The 2027 ACS-AEI Program Committee is soliciting educational topics for the ACS Innovation Summit, March 11–12, 2027 in Chicago, Illinois.
Five minutes. Twenty slides. One idea that could change surgical practice.
The ACS Innovation Summit invites surgeons, simulation educators, researchers, engineers, entrepreneurs, and industry partners to submit Onwards proposals focused on the future of surgical practice. Onwards proposals are fast, visual, and idea-driven: 5 minutes, 20 slides, 15 seconds per slide. Each talk should spotlight one clear idea, insight, challenge, innovation, or lesson learned that can help advance surgical practice.
We welcome submissions on emerging technologies, AI, surgical simulation, immersive technologies, medical devices, robotics, learner assessment, curriculum design, human factors, implementation barriers, program sustainability, and academic–industry collaboration.
Industry submissions are welcome. Submissions may include forward-looking concepts, prototypes, implementation experiences, and industry perspectives; however, talks should be educational in tone and should not function as product pitches or promotional presentations.
The submission deadline is 11:59 pm CT on September 21.
We have reopened submissions for the Do–It-Yourself (DIY) Simulator/Model Showcase.
The DIY Simulator/Model Competition encourages the creation of simulators and models to advance surgical education through simulation. The competition highlights innovation and dedication within the surgical simulation education community. Please review the 2027 DIY Submission Guidelines before submitting your abstract.
The submission deadline is 11:59 pm CT on September 21
Proposals will be evaluated by ACS-AEI staff and the ACS-AEI Program Committee.
DIY Simulator/Model Showcase Evaluation Criteria:
Onwards Proposal Evaluation Criteria:
Notification of acceptance will be sent in October 2026. AEI staff will then contact you with more details.
We look forward to your participation in the ACS Innovation Summit. Thank you for your submission! If you have any questions, please contact us at edinstitutes@facs.org.