We are pleased to welcome you to the Clinical Congress 2024, which will be held in San Francisco, California, from October 19 to 22. This event promises to be an outstanding gathering of leading surgical professionals.
Induction Details
The Convocation Ceremony, a significant event for the House of Surgery, will mark your transition from an Initiate to a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. This prestigious ceremony will be held on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at the Moscone Convention Center.
On behalf of the American College of Surgeons leadership, we hope you will join your 2024 Initiate class this year to participate in the ceremony as we recognize and honor your achievement! Your attendance at Convocation is encouraged but optional. Fellowship will be conferred in absentia upon all Initiates who are unable to attend the ceremony.
The FACS designation may NOT be used after your name in any manner until the Convocation Ceremony has concluded.
To ensure you are fully prepared for this significant occasion, we strongly advise you to review the following sections carefully. They contain essential information regarding the Convocation Ceremony, general event details, regalia requirements, and photography services.
In advance of this exciting event, please note these reminders.
General Information for Initiates and Guests
- Registration: Initiates that wish to participate in the Convocation Ceremony must register for the Clinical Congress. You can register and find additional information on the ACS website.
- Contact Information: For queries about your registration, please email clinconreg@facs.org. For membership-related questions, you can email ms@facs.org. We are here to support you every step of the way.
- Guest Attendance: Guest registration is not required for family members and friends attending the Ceremony. Doors open at 4:00 pm PT for guests.
- International Attendees: We understand that obtaining a visa for the US can be a lengthy process. Please apply for a visa as early as possible, preferably 60 days (about two months) before the start of the meeting. Detailed information on obtaining a visa and the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) is available on our website. You may request a welcome letter from the College when you register online or by emailing clinconreg@facs.org.
- Ceremony Timing: Please note the doors to the ceremony open at 4:00 pm PT for your family, friends, and guests to take their seats. The ceremony starts promptly at 6:00 pm PT.
- Session Details: View full session details for the Convocation Ceremony. You can also add this event to your calendar.
Regalia for the Convocation Ceremony
- Mandatory Regalia: Official ceremonial regalia is mandatory for Initiates. Reserve your regalia.
- Rental Details: The online rental price is $78.65 USD. The deadline for regalia reservations through Herff Jones is September 18, 2024. Once the deadline has passed, all regalia must be rented onsite. Please note the onsite rental price is $120 USD (cash or credit).
- Regalia Purchase: If you wish to purchase regalia for the ceremony, please visit the Herff Jones website.
- Collection Times: If you reserve regalia in advance, you can pick it up at the Moscone Convention Center starting on Friday, October 18, and on Saturday, October 19, from 10:00 am–4:00 pm PT.
- Contact for Inquiries: If you have questions about your Herff Jones regalia order, please contact Tim McClughen at TRMcClughen@herffjones.com.
Convocation Ceremony Details
- Assembly Time: Initiates will assemble in the Moscone Convention Center before the procession for the Convocation Ceremony. Please arrive between 4:00 pm and 4:45 pm PT.
- Robing: ACS Staff will be onsite to robe. Please arrive on time to ensure you are robed by staff, as the regalia must be handled by staff only. Family members are not allowed in the robing area before or after the Convocation Ceremony.
- Procession Line-up: Initiates will begin lining up at 5:10 pm, and the procession will commence promptly at 5:30 pm. You must be in line by 5:30 pm.
- The Convocation Ceremony begins at 6:00 pm PT and ends at about 8:00 pm. Please return your robe at the end of the Convocation Ceremony.
- President’s Reception: After the ceremony, please join all new Fellows and ACS leaders for the President’s Reception, which will be held in the Moscone Convention Center. Your family, friends, and guests are welcome to attend the reception; preregistration is not required.
Pictures and FACS Certificates
- Photography Opportunities: Before and after the Convocation Ceremony, you can take photos in your regalia against ACS-themed backdrops. Plan to arrive early so you have ample time for photographs.
- Professional Photos: Formal, professional photos in regalia will be available through Oscar and Associates. Information on this service will be sent to you later.
- Free Headshots: Free professional headshots are available to all Clinical Congress attendees in ACS Central at the Moscone Center, Sunday through Tuesday from 9:00 am–4:00 pm PT. You can also update your ACS Member Profile while getting your headshot.
- FACS Certificate: Your FACS certificate will be mailed to you in November.
Additional Details: Additional details about the 2024 Convocation Ceremony will be posted online as they become available.
Questions: For questions about the Convocation Ceremony, please email Mariah Clark at mclark@facs.org.
