The graduate medical education (GME) community will gather for the 2026 Annual Educational Conference, taking place February 19-21, 2026, in San Diego, California. #ACGME2026 promises a dynamic lineup of educational sessions and inspiring speakers, and is designed to deliver exceptional learning experiences. Equally important, it offers rich opportunities for networking—bringing together professionals from across the GME landscape to connect and reconnect, exchange insights, and build meaningful new relationships. Networking activities will be available throughout the conference. Some major networking opportunities that will be available are described below.
Wednesday Welcome Networking and Check-In will be open 5:00-7:00 p.m. local time at the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina. This is a great opportunity to catch up and reconnect with colleagues. Those who get their badges printed that evening will also be eligible to win gift baskets through a special raffle on this night only – filled with goodies from local businesses valued at $100!
Download the Conference Mobile App once it becomes available to access a variety of helpful virtual resources to optimize your conference experience! It will also feature a chat room so that you can network with other attendees from your mobile device.
Thursday’s Marvin R. Dunn Welcoming Poster Reception and Exhibitor Kick-Off will feature entertainment and engaging activities. The Exhibit Hall, located at the San Diego Convention Center, will showcase vendors presenting the latest in educational software, simulation technology, patient management tools, and more. A multitude of posters will spotlight cutting-edge research and innovation in GME.
Thursday’s Coordinator Networking Reception, following the Coordinator Forum Full-Day Course, is open to all institutional and program coordinators and provides a wonderful, social opportunity for those looking to connect with others in the coordinator community.
Explore solution providers in the Exhibit Hall by visiting a plethora of booths led by specialized vendors in the field, open Thursday-Saturday.
The ACGME Hub in the Exhibit Hall will allow attendees to connect with various ACGME departments and initiatives. Stop by to hear from and talk with staff members throughout the conference. Drop-by consultations will be available during lunch breaks on Friday and Saturday, and during Thursday evening’s reception.
Friday’s and Saturday’s Continental Breakfasts and Networking Lunches in the Exhibit Hall will allow attendees to interact with other GME professionals in a concentrated space filled with like-minded peers, exhibitors, ACGME staff members, and more.
Conversational badge ribbons will be available at Registration, offering attendees a fun way to express personal and professional interests and spark conversations. Those interested in mentorship can pick up a “Looking for a Mentor/Mentee!” ribbon, and space has been designated for Mentor-Mentee meet-ups in the Career Resources area of the Exhibit Hall.
The Career Resources Area in the Exhibit Hall will also have a professional headshot booth, the opportunity to chat with GME recruiters, and many other tools for professionals looking to advance. As mentioned above, Friday and Saturday’s Mentor/Mentee Mornings will take place here as free flowing, non-facilitated opportunities for mentors and mentees to connect.
Saturday’s Toast on the Terrace with ACGME Leadership, held as the final event in the conference program, will offer a moment to reflect on new insights gained throughout the conference, celebrate new connections, and engage with colleagues and ACGME leaders and staff members before departing.
Tune in on social media and share in the excitement at #ACGME2026. Be sure to use the ACGME’s conference hashtags of #MeaningInMedicine and #ACGME2026 when posting on social media to engage with the ACGME and other attendees! And be sure you’re following the ACGME on Instagram, LinkedIn, and X!
The ACGME Annual Educational Conference brings together a diverse group of GME professionals—including designated institutional officials, program directors, faculty members, coordinators, residents, and fellows—from across the US and around the world. It’s a prime opportunity to share best practices, learn from peers, and strengthen professional networks. We look forward to seeing you at #ACGME2026!
Early Bird registration opens later this fall! Sign up to be notified as soon as it becomes available, and learn more about #ACGME2026 on our conference website.