The 34th International EAES Congress is set to take place in the vibrant city of Athens from 23–26 June 2026, and one of the most anticipated highlights of the week is the Meet the Expert Luncheon on Wednesday, 24th June 2026. This exclusive lunchtime event offers participants a rare and informal opportunity to sit down with some of the world’s most respected surgical experts and ask them the questions they’ve always wanted to.
Whether you’re an early-career surgeon, a researcher, or an experienced practitioner looking to expand your perspectives, this session is your gateway to unfiltered insight, expert advice, and genuine conversation.
Meet the Experts
This year’s lineup features seven world-renowned figures across key domains of minimally invasive surgery:
Upper GI – Lorenzo Ferri (Canada)
Professor of Surgery at McGill University and Director of the Division of Thoracic and Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery, Prof. Ferri is a pioneer in endoscopic and surgical management of upper GI cancers with a focus on oesophageal surgery and neoadjuvant therapy.
Hernia – Victor Radu (Romania)
Associate Professor of Surgery in Bucharest and Director of the Centre of Excellence in Hernia Surgery at Medlife, Prof. Radu is the European pioneer of the eTEP and eTEP-TAR technique with over 25 years of experience in hernia and abdominal wall reconstruction.
Colorectal benign – Willem Bemelman (The Netherlands)
Professor of Minimally Invasive and Colorectal Surgery at Amsterdam UMC and past president of the European Society of Coloproctology, Prof. Bemelman is a leading authority on the surgical treatment of inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer.
Colorectal malignant – Antonino Spinelli (Italy)
Director of the Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery at Humanitas Hospital and Past President of the European Society of Coloproctology, Prof. Spinelli is widely recognised for his contributions to surgical innovation and research in colorectal and IBD surgery.
Liver – Go Wakabayashi (Japan)
A globally influential figure in laparoscopic liver surgery, Prof. Wakabayashi performed the world’s first robotic liver resection in 2001 and chaired the Morioka Consensus Conference that set the international benchmarks for the field.
Technologies – Marlies Schijven (The Netherlands)
Full Professor of Surgery at Amsterdam UMC and holder of the University Chair in Digital Health, Prof. Schijven is a pioneer in surgical technology, digital health and AI-driven innovation in the operating theatre.
Surgical research – Barbara Seeliger (France)
Surgeon-scientist at the IHU-Strasbourg Institute of Image-Guided Surgery and trainer at IRCAD, Dr. Seeliger works at the intersection of minimally invasive surgery, robotics, artificial intelligence and surgical data science.
Why You Should Attend
Ask anything – From clinical decision-making to career advice and surgical philosophy, nothing is off-limits. Connect in a casual setting – Ditch the lecture hall for lunch and lively discussion. Be inspired – Hear personal stories, real-world solutions, and what it truly takes to lead in surgery today.
Important Details
Date: Wednesday, 24th June 2026
Time: 12:30 – 13:30
Location: Muses Foyer, Megaron Conference Centre, Athens, Greece
Important: This event is not included in the general registration. You must register separately, and spots are limited. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis – Don’t miss your chance to reserve a seat!
Whether you’re searching for answers, direction, or just some one-on-one time with surgical trailblazers, the Meet the Expert Luncheon is a unique opportunity you won’t want to miss. Register now to secure your spot—and your seat at the table.
We’ll see you in Athens.
