FAQ – Annual Meeting
Last updated August 27, 2026.
When will the Call for Abstracts and Symposia open? When is the submission deadline?
The call for topics and abstracts will be open from Tuesday, September 1 to Monday, October 20, 2026, at 23:59 PT. Late submissions will not be accepted.
Who can submit an abstract?
Abstract submissions are welcome from orthopaedic surgeons, residents, medical students, and allied health professionals.
What is the maximum abstract length?
The maximum word count is 500 words for all content sections combined, including:
- Purpose
- Methods
- Results
- Conclusion
- References
Should I submit my abstract to the COA or CORS category? Can I submit to both?
No. Abstracts may only be submitted to one category and cannot be submitted to both COA and CORS.
When selecting a category, please consider the primary focus of your abstract:
- COA (Canadian Orthopaedic Association) abstracts are generally focused on clinical research, patient care, surgical techniques, education, quality improvement, health services research, and other topics of interest to practicing orthopaedic surgeons.
- CORS (Canadian Orthopaedic Research Society) abstracts are generally focused on basic science, translational research, biomechanics, biomaterials, tissue engineering, and other laboratory or preclinical research related to musculoskeletal health.
If your project contains elements of both clinical and basic science research, please submit it to the category that best reflects the main objective and intended audience of the work. Abstracts submitted to one category will not be automatically considered for the other.
When will I be notified of the outcome?
Acceptance notifications will be distributed in the New Year.
Abstracts may be considered for:
- Podium presentations (6 mins)
- Rapid Fire presentations (3 mins / 3 slides)
- On-Site Poster presentations
What is a symposium proposal?
A symposium proposal is a submission for a 60 to 90-minute educational session featuring a panel discussion on a current, emerging, or cutting-edge topic in orthopaedics.
Proposals should include:
- Session title
- 1-2 Moderator name(s)
- A brief outline of the topic and how it will be addressed (250 words)
- Potential speakers/panelists – Please keep your faculty to a maximum of 4 speakers/panelists in order to have the appropriate discussion time per the Royal College accreditation guidelines (25% of all sessions must be allocated to interactivity).
- Point form learning objectives (2-4)
Who can I contact if I have additional questions?
Please contact us at education@canorth.org and we will be happy to help!
When and where will the 2027 Annual Meeting take place?
The 2027 Annual Meeting will be held in Calgary, Alberta, from June 2-5 at the Calgary TELUS Convention Centre.
When will the hotel room block open?
Hotel block opens: Late Fall 2026
COA members will receive booking instructions and reservation links by email, and all hotel details will also be made available on the COA website.
We encourage participants to book early, as rooms within the blook are available on a first-come, first served basis.
When will the 2027 program be available?
The full program for the 2027 Annual Meeting is expected to be released in February-March 2027. We encourage attendees to regularly check our website for the latest agenda updates, featured sessions, speaker announcements, and event information.
Will there be opportunities for industry-sponsored presentations?
Yes, please email cynthia@canorth.org for more information.
General Questions
What is a Rapid-Fire Presentation?
A fast-paced format featuring 3 minutes of presentation, 3 slides, followed by 3 minutes of discussion, delivered in an open-theatre setting.
What is a Paper/Podium Session?
A formal presentation format with 6 minutes for presentation, followed by 3 minutes of discussion.
What is the Chair's Choice session?
The Chair’s Choice Paper Session, which replaces the former Meeting Highlights session, features a curated selection of the most exceptional and compelling papers from the COA / CORS / CORA Annual Meeting, chosen by the COA Annual Meeting Program Chair.
Program
Can I express interest in reviewing abstracts or moderating a session or panel?
Yes – Please email education@canorth.org or fill out our Volunteer form for this year’s Annual Meeting. We’re seeking volunteer abstract reviewers, moderators, on-site support, and more.
Can I present in French?
Yes, feel free to present in the language you’re most comfortable with – French or English.
Do I need to register for the meeting?
Yes, all speakers and moderators must register for the meeting. Registration will open in February 2027.
For registration questions: operations@canorth.org.