Attendees of the AAOS 2025 Annual Meeting were able to try the latest technologies to advance their surgical practices.
Published 11/20/2025
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Molly Todd Rudy
The world’s largest orthopaedic marketplace will kick off during the AAOS 2026 Annual Meeting, March 2 to 6 at the Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, offering an unparalleled educational experience where attendees can see firsthand the newest innovations that will shape the future of orthopaedics. Central to the 2026 theme, “Here, moments become memories,” the Exhibit Hall will provide attendees with hands-on training, opportunities to connect with top experts, and chances to network with colleagues from around the globe, offering a learning experience that will last a lifetime.
The Exhibit Hall will feature old and new favorites, such as Ask an Expert sessions, Innovation Theater, and pickleball. With more than 600 companies showcasing the latest products and techniques, the Exhibit Hall will provide attendees with ample opportunities to learn about emerging trends that are advancing patient care. The Exhibits, Industry, and Sponsorships Committee, chaired by Armando F. Vidal, MD, FAAOS, follows published guidelines and a priority framework for exhibitor and programming selection, centered on clinical relevance, surgeon value, safety, and compliance with Academy regulations.
“As a committee, we also develop new engagement initiatives that give industry a platform, such as the Breakthrough & Beverages and Breakfast & Insights sessions, to present research findings, innovative technologies, and clinical solutions,” said Dr. Vidal, a complex knee, shoulder, and sports medicine specialist at the Steadman Clinic in Vail, Colorado. “In recent years, we’ve been focused on driving new programming into the Exhibit Hall to reimagine the atmosphere and promote more meaningful connections. That is why we host a mid-week Happy Hour in the Hall and why we’ve added the fun of pickleball.”
Bringing the newest research to life
From developments in robotics to surgical efficiency, attendees will be able to explore cutting-edge surgical advancements and receive firsthand learning with the latest techniques and innovations — all of which will be available in the Exhibit Hall.
Attendees can present their challenging cases and receive guidance from top orthopaedic surgeons, researchers, and educators during Ask an Expert sessions. Led by a notable moderator, attendees will present their HIPAA-compliant cases to faculty experts and AAOS committee members, who will provide insights and expertise on the cases that can be immediately applied in practice. AAOS 2026 will also feature Flash Five®, where bursts of knowledge are given in five minutes on topics that benefit orthopaedists. This one-hour session will feature a master of ceremonies who will give opening and closing remarks, followed by 10 presenters, each delivering one five-minute presentation. The Flash Five presentations will be selected by Alison P. Toth, MD, FAAOS, chair of the Central Program Committee, and Jonathan F. Dickens, MD, FAAOS, chair of the Central Instructional Courses Committee.
“Curated surgeon-to-surgeon sessions like Ask an Expert are designed to maximize learning and interaction,” Dr. Vidal explained. “Attendees benefit from non-CME educational programs and demonstrations that span all specialties, offering unique, high-caliber experiences developed in collaboration with industry leaders — opportunities not typically available outside the Annual Meeting. Plus, with so many companies coming to the Annual Meeting to launch the latest and greatest, it is the first point in the orthopaedic year for surgeons to put their hands on the newest technologies improving patient care and surgical quality.”
The AAOS Innovation Theater will feature fast, focused learning where attendees can explore cutting-edge solutions in surgical techniques, medical devices, digital health, and patient care tools. These dynamic presentations and live demonstrations — led by industry leaders and innovators — are designed to spark new ideas and connect attendees with the latest advancements.
Since being introduced at the AAOS 2024 Annual Meeting, OrthoPitch has been a standing-room-only event due to its popularity. In 2026, it will be moved out of the Exhibit Hall to an adjacent space that can accommodate more attendees. This interactive technology competition will showcase novel and innovative orthopaedic products as finalists face off in front of a panel of judges for the grand prize.
New in 2026, the Investment Insights Forum is an exclusive afternoon event for surgeons, founders, and forward-thinkers seeking a deeper understanding of funding, growth, and success in orthopaedics. This high-impact forum offers unfiltered perspectives from leaders in venture capital, private equity, and musculoskeletal-focused investment. Dynamic roundtable discussions with top investors and executives will offer strategic insights into how clinical validation, commercial traction, and strategic storytelling can make — or break — a deal. Attendees will also hear from emerging innovators and late-stage medical technology companies on lessons learned and paths to success. The afternoon concludes with networking and a relaxed happy hour before transitioning into the fan-favorite OrthoPitch competition, where the next wave of orthopaedic disruptors will take the stage.
In 2026, Orthopaedic Video Theater (OVT), OrthoDome®, and Career Center will take place in OrthoLive to allow more attendees to experience these highlights of the Annual Meeting. OrthoLive brings together technology, expertise, and career-advancing opportunities to elevate the educational experience. OVT allows attendees to view high-quality surgical videos from diverse perspectives, including renowned experts, leading institutions, industry, and user-submitted videos. OrthoDome is an immersive video theater that delivers high definition 4K presentations of innovative orthopaedic surgical techniques and medical devices, narrated live by leading orthopaedic experts. Powered by the OVT, OrthoDome will offer a one-of-a-kind educational experience in a comfortable, theater-style setting. This event is chaired by Lisa K. Cannada, MD, FAAOS, and Evan Lederman, MD, FAAOS.
New programs that were introduced in 2025 will return, including OrthoQuest and Pickleball in the Hall. OrthoQuest is a scavenger hunt in the Exhibit Hall that gives attendees a chance for more networking and to see all the booths. Those who finish OrthoQuest will be eligible for prizes. AAOS is bringing back the popular pickleball events, including a tournament for some exercise and fun, as well as adding a fun run, yoga and Pilates classes, and a golf simulator experience.
Networking made easy
In addition to educational opportunities that connect colleagues on the exhibit floor, PeerConnect, a networking feature introduced at the 2025 meeting, will be back and provide dedicated spaces in the Exhibit Hall for attendees to meet up. Networking will be integrated into the mobile app as well through Event CoPilot, an artificial-intelligence app feature that connects attendees to colleagues who share similar interests and subspecialties.
“Networking is vital for professional growth, collaboration, and staying current with industry trends,” said Dr. Vidal. “Attendees can connect with peers, industry partners, and thought leaders through dedicated engagement activities, open forums, and informal gatherings in the Exhibit Hall. We’re pushing the Annual Meeting to be bigger than just education. It is a chance to meet new colleagues, catch up with old friends, and really start the year off on the right foot.”
Exhibit Hall hours
The Exhibit Hall will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on March 3 and 4 and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on March 5. Dedicated exhibit times will be posted on the Exhibit Hall webpage along with more information about each program. Happy Hour in the Hall will take place on March 4 from 3 to 5 p.m. Along with two complimentary drinks and dedicated networking time, exhibitors will roll out special booth presentations at Happy Hour that will not be available any other time during AAOS 2026.
Molly Todd Rudy is a freelance writer for AAOS Now.