APACVS | Association of Physician Assistants in Cardiovascular Surgery 2026
Event Date
June 11–14, 2026
Location
Milwaukee, WI
About This Show
AI-drafted summaryThe APACVS Annual Meeting is the flagship educational event of the Association of Physician Assistants in Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery (APACVS). The 2026 edition marks the organization's 45th Annual Meeting and takes place in downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It is widely regarded as the preeminent educational gathering for physician assistants and other members of the cardiac, thoracic, and vascular surgical team.
The meeting features interactive learning on state-of-the-art topics that directly impact patient care, delivered by nationally and internationally recognized faculty. A signature element is its one-of-a-kind, hands-on sessions that teach skills essential to daily surgical practice, alongside a sponsor and exhibitor program showcasing cardiothoracic and vascular products and technology.
Attendees are primarily PAs practicing in cardiac, thoracic, and vascular surgery and critical care, along with allied surgical-team professionals. Beyond continuing education, the event supports APACVS's broader mission to lead and support these clinicians through education, advocacy, and leadership—making it a valuable venue for professional development, credentialing guidance, and networking with peers across the specialty.
Show Highlights
- Expert-led education: Interactive sessions on state-of-the-art cardiac, thoracic, and vascular topics, presented by nationally and internationally recognized faculty.
- Hands-on skills labs: One-of-a-kind practical sessions teaching techniques essential to cardiothoracic and vascular surgical practice.
- Sponsorship & exhibits: A dedicated exhibitor and sponsorship program connecting attendees with industry partners and cardiothoracic product specialists.
- CME/credit: The program is structured to offer continuing education credit for attending PAs.
- Advocacy focus: Content and resources that help PAs overcome barriers to practice and work to the fullest extent of their training.
Registration
Registration for the 45th Annual Meeting is handled online through the APACVS website (apacvs.org) and its meeting pages. Exhibitor and sponsorship opportunities are managed via the association's 2026 sponsorship/exhibitor program and the APACVS 2026 exhibitor portal (apacvs2026.com). Prospective attendees and exhibitors should check the official meeting page for pass types, pricing, and early-bird deadlines, which APACVS publishes ahead of the event. Note that APACVS historically enforces a written cancellation policy with an administrative fee and a firm refund deadline, so confirm current terms before registering.
History
APACVS is the professional society dedicated to representing the unique needs of PAs who practice in cardiac, thoracic, and vascular surgery and critical care. The Annual Meeting has been held for decades—the association marked its 40th Anniversary Meeting in 2021—and continues on an annual cadence, rotating host cities across the United States. Recent host cities include Portland, Oregon (44th Annual Meeting), with the 45th Annual Meeting scheduled for Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 2026. Future meetings are already calendared, including the 46th Annual Meeting in 2027 and the 47th in 2028.
Venue & Travel
Venue
Baird Center
400 W Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53203
The Baird Center is one of the world's most architecturally exhilarating and technologically robust convention facilities, located in the heart of downtown Milwaukee. Following its 2024 expansion, the expanded Baird Center offers 300,000 square feet of exhibit space designed with input from meeting planners for versatility, functionality and style. It features state-of-the-art technology, 22 loading docks with four drive-in ramps, nearly two blocks of covered curb space under the center for passenger drop-off, and a 190-space parking lot that can be transformed into outdoor event space. The center is connected by skywalk to more than 1,300 hotel rooms at the Hilton Milwaukee, the Hyatt Regency Milwaukee, and the SpringHill Suites Milwaukee Downtown Marriott.
Parking
The Baird Center offers convenient indoor parking in the Baird Center garage, with entrances at 500 W. Wells St. and 501 W. Kilbourn Ave. Drivers can pre-book Baird Center Garage parking via the Interstate Parking app at interstateparking.com/milwaukee before rates and spots fill. When the Baird Center Garage fills, the 330 W. Wells St. Garage and Isaac's Garage on Kilbourn Ave are the nearest alternatives, and SpotHero also lists nearby spots.
Getting There
Airport: Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE) is the closest commercial airport. MCTS Route 80 runs from Mitchell International Airport to 6th and Wisconsin, one block from the South Building entrance.
Rail / Bus: Milwaukee Intermodal Station (433 W. St. Paul Ave) is three blocks south of the venue, and Amtrak's Hiawatha from Chicago Union Station takes about 90 minutes.
Local transit: MCTS bus routes 12, 19, 30, 31, 34, and 80 stop within one block of Baird Center's main entrances. The Hop streetcar runs through downtown and connects to the RiverWalk corridor. Rideshare drop-offs use the covered curb under the center.
Nearby Hotels
Several downtown hotels sit within easy walking distance — and four are connected to Baird Center by indoor skywalk:
- Hilton Milwaukee – skywalk-connected to Baird Center
- Hyatt Regency Milwaukee – skywalk-connected to Baird Center
- SpringHill Suites Milwaukee Downtown by Marriott – skywalk-connected to Baird Center
- The Marc Hotel – the only independent hotel with a direct covered connection to Baird Center
- DoubleTree by Hilton Milwaukee Downtown – short walk
- Saint Kate – The Arts Hotel – short walk
- Drury Plaza Hotel Milwaukee Downtown – short walk
AJA publishes its official housing block at americanjail.org/housing-26.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the 2026 APACVS Annual Meeting?
The APACVS 45th Annual Meeting takes place June 11-14, 2026, at the Baird Center in downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin (400 West Wisconsin Avenue).
Who should attend the APACVS Annual Meeting?
The meeting is designed for physician assistants and other members of the cardiac, thoracic, and vascular surgical team, including PAs in critical care. It is the leading educational event for these specialty clinicians.
What makes the meeting worth attending?
It offers interactive education on state-of-the-art topics delivered by nationally and internationally recognized faculty, plus one-of-a-kind hands-on skills sessions and strong networking and advocacy support for specialty PAs.
How do I register or exhibit?
Registration is handled online through the APACVS website (apacvs.org). Sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities are available through the association's 2026 exhibitor program and portal at apacvs2026.com. Check the official meeting page for pass types and deadlines.
How do I get to the Baird Center and where can I stay?
Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE) is about 6-8 miles south of downtown, roughly a 15-minute drive. The Hilton Milwaukee, Hyatt Regency Milwaukee, and SpringHill Suites are connected to the Baird Center by skywalk, with many additional hotels within about a half mile.
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