because
THE GOOD TIMES WILL ROLL

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 2024!

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

Download Special Events & Business Meetings Grid

Friday, May 3


Ravindra Nanda 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

Date: Friday, May 3, 2024

Time: 10:30am – 5:00pm

Location: Ernest N. Morial Convention Center | 208-210

Cost: Complimentary to all registered SOE members.

Saturday, May 4


Opening Keynote


Begin Annual Session united in community with your peers and colleagues in support of our orthodontic specialty.

Open to registered attendees & exhibitors

Date: Saturday, May 4, 2024

Time: 8:00am – 9:00am

Location: Ernest N. Morial Convention Center | Great Hall A/B

New Orthodontist & Resident Conference


Clinical and practice management strategies for early career orthodontists.

Open to residents and members within 5 years of practice

Date: Saturday, May 4, 2024

Time: 11:30am – 2:00pm

Location: Ernest N. Morial Convention Center | 208-210

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

Opening Party


All registered attendees are invited join colleagues and industry suppliers inside the Exhibit Hall for another great kick-off to the Annual Session!

Open to registered attendees & exhibitors

Date: Saturday, May 4, 2024

Time: 4:45pm – 6:45pm

Location: Exhibit Hall

Cost: Complimentary with registration. 

Alumni Receptions


Stop by the Hilton Riverside to reminisce with old classmates, professors and recent graduates from your alma mater at this year’s Alumni Receptions. All receptions are being held in one hotel for your convenience.

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

Date: Saturday, May 4, 2024

Time: 6:45pm – 8:45pm

Location: Hilton Riverside – Various Rooms

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

Global Reception


Attendees come from every corner of the globe to celebrate with us at the World’s Greatest Celebration of Orthodontics!

Open to all registered attendees

Date: Saturday, May 4, 2024

Time: 6:45pm – 8:45pm

Location: Hilton Riverside

Cost: Complimentary with registration. 

Sunday, May 5


Fun Run & Walk


Get your blood pumping early Sunday morning, if you’re running or walking you can join the fun! 

Available to registered attendees

Date: Sunday, May 5, 2024

Time: 6:00am – 7:30am

Location: Spanish Plaza / Moonwalk

Shuttle and Route information coming soon.

Cost: $25 ticket is available through registration.

AAO Foundation Breakfast


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

Available to registered attendees.

Date: Sunday, May 5, 2024

Time: 7:30am – 9:30am

Location: Ernest N. Morial Convention Center | 208-210

Cost: $35 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

Date: Sunday, May 5, 2024

Time: 8:00am – 3:15pm

Location: Ernest N. Morial Convention Center | 252-254

Cost: Complimentary with registration. 

Women Orthodontists Networking Session


Networking Session with keynote speaker.

Open to doctors and residents

Date: Sunday, May 5, 2024

Time: 10:00am – 12:30pm

Location: Ernest N. Morial Convention Center | Rivergate

Cost: $25 ticket is available through registration.

Inclusion & Engagement Session


The Special Committee on Inclusion and Engagement presents AAO’s first ever live podcast. Join us for light refreshments and lively discussion followed by Q&A and networking session.

Open to doctors and residents

Date: Sunday, May 5, 2024

Time: 1:30pm – 3:30pm

Location: Ernest N. Morial Convention Center | Rivergate

Cost: $25 ticket is available through registration.

Specialized Orthodontic Assistant (SOA) Certification Prep Course


Open to orthodontic staff

Date: Sunday, May 5, 2024

Time: 8:00am – 9:30am

Location: Ernest N. Morial Convention Center | 203-205

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

Date: Sunday, May 5, 2024

Time: 9:30am – 11:30am

Location: Ernest N. Morial Convention Center | 255-257

Cost: Complimentary with registration. 

Career Fair


Employers showcase available career opportunities.

Open to doctors, residents, & orthodontic staff

Date: Sunday, May 5, 2024

Time: 1:00pm – 3:00pm

Location: Ernest N. Morial Convention Center | Great Hall Foyer

Cost: Complimentary with registration. 

Celebration!


All registered attendees are encouraged to celebrate the profession at this year’s CELEBRATION! 

Open to registered attendees and event sponsors

Date: Sunday, May 5, 2024

Time: 4:45pm – 6:45pm

Location: Fulton Street Block Party (Chicory, Ernst Café, Fulton Alley and Manning’s)

Cost: Complimentary with registration. 

Orthodontic Residents Reception


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

Date: Sunday, May 5, 2024

Time: 7:00pm – 10:00pm

Location: Generations Hall

Cost: Complimentary with registration.