The Organ Donation and Transplantation Alliance (The Alliance) welcomed a dynamic, multidisciplinary group of more than 400 leaders to Orlando, Florida, for the 2026 National Collaboration Forum: Transplantation and Donation Management, held March 26–27. Presented in partnership with the American Society of Transplant Surgeons (ASTS), the American Society of Transplantation (AST), the Association of Organ Procurement Organizations (AOPO), and Gift of Life Institute, the Forum sparked meaningful dialogue, shared learning, and practical strategies to strengthen performance across the donation and transplantation system.
Andrea Tietjen (Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center), and Brad Adams (Southwest Transplant Alliance), co-chaired the program and led a highly engaged planning committee that included Stacey Doll (Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania); Derek Ginos (Intermountain Medical Center); Rick Hasz (Gift of Life Donor Program); Celeste Braly (University of Wisconsin Health); David Foley, MD (UW Health); Steven Potter, MD, (MedStar Georgetown Transplant); Barry Massa (Network for Hope); and Jon Snyder, PhD (Hennepin Healthcare Research Institute).
Grounded in Purpose, Focused on Action
The Forum opened by reconnecting attendees to purpose, beginning with a powerful patient perspective that set the tone for the days ahead. From there, speakers and participants tackled one of the field’s most pressing challenges: how to align operational realities with a shared mission to save and improve lives.
Plenary sessions drove forward honest conversations about bridging OPO and transplant program workflows, strengthening operational readiness, and adapting to evolving financial and business models. Leaders did not shy away from complexity. Instead, they leaned into it, sharing real-world experiences and identifying opportunities to move the field forward together.
From Strategy to Execution
Across sessions, participants examined how leadership, finance, and quality intersect to shape program success. Discussions highlighted the growing importance of payer engagement, the need for sustainable financial models, and the role of executive leadership in embedding quality into every level of the organization.
Regulatory and policy updates added critical context, with national leaders outlining the direction of federal oversight and what it means for programs navigating change. At the same time, clinical discussions explored the evolving landscape of donation after circulatory death (DCD), including acceptance practices, rapid placement, and ethical considerations.
Deep Dives, Real Solutions
Breakout sessions transformed ideas into action. Attendees selected from a range of focused discussions designed to deliver practical, applicable insights, including:
- Strengthening quality systems
- Understanding cost drivers and financial strategy in transplantation
- Optimizing organ recovery, transportation, and logistics
- Advancing managed care contracting and payer alignment
- Supporting transplant program growth through data and strategy
- Enhancing collaboration across surgical specialties
- Developing workforce pathways and certification models
Each session emphasized collaboration and problem-solving, giving participants tools they can bring back to their organizations immediately.
Innovation in Motion
Innovation took center stage throughout the Forum. Participants explored how artificial intelligence and emerging technologies can reshape donor identification, allocation, and overall system efficiency. Pre-meeting sessions and breakout discussions showcased real-world applications already making an impact, alongside thoughtful conversations about responsible adoption and future potential.
Beyond the classroom setting, attendees engaged directly with new technologies in device demonstration suites and connected with peers through abstract poster presentations. These experiences highlighted the rapid pace of advancement in organ perfusion, preservation, and transportation, and reinforced a shared commitment to maximizing organ utilization.
Looking Ahead
The 2026 National Collaboration Forum energized participants around a shared vision for a more aligned, innovative, and patient-centered system. The conversations will not end in Orlando, as our community continues to shape the work ahead across the field. Recordings of the presentations and breakout sessions will be available in approximately two weeks as an Alliance On-Demand Learning Pathway.
The Alliance will carry that momentum forward at the 2027 Transplantation and Donation Management Summit, taking place the week of March 15, 2027, in New Orleans. Registration will open soon.
