You want some fun? We’ve got you covered. 

The AAO Annual Session is the most highly anticipated orthodontic event of the year. No other forum offers you three full days with the same type of high-caliber, high-energy and just plain fun networking opportunities. Engage with your peers at Annual Session and we promise you’ll return home motivated, and energized to achieve your goals in 2025!

Badges are required for entry to special events and will serve as your ticket.

Thursday, April 24


SOE James A. McNamara Educational Leadership Conference


presented by the Society of Educators (SOE)

Educators forum focused on curriculum & best practice updates in orthodontic education.

Available to registered SOE members

Time: 9:30am – 5:00pm

Location: Convention Center | Room 108

Cost: Complimentary to all registered SOE members.

Friday, April 25


AAO Foundation Breakfast


Celebrate the impact the AAO Foundation has had on the orthodontic specialty

Available to registered attendees.

Time: 7:30am – 9:00am

Location: Convention Center | Ballroom A

Cost: $50 ticket is available through the registration process.

New Orthodontist & Resident Conference


Clinical and practice management strategies for early career orthodontists

Open to residents and doctors within 5 years of starting practice

Time: 11:30am – 2:00pm

Location: Convention Center | Ballroom A

Cost: Complimentary with registration.

Celebrity Conversation


We’re excited to welcome Simone Biles, Athlete and Advocate, for a celebrity conversation! Get ready to be inspired and energized as the most decorated gymnast in history takes the stage. You won’t want to miss this!

Open to registered attendees

Time: 4:00pm – 5:30pm

Location: Convention Center | Terrace Ballroom

Alumni Receptions


Stop by the alumni receptions to reminisce with old classmates, professors and recent graduates from your alma mater.

Open to doctors who attended an ortho program in the US / Canada

Time: 5:45pm – 7:15pm

Location: Philadelphia Marriott & other nearby venues

Cost: Complimentary with registration. Please let us know you’ll be attending by reserving a spot during the registration process.

AAO Philly Fest


All registered attendees are invited join colleagues and sponsors at Reading Terminal for another great kick-off to the Annual Session!

Open to registered attendees

Time: 7:00pm – 10:00pm

Location: Reading Terminal Market

Cost: Complimentary with registration. Please let us know you’ll be attending by reserving a spot during the registration process

Saturday, April 26


Fun Run & Walk


Get your blood pumping with an early morning 5K. Whether you’re running or walking you we encourage you to join the fun! 

Available to registered attendees

Time: 6:00am – 7:30am

Location: TBD

Shuttle and Route information coming soon.

Cost: $25 ticket is available through registration.

Oral Research Abstract Presentations


Short lecture presentations of important educational value and significant new investigative works.

Open to doctors and residents

Time: 8:00am – 4:00pm

Location: Convention Center | Room 125

Cost: Complimentary with registration. 

Specialized Orthodontic Assistant (SOA) Certification Prep Course


Open to orthodontic staff

Time: 8:30am – 10:00am

Location: Convention Center | Room 106

Cost: Complimentary with registration. Please let us know you’ll be attending by reserving a spot during the registration process.

Table Clinics


Using poster boards and other material,
clinical and scientific information is presented.

Open to doctors and residents

Time: 8:30am – 12:00pm

Location: Convention Center | Room 126

Cost: Complimentary with registration. 

Women Orthodontists Networking Session


Networking Session with keynote speaker.

Open to doctors and residents

Time: 11:30am – 2:00pm

Location: Convention Center | Room 108

Cost: $25 ticket is available through registration.

Career Fair


Employers showcase available career opportunities.

Open to doctors, residents, & orthodontic staff

Time: 1:00pm – 3:00pm

Location: Convention Center | Terrace Ballroom

Cost: Complimentary with registration. 

Inclusion & Engagement Session


Join the Special Committee on Inclusion & Engagement for light refreshments and lively discussion followed by Q&A and networking session.

Open to doctors and residents

Time: 3:00pm – 4:30pm

Location: Convention Center | Room 108

Cost: $25 ticket is available through registration. Free for residents.

CDABO Member Reception


Open to CDABO members, ABO Directors and Executive Directors, and those who participate in the Resident Case Displays and we would welcome others that would like to join CDABO

Time: 3:30pm – 4:30pm

Location: Philadelphia Marriott Downtown | Room 305

Cost: Complimentary.

Orthodontic Residents Reception


Open to residents and their registered guests (limit 1 registered guest per resident)

Time: 7:00pm – 10:00pm

Location: NOTO Nightclub

Cost: Complimentary with registration.

Sunday, April 27


Global Reception


Join your colleagues from around the globe for an evening of fellowship.

Available to registered attendees

Time: 7:00pm -10:00pm

Location: Philadelphia Marriott Downtown

Cost: Complimentary to registered attendees.