Attendee FAQs

Why is the Annual Meeting shorter than in some previous years?

Attendees have been clear that they want a shorter meeting. Time away from the OR and clinic is a real cost, and longer meetings create unnecessary friction. By tightening the schedule, we’re making it easier to attend without sacrificing productivity, while maintaining a high-quality, more focused education experience. A mid-week meeting start aligns with clinical schedules and travel realities, based on direct attendee feedback. 

The Exhibit Hall will still span three days of the meeting, Wednesday through Friday, offering attendees the same access to industry exhibits and education as in past years. 

For future Annual Meetings, we’ll continue to listen and adjust. These changes for AAOS 2027 reflect what attendees are telling us right now.

With the shorter meeting, are we losing content?

No, we’re delivering the same depth and quality in a more focused format. With ICLs now included, there’s actually more opportunity and value than ever, even within a shorter meeting.

When can I review the program agenda?

The full education program will be available when registration opens Nov. 2. In the meantime, you can review an overview of the education program.

Can I earn CME credits at AAOS 2027? How can I claim credits?

AAOS 2027 Annual Meeting attendees can earn up to 14 AMA PRA Category Credits™. CME credit is awarded based on your check-in date, and you can only claim the number of CME’s/hours that you attended for education. CME credits can be claimed online in the AAOS Learning Portfolio. 

Get more information on CME at Annual Meeting. 

What are the AAOS Attendee Policies?

Visit our Attendee Policies page to learn more.

What is AAOS 2026 Annual Meeting OnDemand?

AAOS Annual Meeting OnDemand is an online library with hundreds of hours of educational content from the meeting's instructional course lectures, symposia, and paper sessions. Revisit sessions you attended and participate in those you missed anytime, anywhere. Plus, earn up to 100 CME credits.

Content will not be live-streamed during the meeting.

How can I get a letter of invitation from AAOS for visa purposes?

International attendees and exhibitors who require visas to travel to the United States can request an invitation letter from AAOS. This letter does not guarantee that visas will be approved but can be presented with your visa application process and may be required by the U.S. consulate in some countries.

Submit your request for the official AAOS International Attendee Invitation or the AAOS International Exhibitor Invitation.

When can I submit an application for education for next year’s Annual Meeting?

What are the registration and course rates for the meeting?

There’s no need to purchase separate tickets for Instructional Course Lectures this year, as they are now included with Annual Meeting registration. Some sessions have limited seating and require advance registration, so be sure to reserve your spot. Discover more about education at AAOS 2027.

How do I register?

Members and returning non-members can register online on Nov. 2, 2026. Visit our registration page for more details and instructions.

What do I need to do if I am attending for the first time?

If this is your first time attending the AAOS Annual Meeting, you must request approval to attend. Fill out the Request Approval to Attend Form. You will receive a response in 24-48 hours with additional instructions. Check back soon for first-time attendee resources that will help you make the most of your first AAOS Annual Meeting experience.

How do I register a group for the meeting?

The key contact person for your group will need a login to manage all of the registrants within your group. Please visit the registration page, click the “Register” button, then select Group Registration.

What is the meeting refund policy?

Refunds for registration fees are available until January 24, 2027. Please submit your request in writing to aaosmeeting@maritz.com.

Can family members register for the meeting?

AAOS members can purchase one Family Badge for $115 for a spouse, significant other, or immediate family member (not an active medical professional), online or on-site. Family Badge holders must be with the registered member and show ID to receive their badge. Attendees 16 and older with a Family Badge will have access to OrthoLive, Industry Exhibits, and Your Academy/Guest Speaker.

Please note: Family Badge attendees will not have access to any educational sessions or events.

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How do I get my badge and tickets?

Badges will not be mailed – attendees must present an electronic or printed copy of their registration confirmation on-site to receive their badge. A badge is required for entry to the Exhibit Hall, AAOS sessions, Annual Meeting events and Specialty Society Programs.

The registration check-in counter hours are:

• Tuesday: 2–5 p.m.
• Wednesday–Friday: 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Saturday: 6:30–10:30 a.m.

There will also be satellite check-ins on Tuesday and Wednesday at certain hotels and other key locations to be determined. Speakers and faculty can also pick up their badges in the Speaker Ready Room Tuesday through Saturday.

How can I get ADA assistance?

AAOS will consider the requests of persons with disabilities for reasonable modifications of policies, practices and procedures or for auxiliary aids and services where necessary to provide access to AAOS facilities, events, services and products.

AAOS encourages that such requests be made during the registration process or as soon as possible to enhance AAOS' ability to accommodate the requests. Please submit all requests for the AAOS 2027 Annual Meeting here.

For on-site requests, visit the Academy Headquarters Office at the Venetian Convention & Expo Center, Room 2601.

Where can I find the Annual Meeting app?

The Annual Meeting Mobile App is available for free download from the App Store or Google Play. This go-to resource for planning your customized experience lets you choose your ideal learning path by adding education programs, Exhibit Hall activities, and must-see exhibitors to your custom agenda.

How can I access the meeting handouts?

Annual Meeting handouts will be available via the AAOS Annual Meeting Mobile App. To access ICL and Symposium handouts, you must be logged into the app on your device. You can use the same username and password that you use at aaos.org to log in. For more information about installing the app, view the Annual Meeting Mobile App page. For log-in assistance on-site, please visit the nearest mobile app help desk or contact our Customer and Member Services Team at 800-626-6726.

Note: Some sessions do not provide handouts. If an ICL or Symposium session doesn't include a handout, it will be noted in the session description.

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