NASS 2026 Annual Meeting – FAQ
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Find answers to common questions regarding presentations, submissions, disclosures, registration, and participation in the NASS 41st Annual Meeting.
How do I upload and manage my presentation slides?
All abstract and symposia presentations must be uploaded through the Speaker Portal.
The deadline to upload or update slides is September 14, 2026. After this date, no edits or additional uploads will be permitted.
Onsite uploads will not be permitted. All presentations must be finalized and submitted in advance due to required content review.
All presentations will undergo content review prior to the meeting.
The official NASS slide template must be downloaded from the Speaker Portal and used for all presentations.
What presentation format is required?
All presentations must use the official NASS slide template available in the Speaker Portal.
A disclosure slide is not required.
How long is my presentation?
Abstract presentations are 5 minutes in length.
Symposia presenters should refer to their individual session agendas for specific timing.
Moderators will enforce time limits to maintain the program schedule.
Where is the Speaker Information Center (SIC) and what should I do there?
The Speaker Information Center (SIC) will be located in the pre-function area directly outside of the main presentation rooms.
Speakers should visit the SIC to check in, confirm presentation details, and receive any final instructions prior to their session.
The SIC is also available for speakers to review their presentation and practice if needed.
Please note that presentation uploads and edits must be completed in advance through the Speaker Portal, as onsite uploads will not be permitted.
When should I arrive and check in for my session?
Speakers should arrive at their session room at least 30 minutes prior to their scheduled start time.
Please check in at the Speaker Information Center (SIC) and in your session room prior to presenting.
Additional onsite instructions will be shared closer to the meeting.
Can I change the presenting author?
Yes. If your submission is accepted, you may update the designated presenting author prior to the meeting.
If the original presenter can no longer attend, you must identify a replacement presenter and notify NASS staff immediately.
Do I need to attend the meeting in person if my presentation is accepted?
By participating in the Annual Meeting, presenters agree to attend in person and present as scheduled.
Presenters are responsible for registering for and attending the meeting at their own expense.
What if I can no longer present?
If you are no longer able to present, you must identify a replacement presenter and notify NASS staff immediately.
Failure to notify NASS in advance and secure an approved replacement presenter will be considered a no-show.
For accepted abstracts, failure to present will result in all authors associated with the abstract being prohibited from submitting or presenting at NASS for two years.
Do speakers need to register for the meeting?
Yes. All presenters are required to register for the Annual Meeting and are responsible for their own travel and accommodations unless otherwise specified.
Registration opens on April 13, 2026 for NASS members and on April 27, 2026 for all other attendees.
Registration information is available here: Annual Meeting Registration.
Can I change the author list after the submission deadline?
No. Once the submission deadline has passed, no changes of any kind may be made to the author list. This includes adding, removing, or reordering authors, as well as modifying author information.
The submitter and/or presenting author is responsible for communicating the final author list, author order, and all submission-related requirements to all co-authors.
When and where is the 2026 NASS Annual Meeting?
The NASS 41st Annual Meeting will take place October 14–17, 2026 in San Antonio, Texas.
Sessions and activities will be held at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center.
What is the meeting format?
NASS 2026 will be held as an in-person meeting.
On-demand access to meeting content will be available through the NASS Anytime subscription platform following the meeting.
Annual Meeting registrants will receive an exclusive discount to subscribe. For those unable to attend in person, NASS Anytime provides access to 2026 Annual Meeting content, along with 100+ hours of additional spine education.
When will Annual Meeting recordings be available?
Recorded content from the NASS 2026 Annual Meeting will be available through the NASS Anytime platform approximately two weeks after the meeting concludes.
What does registration include?
Registration provides in-person access to scientific and educational sessions, including abstract presentations, as well as entry to the World's Largest Spine Technical Exhibition.
Full conference registration includes access Wednesday through Saturday, along with select meals and networking events such as the Kickoff Party.
One-day registration options are available for attendees participating on a single day.
Attendees may also earn CME credits based on participation.
Additional details regarding registration options and inclusions are available on the registration page.
How do nonmember residents or fellows receive in-training registration rates?
To receive resident or fellow pricing, you must submit a letter on official letterhead from your program director confirming your training status.
If you are not already in the NASS database, please create a new contact record. Once completed, email your verification letter to registration@spine.org.
When will I hear if my submission has been accepted?
Acceptance notifications for abstracts and symposium proposals will be sent in early April 2026. All submitters and listed presenting authors will receive an email notification at the address associated with their NASS account.
If you do not receive an email by mid-April, please check your spam or junk folder and then contact twalsh@spine.org for assistance.
Where do I submit or update my disclosure?
You may submit or update your disclosure by logging into your NASS My Account at spine.org/disclosure.
What does “Disclosure Status: Pending” mean for an author or speaker?
A “pending” disclosure status generally indicates that a disclosure has been submitted and is in the process of being recorded or updated in the system. If you were able to successfully add an author or speaker to your submission and their status displays as “pending,” this typically means their disclosure is on file and the submission is compliant. No additional action is required unless NASS staff contacts you.
If the system will not allow you to add an author, that individual must update their disclosure before they can be included on the submission.
What if I need to update my author list after the submission deadline?
Author lists cannot be edited after the submission deadline.
Why does NASS require disclosure?
NASS is committed to the highest level of ethics and transparency. Full disclosure is mandatory for leadership and participation in NASS activities. Professional relationships with industry are recognized as important for developing new spinal technologies and advancing patient care, and they are permitted as long as they are fully disclosed.
The NASS Board of Directors ruled in October 2011 to make disclosure information, in range format, available to the general public. The public disclosure index includes information provided to NASS after February 2012.
What is the deadline for disclosure?
The default disclosure deadline is May 1. However, it is expected that you update your disclosure as soon as there are any changes to your relationships and whenever staff requests an update based on activities in which you are involved.
Who is required to disclose?
In general, NASS’ disclosure policy applies to NASS Participants, including individuals involved in NASS-related activities such as committee and leadership positions, authors of NASS publications, and speakers, instructors, moderators, or panelists for any NASS-related events.
For full details, please review NASS’ Disclosure Policies and Resources at spine.org.
Who do I contact if I have questions about my submission, disclosure, or the Speaker Portal?
For assistance with submissions, disclosures, Speaker Portal questions, or technical issues related to the Annual Meeting submission system, please contact twalsh@spine.org.