Dear Friends and Colleagues,
On behalf of the organizing committee, it is our great honor and privilege to extend a warm invitation to the 41st Annual Congress of the European Association of Cardiothoracic Anaesthesia and Intensive Care (EACTAIC). This prestigious event will be held from September 23rd to 25th, 2026, in the vibrant, historic city of Maastricht, Netherlands. Known for its Roman roots and medieval architecture, Maastricht serves as a lively cosmopolitan hub at the crossroads of Europe, providing the perfect backdrop for our scientific gathering.
This year's congress focuses on the intersection of Human Factor and AI within intraoperative and intensive care settings. As we integrate more accurate and reliable monitoring techniques into our clinical practice, we must explore how artificial intelligence can enhance clinical safety and decision-making for cardiothoracic and vascular patients.
On the 22nd of September, before the start of the Congress, we will organise a whole day of Simulation Training in the Sim Lab of the Maastricht Medical University. This program will offer you two scenario CRM sessions and two practical sessions where you can practice advanced bronchoscopy and ultrasound guided thoracic blocks. For our fellows and senior residents two additional sessions with scenario CRM will take be organized on Wednesday the 23rd and Thursday the 24th.
We would like to offer a special welcome to our perfusionists, physician assistants, operating and anaesthesia nurses to join us in Maastricht as they are an indispensable part of our teams.
Furthermore, our EACTAIC Fellowship program participants will have access to a dedicated meeting lounge and exclusive didactic sessions tailored to young professionals.
We eagerly look forward to welcoming you to Maastricht in September 2026 for what promises to be a truly memorable and impactful event.
EACTAIC President
EACTAIC Annual Events Chair
Local Organizing Committee Chair
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An evening of celebration, connection & cardiothoracic excellence.
Part of the 41st EACTAIC Annual Congress, "Human Factor & AI," taking place 23–25 September 2026 in Maastricht, The Netherlands.
Accepted abstracts are published in the supplement of the Journal of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Anaesthesia, available for download starting from the first congress day.
Certificate of attendance will be sent to registered email address after the completion of congress within 4 weeks.
Late September in Maastricht is typically mild, with average daytime temperatures of 14–20°C (57–68°F) and cooler evenings. Rain showers are possible. Delegates are advised to bring a light jacket or layers, a compact umbrella, and comfortable walking shoes for moving between the venue, hotels, and city centre.
The free official EACTAIC APP, available for download on iOS and Android, will keep you updated about the Congress.
The Netherlands uses the Euro (€). Credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Maestro) are accepted almost everywhere, including taxis and public transport; contactless payment is standard. ATMs are widely available in the city centre and at MECC. Registration fees are quoted in EUR, inclusive of 21% Dutch VAT.
Business / smart casual attire is recommended for scientific sessions and workshops. Comfortable footwear is advised given movement between session rooms, workshop areas, and the exhibition.
The Netherlands uses Type C and Type F plugs, 230V / 50Hz. Delegates from the UK, US, and other regions with different plug standards should bring an adaptor.
The official language of the Congress is English. All sessions, workshops, and printed/digital materials will be presented in English. No simultaneous translation will be provided. Dutch is the local language in Maastricht; English is very widely spoken throughout the city, in hotels, restaurants, and public transport.
The Organisers cannot accept liability for personal injury, or loss of or damage to personal property, during or as a result of the Congress. Delegates are strongly advised to arrange their own travel and health/medical insurance (minimum €30,000 coverage recommended for Schengen visa purposes) before travelling. In the unlikely event the Congress cannot proceed due to circumstances beyond the Organisers’ control (force majeure), the Organisers cannot be held liable for registration fees, travel, or accommodation costs incurred.
Participants are entitled to complimentary coffee breaks and box lunches on September 23, 24 & 25 as part of the registration fee. To collect your box lunch, please present the daily coupon provided with your badge. Each day requires a different coupon.
Photographs and video may be taken during the Congress (sessions, workshops, social events) for EACTAIC’s promotional and archival use. By attending, delegates consent to the possible use of their image in such materials. Unauthorised recording of scientific sessions by delegates is not permitted without prior consent from presenters and the Organisers.
The onsite registration desk will be located at the Forum entrance of MECC Maastricht and will open ahead of the first scientific session each day. A valid badge / participation letter with barcode — sent by email a few days before the Congress — is required to access all sessions and must be worn at all times within the venue.
MECC Maastricht is a smoke-free venue. Smoking is not permitted inside the congress centre; designated outdoor smoking areas will be signposted.
In line with this year’s dedicated session on Sustainability in Healthcare, EACTAIC encourages delegates to travel by train where possible, use the recycling points provided at the venue, and opt for digital rather than printed materials.
Maastricht follows Central European Time (CET / UTC+1), and Central European Summer Time (CEST / UTC+2) during daylight saving. In September 2026, CEST applies.
The 41st EACTAIC Annual Congress 2026 "Human Factor & AI", Maastricht, Netherlands from 23/09/2026 – 25/09/2026, has been accredited by the European Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (EACCME). Each medical specialist should claim only those hours of credit that he/she actually spent in the education activity.
Delegates requiring a visa should apply for a Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) under the Business / Conference / Scientific Congress category, ideally 6–8 weeks before travel. EACTAIC issues an official invitation letter and registration confirmation letter to fully registered and paid delegates on request — see the Visa section for full details. Visa approval remains at the sole discretion of the Netherlands Embassy/Consulate.
Complimentary Wi-Fi will be available throughout MECC Maastricht for all registered delegates; access details will be provided at the registration desk and/or printed on the delegate badge.
For any queries related to the Congress:
The free official EACTAIC - 41st Annual Congress App, available for download on Android, will keep you updated about the Congress.
MECC Maastricht sits in the Forum district, directly connected to (and sharing its address block with) NH Hotel Maastricht. Whichever way delegates arrive, the destination is the Forum entrance of MECC, immediately beside NH Hotel Maastricht (Forum 110, 6229 GV Maastricht) — please look for MECC / Forum signage on arrival, as this is where badge collection and Congress registration take place.
Delegates arriving by car or taxi should be directed to the Forum entrance drop-off/parking area, adjacent to NH Hotel Maastricht.
Total journey: approx. 35 minutes.
20th April 2026
29th June 2026
Before preparing and typing your abstract, please carefully read the following instructions:
Registration fees are quoted in Euro (EUR), per person, including 21% local VAT
| Category |
EARLY FEE UNTIL JUN 30 |
REGULAR FEE FROM JUL 1 TO AUG 15 |
LATE FEE from AUG 16 and on site |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Meeting | |||
| Member* | € 570 | € 640 | € 765 |
| Non-member | € 765 | € 890 | € 1020 |
| Trainee / Perfusionist / Nurse | € 255 | € 255 | € 380 |
| One Day | |||
| Member* | € 255 | € 320 | € 380 |
| Non-member | € 450 | € 510 | € 570 |
| Trainee / Perfusionist / Nurse | € 200 | € 240 | € 320 |
| Simulation Day | |||
| Member | € 250 | € 300 | € 350 |
| Non-member | € 280 | € 380 | € 400 |
| Trainee / Perfusionist / Nurse | € 50 | € 50 | € 50 |
* For members of EACTAIC
At the end of the online registration process, a preliminary confirmation will be sent to the e-mail address provided.
Once the payment has been received, the invoice will be issued as final confirmation of your registration.
A participation letter with barcode/credentials will be sent a few days before the congress. You will need it to access the meeting.
Take your learning even further by registering for the Simulation Day on 22 September 2026 - a hands-on programme featuring realistic clinical scenarios designed to strengthen decision-making, teamwork, and crisis management skills.
New On September 23rd, we will also be holding a Fellows' Simulation Session, featuring discussions on CRM I: Operating Room and CRM II: A&E and ICU. (Only for Fellow)
By Credit Card
Bank Transfer - accepted only within August 31, 2026
Please transfer the payment to:
Please note that this account only supports SEPA transfers.
IBAN: DE50 1001 8000 0929 6989 47
BIC: FNOMDEB2
Recipient: IA Services GmbH
Address: FISCHERTWIETE, 2, HAMBURG, 20095, GERMANY
Bank: FINOM PAYMENTS
Please note that this account only supports SWIFT transfers and is not SEPA-accessible.
IBAN: GB47 TCCL 0414 0411 2872 27
BIC/SWIFT: TCCLGB3L
Recipient: IA Services GmbH
Address: FISCHERTWIETE, 2, HAMBURG, 20095, GERMANY
Bank: THE CURRENCY CLOUD LIMITED
Bank Address: 12 Steward Street, The Steward Building, London, E1 6FQ, GB
Bank country: United Kingdom
Correspondent Bank: BARCLAYS BANK PLC
Correspondent Code: BARCGB22XXX
Correspondent Address: 1 CHURCHILL PLACE, LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM
Please state the name of participant and Annual congress Registration number ( received with acknowledgement email after submission of form ) and send copy of bank transfer by email to eactaic.annualcongress@iameetings.sg within 72 hours.
After August 31, 2026 name changes will be charged of a handling fee of € 100,00 (VAT included) per name. A new online registration for each replacement will be required before the name change can be processed.
Notification of cancellation must be sent in writing to IA Services GmbH.
Cancellations will be accepted until August 31, 2026, with a refund of all prepaid fees except for a 30% administration charge.
No refunds will be made for cancellations received after this date.
CANCELLATION BEFORE August 31, 2026: 30% OF THE REGISTRATION FEE WILL BE WITHELD
CANCELLATION AFTER August 31, 2026: NO REFUND
Notification of cancellation must be sent in writing to IA Services GmbH.
Cancellations will be accepted until August 31, 2026, with a refund of all prepaid fees except for a 30% administration charge.
No refunds will be made for cancellations received after this date.
CANCELLATION BEFORE August 31, 2026: 30% OF THE REGISTRATION FEE WILL BE WITHELD
CANCELLATION AFTER August 31, 2026: NO REFUND
All approved refunds will be processed and issued within 60 days after the congress.
Modern and comfortable hotel located beside the MECC Maastricht convention centre, offering spacious rooms, wellness facilities, and convenient access to Maastricht’s city centre.
Directly connected to MECC Maastricht (approx. 1-2 mins walk)
Take bus 30 towards Maastricht Station, then bus 3 or 5 to Forum MECC. The hotel is a short walk from the venue (approx. 35 mins total).
Forum 110, 6229 GV Maastricht, Netherlands
Book NowTo contact hotel, please write to:
Upscale riverside hotel set along the Maas River, combining contemporary comfort with easy access to Maastricht's historic centre, restaurants, and shopping streets.
2.2 km (approx. 7 mins by car)
Take bus 30 to Maastricht Station. The hotel is approximately a 10-minute walk from the station (approx. 30 mins total).
Ruiterij 1, 6221 EW Maastricht, Netherlands
Book Now
Elegant historic hotel opposite Maastricht Central Station, blending classic architecture with modern comfort and offering quick access to both the city centre and MECC Maastricht.
2.5 km (approx. 8 mins by car)
Take bus 30 directly to Maastricht Station. The hotel is located immediately opposite the station exit (approx. 25 mins total).
Stationsstraat 2, 6221 BP Maastricht, Netherlands
Book Now
Stylish boutique hotel located in Maastricht's vibrant Wyck district, combining contemporary design with historic charm. Just steps from Maastricht Central Station, it offers easy access to the city centre and a convenient connection to MECC Maastricht.
2.5 km (approx. 8 mins by car)
Take bus 30 directly to Maastricht Central Station. The hotel is just a 2-minute walk from the station exit (approx. 25 mins total).
Stationsstraat 40, 6221 BR Maastricht, Netherlands
Book Now
Modern, stylish hotel set on the edge of Maastricht's historic centre, offering comfortable accommodations, excellent road connectivity, and convenient access to both the city centre and MECC Maastricht.
5.7 km (approx. 8-10 mins by car)
Take bus 30 to Maastricht Central Station, then transfer to Bus 6 and alight at De Geusselt. The hotel is a short 5-minute walk from the bus stop (approx. 35–40 mins total).
Pierre de Coubertinweg 3, 6225 XT Maastricht, Netherlands
Book Now
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Click here and the discounted rates will be displayed. They are valid for flights up to one week before and one week after the event.
We look forward to welcoming you on board!
For your convenience, a scheduled shuttle service is available from Brussels Airport, while private taxi transfers can be arranged from any airport or preferred location.
EACTAIC is pleased to support registered delegates requiring a visa to attend the upcoming event in Maastricht, Netherlands.
Participants are required to apply for a Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) under the category: Business / Conference / Scientific Congress
We strongly recommend applying at least 6-8 weeks prior to the event.
Upon completion of registration and payment, the following documents will be issued:
Please note:
Participants are responsible for submitting their visa application through the Netherlands Embassy or Consulate in their country of residence.
Typical required documents include:
Requirements may vary depending on the country of application. Delegates are advised to check the official website of the Netherlands Embassy in their region.
Our support team is here to help with your documentation requests.
eactaic.annualcongress@iameetings.sgAn application has been made to the EACCME® for CME accreditation of this event.
