Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to frequently asked questions about the 2026 Beahrs Surgical Innovation Summit.

General FAQs

What is the Beahrs Surgical Innovation Summit?

Created to accelerate surgeon-industry collaboration, the Beahrs Surgical Innovation Summit is an annual healthcare innovation conference by Mayo Clinic’s Department of Surgery. Each year, the summit convenes leaders in medtech, investment and clinical innovation to address the most pressing challenges in surgical care.

When and where will the summit be held? 

The Department of Surgery's Beahrs Surgical Innovation Summit will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2026, in Rochester, Minnesota. 

The summit will take place at the Mayo Civic Center in downtown Rochester. 

Mayo Civic Center 

30 Civic Center Drive SE 

Rochester, Minnesota 55904 

There will be opportunities to network with summit participants the day before and after the summit.

Who attends the summit?

The Beahrs Surgical Innovation Summit is an invite-only event that brings together executives and thought leaders across all facets of the industry, including multinational and global medtech companies, startups, and venture capital firms. Mayo Clinic surgeons, surgical administrators, and innovators will also be in attendance, along with leaders from Mayo Clinic Ventures. 

I'm interested in attending this year's summit. Can I apply to attend?

Yes, you can apply to attend the summit by filling out this application form. You can also note your company's interest in sponsoring or exhibiting at the summit.

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Registration FAQs

How do I register for the Beahrs Surgical Innovation Summit?

You can register for the 2026 Beahrs Surgical Innovation Summit here. You can also indicate your interest in available sponsorship and exhibiting opportunities by filling out this form.

When does registration for the Beahrs Surgical Innovation Summit close?

Registration for the 2026 Beahrs Surgical Innovation Summit will close on Nov. 3, 2026.

What is the cost to register for the Beahrs Surgical Innovation Summit?

The registration rate for the Beahrs Surgical Innovation Summit is $???. 

I can no longer attend the Beahrs Surgical Innovation Summit. What is the refund policy?

Please notify us as soon as possible if you are unable to attend the 2026 Beahrs Surgical Innovation Summit. Refunds are available if requested at least 2 weeks before the event. A $100 processing fee will be deducted from your refund. 

Unfortunately, we cannot offer refunds for cancellations made less than 2 weeks before the event.  

Can I request a list of registered attendees or attending companies?  

Use our partnering app to see who will be attending the Beahrs Surgical Innovation Summit. The app will open in mid-October. If you would like early access to the attendee contact list (opt-in only), consider sponsoring the summit. More information about sponsorship opportunities can be found here. 

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Program and Agenda FAQs

Is the summit agenda available? 

Prepare for one day of compelling panels, inspiring keynotes and unparalleled moments for networking and connection. The Beahrs Surgical Innovation Summit agenda will be announced this summer. Check back soon! 

Who will be speaking at this year’s summit? 

High-profile leaders from multinational companies, startups, venture capital firms, and Mayo Clinic surgeons will be speaking at this year's summit. The full roster of speakers and panelists, including the keynote speaker, will be announced soon! 

When is the event check-in? 

Event check-in will be on Monday, Nov. 16, from 1 to 6 p.m. CT and Tuesday, Nov. 17, from 7 to 8 a.m. CT. At this time, you will receive your registration materials, including your name badge. A light breakfast will also be available on Tuesday morning. 

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Partnering App FAQs

Does the Beahrs Surgical Innovation Summit have a partnering app?

Yes, the networking app will open 3-4 weeks before the event. Registered attendees can download the app to their phone or tablet via Google Play or the App Store by searching for “Healthcare Innovation Summits,” or use their desktop. 

What can you do with the app?

Here are just a few ways to use the partnering app to further enhance your networking experience at the Beahrs Surgical Innovation Summit:

  • Update your personal and company profile with decks, executive summaries, areas of interest, social media profiles and more. 
  • Schedule 1:1 or group meetings with all registered attendees.
  • Filter profiles by surgical specialty, collaboration opportunities and other features to optimize your networking experience. 
  • View and message other registered attendees. 

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Travel and Lodging FAQs

How do I get to Rochester, Minnesota? 

The Rochester International Airport (RST) is located about 10 miles south of the city center and is the closest airport to the Mayo Clinic Beahrs Surgical Innovation Summit. It's a small, four-gate, easy-to-navigate airport that hosts thousands of travelers each year. American Airlines, Delta and United offer daily flights to RST. 

Taxis and shuttle services provide transportation to and from the airport. 

The  Minneapolis - St. Paul International Airport (MSP) is about 80 miles north of Rochester, or a 90-minute drive. 

There are several options for getting to Rochester from MSP. The airport's transportation atrium is located one level below baggage claim and is clearly marked. You can access a taxi or limo service there, rent a car, or arrange a shuttle service. 

Where should I stay in Rochester, Minnesota? 

Selected for your convenience, we've facilitated group rates at various hotels within walking distance of the Mayo Civic Center.

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Department of Surgery FAQs

What specialties make up Mayo Clinic's Department of Surgery?

Mayo Clinic's Department of Surgery in Rochester, Minnesota, comprises 12 surgical specialties and has more than 100 surgeons. It is the largest surgical department at Mayo Clinic.

  • Breast and Melanoma Surgical Oncology
  • Colon and Rectal Surgery
  • Endocrine Surgery
  • Hepatobiliary and Pancreas Surgery
  • Metabolic and Abdominal Wall Reconstructive Surgery
  • Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Plastic Surgery
  • Thoracic Surgery
  • Transplantation Surgery
  • Trauma, Critical Care and General Surgery
  • Vascular and Endovascular Surgery

Who leads surgical innovation efforts for Mayo Clinic's Department of Surgery?

At Mayo Clinic's Department of Surgery in Rochester, innovation is truly woven into our DNA. We are moving the needle to transform surgery through innovative techniques, collaborative research and comprehensive expertise, to provide answers and expand possibilities for patients.

The department's surgical innovation efforts are led by Cornelius Thiels, D.O., hepatobiliary and pancreas surgeon, and Kyle Ettinger, M.D., D.D.S., oral and maxillofacial surgeon.

What else should I know about Mayo Clinic's Department of Surgery?

Mayo Clinic's Department of Surgery embodies compassionate care, surgical innovation and exceptional outcomes. Founded by the pioneering surgeons Drs. William J. and Charles H. Mayo, our department has been at the heart of Mayo Clinic's legacy of excellence. We are dedicated to providing hope and care to all patients, including those who haven't found answers elsewhere, ensuring that every patient receives the highest level of surgical care.

Our commitment to groundbreaking research, innovative thinking, and educating the surgeons of tomorrow sets us apart. We foster a collaborative environment that drives us to achieve exceptional patient outcomes. At Mayo Clinic's Department of Surgery, we continue to build on our rich history, delivering world-class surgical care and making a difference in the lives of our patients every day.

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