Every year, the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) Annual Session is a can’t-miss event for orthodontic professionals from around the country and the world. From business training sessions to the newest clinical innovation to unprecedented networking opportunities, this one-of-a-kind conference is truly the definitive event for orthodontists.

In 2024, the AAO Annual Session will take place from May 3rd to 6th at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in the vibrant city of New Orleans, Louisiana. Dental professionals from all over will pour into the Crescent City to deliver the latest evidence-based orthodontic education, share ideas, and connect with their peers.

If you’ve never been to the AAO Annual Meeting, don’t worry. In this post, we’ll let you know what you can expect to get the most out of the experience.

Meet The HIP Team At the AAO 2024 Orthodontics Annual Session!

First things first, if you’re visiting New Orleans for AAO this year, be sure to stop by and see the HIP team! We exhibit at the meeting every year, and this year, we’ll be there with a 20×20 booth, waiting to meet as many of you as possible!

We get to see some partners during the event, where we typically interview them to share their stories. But we especially enjoy meeting new orthodontists to show them exactly how we can help them scale their practices quickly and profitably!

Our Practice Advisors will be packing plenty of SWAG for you to bring home, and they’re armed with the information and experience that could help make your next year the biggest year ever. So don’t be shy — come by and say hello!

What To Expect At The World’s Greatest Celebration Of Orthodontics™

The AAO 2024 Annual Session in New Orleans is gearing up to be an exceptional event, rich with opportunities for learning, networking, and exploring the latest advancements in orthodontics. Scheduled to run from May 3rd to 6th at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, this year’s session promises a blend of traditional favorites and innovative new offerings designed to enhance your professional practice.

Educational Opportunities

You can look forward to diverse educational tracks tailored to fit your unique interests as an orthodontic professional, whether you’re looking to deepen your clinical skills, explore new technologies, or modernize your practice management processes. The session will feature seven curated educational paths, including Innovation & Tech Talk, Clinical Techniques, Scientific Advances, Business Success, Inspiration & Wellbeing, and more. These tracks are designed to give you insights you won’t get anywhere else, ensuring that your trip to New Orleans helps you advance your professional goals.

Networking & Engagement

Networking remains a cornerstone of the AAO Annual Session, with many events planned to foster connections among peers from around the globe. Engage & Connect sessions offer you the chance to meet fellow professionals, discuss collaborative opportunities, and share memorable experiences. There are special events for doctors, orthodontic teams, residents, and international attendees, so there’s something for everyone!

Exhibition Hall

The Exhibit Hall is always a can’t-miss highlight of AAO. It features hundreds of exhibitors showcasing the latest services and technologies in orthodontics. From cutting-edge tools to innovative service solutions, the exhibit space allows you to explore new products, meet with vendors, and discover technologies that can help you provide better patient care more efficiently.

Celebrating Orthodontics

Finally, the AAO 2024 Annual Session celebrates the spirit and progress of the orthodontic community. It’s not just about attending a conference; it’s about participating in a gathering that values the growth and development of its members. Prepare to be inspired by a collective commitment to improving patient care through innovation and shared knowledge.

With such a rich program planned, the AAO 2024 Annual Session in New Orleans is poised to be an indispensable event for orthodontists seeking to push the boundaries of their profession and redefine what’s possible in their practices.

Create Your Own Customized Learning Experience

This year’s Annual Meeting allows attendees to customize their learning experience by choosing from seven distinct paths. Each path caters to a different set of professional needs and goals, offering each attendee an entirely personalized experience.

Here’s a breakdown of the paths you can choose to explore:

  1. Innovation & Tech Talk — Explore advancements in technology and innovation within orthodontics, including 3D printing, teledentistry, and digital workflow solutions.
  2. Clinical Techniques — Level up your clinical skills and keep up with advances in clinical orthodontics by learning about treatment techniques that can help set your practice apart.
  3. Scientific Advances — Dive into the latest research with top experts from clinical and research settings. Discover the scientific developments transforming the orthodontic field, from airway management to early treatment strategies.
  4. Business Success — Learn how strategies in finance, communications, and customer service can help your organization grow profitably. (If you’re really interested in growth, stop by to see us, too!)
  5. Inspiration & Wellbeing — Join CE sessions and presentations on how developing professional relationships and fostering a positive office culture can help your practice thrive.
  6. Exhibit Hall: Visit the exhibit hall to see the latest services and technologies from leading companies in the orthodontic industry.
  7. Engage & Connect — Network with peers and industry professionals through parties, receptions, and other networking events (see details below).

This annual session promises to be an engaging and educational experience, offering ample opportunities for both professional growth and community building within the field of orthodontics.

Social & Networking Events At AAO 2024

After all the intense learning sessions, you’ll need some time to connect with your colleagues. Fortunately, the AAO 2024 Annual Session in New Orleans has a full social and networking events calendar.

Many attendees say they get as much, or more, value out of the networking than they do from the educational opportunities. So here’s a preview of this year’s social calendar with dates and times.

Some events are free with your registration, while others have an additional cost or require an RSVP, so please refer to the AAO’s Engage & Connect page for all the details.

Friday, May 3rd

  • Ravindra Nanda Educational Leadership Conference — A focus on orthodontic education best practices and curriculum updates. Exclusive to SOE members, this session promises a deep dive into the future of orthodontic education from 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM.

Saturday, May 4th

  • Opening Keynote — Kick off the session with community-building and insights into the orthodontic specialty from 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM.
  • New Orthodontist & Resident Conference — Tailored for early-career orthodontists, this event from 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM focuses on clinical and practice management strategies.
  • Opening Party — Celebrate the start of the Annual Session in the Exhibit Hall, a perfect opportunity to meet and mingle with colleagues and industry leaders from 4:45 PM to 6:45 PM.
  • Alumni Receptions & Global Reception — Reconnect with alums and global peers at the Hilton Riverside from 6:45 PM to 8:45 PM, celebrating the international and educational ties that bind.

Sunday, May 5th

  • Fun Run & Walk — Start the day with a burst of energy at the Spanish Plaza/Moonwalk from 6:00 AM to 7:30 AM.
  • AAO Foundation Breakfast — Support the foundation’s impact on orthodontics from 7:30 AM to 9:30 AM.
  • Oral Research Abstract Presentations & Women Orthodontists Networking Session — Engage with cutting-edge research and network with fellow professionals in sessions running throughout the morning.
  • Inclusion & Engagement Session & Specialized Orthodontic Assistant (SOA) Certification Prep Course — Dive into discussions about diversity and prep for certification early in the day.
  • Table Clinics & Career Fair — Explore clinical developments and job opportunities in the orthodontic field from morning to afternoon.
  • Celebration! — The day wraps up with a festive block party on Fulton Street from 4:45 PM to 6:45 PM, followed by the Orthodontic Residents Reception at Generations Hall from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM.

See You At AAO 2024 In New Orleans!

Now, you have all the details you’ll need about the AAO Annual Session 2024. Make sure you register today, and we’ll look forward to seeing you there. Remember to stop by the HIP booth and say hi. We’ll have some swag and a smile waiting for you. See you soon!