A Night of Celebration, Connection and Support at the 2026 IARS Gala

The IARS Gala on Saturday, May 2 offered a welcome chance for attendees to relax and unwind after a full day of learning at the 2026 Annual Meeting, presented by IARS and SOCCA. This marked the return to the IARS formal Gala event, which had not occurred in this format since 2013. Nearly 200 guests traded conference attire for an elegant evening, gathering for a reception and sit-down dinner before the celebration shifted into a lively night of connection and fun. As a key fundraising event, the Gala supports the future of anesthesiology research through IARS programs including the Mentored Research Award, International Outreach Travel Grant, and Global Scholars Award.

Attendees heard welcoming remarks from IARS leadership, including President Oluwaseun Johnson-Akeju, MD, President-Elect and Gala Co-Chair Vivianne Tawfik, MD, PhD, and Board Member and Gala Co-Chair Shahzad Shaefi, MD, MPH. The 2026 International Outreach Travel Grant recipients and several 2025 IARS Mentored Research Award recipients were also in attendance, highlighting the impact of the community’s support of scientists globally.

The evening was filled with laughter, meaningful conversations, and the energy of new and long-standing connections. Guests showed off their dance moves, got creative in the photo booth, and joined in a spirited silent auction, all while enjoying food and drinks.

More than a celebration, the Gala was a joyful tribute to the collective commitment to advancing research worldwide.