve your regalia
You will need your ACS Member ID to place your order.
- Reservation deadline: August 30
- Advance rental: $86.70 USD
- Onsite rental: $150 USD (cash or credit)
Prefer to purchase instead of rent? Purchase regalia.
Reserved regalia may be picked up at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center (near Hall A) on Saturday, September 26, 10:00 am–4:00 pm ET.
Questions about regalia orders:
The Capital Welcome Reception
Following Convocation, all new Fellows, ACS leaders, family members, and guests are invited to the Capital Welcome Reception at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center Ballroom. No preregistration is required.
Photography and FACS Certificate
- Professional Ceremony Photography: Oscar and Associates will be taking photos before the ceremony located near the robing area. Initiates can be photographed in their regalia. Pricing packages and other details will be provided on site.
- Commemorative Photos: Separate self-photo opportunities with backdrops are also available for your convenience.
- Complimentary Headshots: Complimentary professional headshots are available in ACS Central (Exhibit Hall) Sunday–Monday, September 27–28, 9:00 am–3:30 pm and Tuesday, September 29, 9:00 am–2:00 pm.
- FACS Certificate: Your FACS certificate will be mailed to your primary address in November.
International Attendees
If you require a US visa, apply as early as possible. Ideally, your visa application should already have been submitted based on our previous communications; however, you may still be able to obtain a visa in time for this year's Clinical Congress.
Information about visas and the Visa Waiver Program is available on our website. After registering, you may download a welcome letter from the College or request one by completing this form.
If you are unable to secure a visa in time to attend this year's Clinical Congress, you may defer your attendance to Clinical Congress 2027 in San Diego and retain your complimentary Clinical Congress registration and eligibility to participate in Convocation. To request a deferral, please contact mclark@facs.org.
More Information
- Additional Convocation updates will be posted online as they become available.
- For questions about the Convocation Ceremony, please email ConvocationCeremony@facs.org.
