At the heart of the AAOS Annual Meeting is a spirit of engagement and collaboration — between AAOS and all its members, specialty societies, international guests, and industry partners. When we unite, the profession of orthopaedic surgery thrives by bringing our diverse backgrounds and perspectives to the table. We spark meaningful conversations, drive innovation, and ultimately improve the lives of our patients.

Our meeting is a unique convergence of everything that makes our field exceptional. It is a place where ideas flourish, collaborations are born, and the collective knowledge of our profession is shared. Whether you are a seasoned surgeon, resident, or medical student, the energy and creativity that emerge from face-to-face interactions at this event are unmatched. This dynamic environment propels orthopaedic surgery forward.

As we prepare for the 2026 Annual Meeting in New Orleans, March 2-6 at the Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, I invite you to join us in celebrating the power of engagement. We have listened closely to your feedback and worked diligently to enhance every aspect of the meeting. Our volunteer leaders, led by the Annual Meeting Oversight Committee and its chair, retired Navy Capt. Matthew T. Provencher, MD, MBA, FAAOS, have introduced several enhancements designed to make your experience more valuable, efficient, and memorable.

What’s new for 2026
First and foremost, all Instructional Course Lectures (ICLs) are now included in standard registration, giving every attendee access to a comprehensive range of educational sessions. This change reflects our ongoing commitment to modernizing AAOS and ensuring that high-quality learning is accessible to all.

ICLs remain a cornerstone of our educational program, offering practical solutions and insights into the most pressing clinical, research, and practice challenges. By including these courses in basic registration, we hope to encourage broader participation and foster deeper learning across a wide spectrum of topics, from trauma and sports medicine to spine and pediatrics. To further enhance accessibility, all ICLs, symposia, and paper sessions have been standardized to a one-hour format, allowing you to attend more sessions each day without scheduling conflicts.

With an unprecedented array of educational opportunities, attendees may appreciate some support in navigating the comprehensive offerings of the Annual Meeting. To meet this challenge, we have enhanced the Annual Meeting mobile application with an interactive map, facilitating seamless navigation within the convention center and Exhibit Hall.

The app now features turn-by-turn indoor navigation and integrates Event CoPilot, a concierge service powered by artificial intelligence. This tool leverages attendee data and voice commands to provide personalized recommendations, connect you with colleagues who share your interests, and help optimize your schedule for both learning and networking.

Live education: The power of in-person learning
There is no substitute for the inspiration and engagement that come from learning together in person. The Exhibit Hall will showcase more than 600 companies, offering hands-on demonstrations and opportunities to interact with leading experts and service providers.

Attendees will be able to explore the latest advancements in surgical devices, techniques, robotics, digital health, and patient-care tools. For additional information about the Exhibit Hall, read the article “From scientific exchange to pickleball: The AAOS 2026 Annual Meeting Exhibit Hall has it all.” 

Interactive sessions such as Ask an Expert, Innovation Theater, and Flash Five^® provide dynamic learning experiences, while OrthoLive brings together technology, expertise, and career-development opportunities in an immersive setting.

These programs are designed to maximize engagement and deliver high-impact content that you can apply directly to your practice.

Networking: Building relationships
Professional growth and collaboration thrive on strong connections. The Annual Meeting offers countless opportunities to meet new colleagues, reconnect with old friends, and engage with thought leaders and industry partners.

Following our recent Combined National Orthopaedic Leadership Conference/Fall Meeting in Washington, it is crucial that we collaborate, engage, communicate, and advocate for orthopaedic surgery at every opportunity.

The Annual Meeting serves as an excellent platform to review our advocacy efforts and actively participate in ensuring that decision-makers consider the concerns of the musculoskeletal care community.

Dedicated networking spaces, open forums, and informal gatherings are integrated throughout the meeting, making it easy to establish and build relationships that will support your career for years to come.

Special events — including Happy Hour in the Hall, Breakthroughs & Beverages, Breakfast & Insights, the OrthoQuest scavenger hunt, pickleball tournaments, wellness activities, and a golf simulator — add a social dimension to the meeting.

If you find yourself needing focus and balance, center yourself by joining yoga or a scenic group run through the Crescent City. These activities foster camaraderie and create lasting memories, blending professional development with enjoyment.

Experience New Orleans
Our host city, New Orleans, is celebrated for its vibrant culture, rich history, and welcoming atmosphere. The Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, situated along the Mississippi River, offers a spacious and accessible venue for our meeting.

Attendees will have the chance to experience the flavors of the French Quarter, explore iconic landmarks, and enjoy the legendary music scene that makes New Orleans the birthplace of jazz.

Whether you are savoring local cuisine, admiring historic architecture, or listening to live music, New Orleans provides a unique and inspiring backdrop for learning, networking, and celebrating.

It is a place where moments become memories, where our professional community can come together to shape the future of orthopaedics.

For an in-depth look at New Orleans, I encourage you to read “AAOS 2026 Annual Meeting: Laissez les bon temps rouler in New Orleans!” by AAOS Now Editorial Board member Stuart J. Fischer, MD, FAAOS.

Join us in New Orleans
I invite you to be part of the AAOS 2026 Annual Meeting for an experience that promises to be both enriching and unforgettable.

Registration opened Nov. 3, and the early-bird deadline is Dec. 7. The full program, speaker lineup, exhibitor details, and hotel reservations are already available through the Annual Meeting website.

Let’s embrace the power of engagement, the value of in-person education, and the excitement of innovation and collaboration. I look forward to welcoming you to New Orleans and to another outstanding Annual Meeting.

Annunziato (Ned) Amendola, MD, FAAOS, is the 2025-2026 AAOS president and professor of orthopaedic surgery and chief of sports medicine at Duke University.