Big advances in the Big Easy: AAOS 2026 redefines the Annual Meeting

Incorporating feedback from past attendees, AAOS is introducing a simplified registration process and enhanced technology offerings for the AAOS 2026 Annual Meeting, to be held March 2-6 in New Orleans at the Morial Convention Center. Instructional Course Lectures (ICLs) will now be included in the overall registration fee, providing all educational content for one price. Additionally, the mobile app will introduce a new interactive event map to allow for easier navigation of the AAOS Annual Meeting and a personalized concierge service for attendees.

Education format changes
Attendee feedback is a valuable tool that helps to shape many aspects of future meetings. The AAOS Annual Meeting Committee, chaired by retired Navy Capt. Matthew T. Provencher, MD, MBA, FAAOS; the Central Program Committee; and the Central Instructional Courses Committee reviewed attendee responses from the previous year’s meeting to understand their experiences and gain insights on how to improve the event. Based on attendee feedback, the committees made several changes for the AAOS 2026 Annual Meeting such as including more learning opportunities in the cost of registration and shortening the duration of all ICLs, symposia, and paper sessions. These updates not only increase access but also ease choice fatigue by allowing attendees to experience more sessions without feeling overwhelmed by competing options.

“ICLs are courses developed by members, for members, to delve deeply into our most challenging clinical, practice, and research questions and problems,” explained Alison P. Toth, MD, FAAOS, executive vice chair of orthopaedic surgery at Duke University School of Medicine and Central Program Committee chair. “The bundling of the ICLs into the overall registration is consistent with AAOS’ Strategic Plan to modernize the organization and adapt to the evolving needs of orthopaedic surgeons. Including the ICLs with registration encourages more attendees to experience this superb educational content, which were previously an additional cost. With both case-based and didactic formats, these opportunities have something for everyone!”

Previously, ICLs, paper sessions, and symposia ran 90 or 120 minutes, causing overlap that limited session access. Standardizing education times to 60 minutes reduces conflicts, adds an additional time slot each day, and reflects attendee behavior — most do not stay beyond the 60-minute mark.

“ICLs offer hands-on, experience-based solutions and guidance that can be implemented in daily practice, covering a broad range of topics, including basic research, trauma, sports medicine, spine, pediatrics, and more,” said Jonathan F. Dickens, MD, FAAOS, professor of orthopaedic surgery at Duke University School of Medicine and chair of the Central Instructional Courses Committee. “The ICLs discuss timely, impactful issues and frequently include the experts’ ‘pearls’ and ‘pitfalls.’ The committees select the best, high-value submissions from hundreds of choices.”

Mobile app enhancements
The Academy has been listening to changes attendees want, and the AAOS 2026 Annual Meeting will deliver solutions members have been asking for. Previous Annual Meeting attendees stated in survey feedback that navigating the conference could feel overwhelming, and they wished for a more intimate experience despite the meeting’s impressive scale.

For 2026, AAOS is debuting an innovative interactive map in the mobile app that features blue dot turn-by-turn navigation which works similarly to Google Maps. The precise navigation system will be particularly helpful in navigating the Exhibit Hall, the world’s largest orthopaedic marketplace, and seamlessly guiding attendees between education sessions, theaters, hands-on labs, and OrthoLive spaces, including the OrthoDome® and Career Center.

The wayfinding technology utilizes Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capabilities on attendees’ phones, working with strategically placed beacons throughout the convention center to provide accurate indoor positioning where traditional GPS falls short.

By eliminating navigation confusion, this system will ensure that attendees can focus on learning, networking, and discovering the latest in orthopaedic innovation rather than worrying about finding their way around.

Additionally, the mobile app will now integrate Event CoPilot, an artificial intelligence–powered concierge service that builds on the popular PeerConnect networking feature from 2025. This intelligent assistant responds to voice commands and leverages comprehensive attendee data and behavioral insights to deliver a truly personalized experience.

Event CoPilot uses sophisticated chat-based interactions to connect attendees with colleagues who share similar subspecialties and interests. It also curates session suggestions tailored to each practice and optimizes attendees’ schedules to maximize both learning and networking opportunities, ensuring attendees can make meaningful professional connections that advance their careers. The result is a productive and enjoyable Annual Meeting experience that blends cutting-edge technology with personalized service.

Registration dates
The AAOS Annual Meeting website will be updated in November with the education program, speakers, and exhibitor hall lineup. Registration for the AAOS 2026 Annual Meeting opens Nov. 3, and the early-bird deadline is Dec. 7. New Orleans hotels are available for booking now through the AAOS Annual Meeting website. Members can sign up on the Annual Meeting website to receive the latest news and updates.

“The Annual Meeting will be held in a wonderful venue in New Orleans, which is a great place to learn and network with colleagues,” Dr. Toth said. “The 2026 program has been carefully crafted, and there will be a greater emphasis on special programming for residents and medical students as well. We hope the programmatic changes will make the 2026 Annual Meeting an even more enjoyable and valuable experience.”

Molly Todd Rudy is a freelance writer for AAOS Now.