AAO | American Academy of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery 2026
Event Date
October 17–20, 2026
Location
Los Angeles, CA
About This Show
AI-drafted summaryThe AAO-HNSF Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO is the flagship gathering of the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Foundation. It is described as the premier education and networking event for the otolaryngologist–head and neck surgery community, drawing the best and brightest medical experts from around the globe for a once-a-year opportunity to share practical, comprehensive knowledge and advance the specialty.
The meeting is targeted to U.S. and international practicing otolaryngologists and associates, researchers in otolaryngology, audiologists, senior academic professors and department chairs, leaders of international societies, fellows-in-training, residents, and medical students interested in the specialty. Attendees can pursue continuing medical education, review the latest research, and connect with peers.
When you attend the Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO, you have the opportunity to stay up to date with groundbreaking research and best practices, participate in dynamic networking events, and discover the latest advancements in the exhibit hall. The 2026 edition takes place October 17–20, 2026, at the Los Angeles Convention Center in Los Angeles, California.
Show Highlights
The scientific program spans a wide range of formats and signature sessions:
- Panel Presentations, Expert Lectures, International Symposia, and Master of Surgery Video Presentations of key surgical procedures.
- Scientific Oral Presentations, hands-on Simulation Education, and Honorary Guest Lectures from invited luminaries in the field.
- A CME ENThusiast Track offering back-to-back sessions every hour, OPPS Coffee Talks with ASCENT roundtables, Great Debates, Meet the Scientific Poster Authors, and Ask the Experts discussions.
- The Presidents' Reception kicks off the meeting on Saturday evening, October 17.
- The OTO EXPO exhibit hall features a Simulation Center and Wellness Zone.
A new highlight for 2026 is the first ENT Innovation Connection on Friday, October 16, featuring keynote speaker Joshua Makower, MD, expert panels, and strategic discussions with key opinion leaders, industry leaders, investors, and medical startups.
Booth Pricing
The 2026 exhibitor booth fees are $40 per square foot for linear and corner booths, $44 per square foot for island booths, and $12 per square foot for non-profit exhibitors. Each booth includes two printed badges per 100 sq. ft. for booth-only access, one Full Conference badge per 100 sq. ft., standard pipe and drape for linear and corner spaces, promotion on the annual meeting website, a listing in the mobile app and online Exhibitor Directory, and access to the Exhibitor Lounge.
Registration
Registration is open for the AAO-HNSF 2026 Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO, held Saturday, October 17 – Tuesday, October 20, in Los Angeles, California. Registration categories include:
- Full Conference Registration, which provides access to the entire education program, OTO EXPO, the poster area, the Opening Ceremony, and the Presidents' Reception; and a Daily Registration Pass offering one-day admittance (up to two days).
- Exhibitor Full Conference Registration and an OTO EXPO Only option that includes admittance and lunch in the exhibit hall but excludes education sessions.
- A Spouse/Guest Registration for a spouse, significant other, or friend, which includes entrance to the OTO EXPO but not the education program or CME.
Key dates and notes:
- Registration opened June 1, 2026, and the early-bird discount deadline is August 24, 2026.
- To be eligible for member rates, members must pay their 2026 dues before registering.
- Register online at the official registration site; credit card payments (VISA, MasterCard, or American Express) are the only form of payment accepted online.
History
The Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO is the yearly flagship conference of the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Foundation (AAO-HNSF), headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia. It serves as the premier education and networking event for the otolaryngologist–head and neck surgery community, convening the best and brightest medical experts from around the globe. The meeting rotates among major U.S. cities each year, with the 2026 edition hosted in Los Angeles, California.
Venue & Travel
Venue
Los Angeles Convention Center
1201 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90015
The Los Angeles Convention Center (LACC) is a premier event venue in the heart of downtown Los Angeles, offering more than 870,000 square feet of flexible event space across its West Hall and South Hall buildings. It is internationally renowned as a site for conventions, trade shows, and exhibitions, and was the first convention center of its size in the U.S. to achieve LEED:EBOM Gold recertification. For ATD26, the event is spread across South Hall GHJK, West Hall AB, Concourse Hall, and Petree Hall, with meeting rooms in the 300 Series (South Building) and 400 Series (Concourse Walkway). The venue sits within the L.A. LIVE entertainment district, adjacent to Crypto.com Arena, Peacock Theater, and The Novo.
Parking
On-site parking is available in the venue's West Hall and South Hall garages, which are easily accessible from major freeways and serve the LACC and the surrounding L.A. LIVE district. ATD advises attendees to park in these garages. Flat event rates generally run $30–$40 depending on the event and location, with general hours around 5:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m. (subject to change). Credit and debit cards are accepted, all sales are final, and accessible parking is available near venue entrances. Note: Pico Blvd between Figueroa St. and LA Live Way is fully closed 24/7 from December 2025 through March 2028 due to the LACC Expansion & Modernization Project, so allow extra time and check current routes.
Getting There
The Los Angeles Convention Center is in downtown LA and is served by multiple airports — Los Angeles International (LAX) is the primary gateway, with Hollywood Burbank (BUR), Long Beach (LGB), and Ontario (ONT) as alternatives. ATD offers negotiated air travel discounts with Delta, Southwest, and United. By public transit, take the Metro (Expo/E Line and Blue/A Line) to Pico Station, directly across from the convention center; DASH Bus Route F and Metro Bike Share also serve the area, and Metrolink riders can transfer to Metro for free. Rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft are convenient options. Complimentary shuttles connect ATD's conference hotels to the venue. Note ongoing road and lane closures along Pico Blvd due to the LACC expansion project, so allow extra travel time.
Nearby Hotels
ATD negotiates reduced room rates at a selection of Los Angeles hotels through its official housing partner, CMR (Convention Management Resources). Booking within the ATD hotel block supports the conference and helps secure better rates. ATD warns that no other travel agency is authorized to book on its behalf. The convention center sits in the downtown L.A. LIVE district, which is surrounded by numerous hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Complimentary shuttle service is provided between the convention center and conference hotels that are not within walking distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the 2026 AAO-HNSF Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO?
The meeting takes place October 17–20, 2026, at the Los Angeles Convention Center and the JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. Live in Los Angeles, California. The Presidents' Reception kicks off the event on Saturday evening, October 17.
Who typically attends the Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO?
The meeting is targeted to U.S. and international practicing otolaryngologists and associates, researchers, audiologists, senior academic professors and department chairs, leaders of international societies, fellows-in-training, residents, and medical students interested in the specialty.
How do I register and what are the key deadlines?
Registration is open online through the official registration site, with categories including Full Conference, Daily, Exhibitor Full Conference, OTO EXPO Only, and Spouse/Guest. Registration opened June 1, 2026, and the early-bird discount deadline is August 24, 2026. Members must pay their 2026 dues before registering to receive member rates.
How much does it cost to exhibit at the OTO EXPO?
The 2026 booth fees are $40 per square foot for linear and corner booths, $44 per square foot for island booths, and $12 per square foot for non-profit exhibitors. Each booth includes badges, standard pipe and drape for linear/corner spaces, and a listing in the mobile app and online Exhibitor Directory.
How much CME credit can I earn at the meeting?
The AAO-HNSF designates the live activity for a maximum of 27 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits for concurrent sessions, with the CME ENThusiast Track offering up to 35 credits, plus up to 40 credits available for the Scientific Poster Presentations. CME is offered to all physicians, both domestic and international.
From the blog
Recent guides and industry insights for exhibitors and planners.
August 6, 2026Trade Show Lead Capture: What Actually Works
Why scan counts mislead, the three questions that qualify a visitor in thirty seconds, and the 48-hour follow-up window where trade show ROI is won or lost.
Read more
July 30, 2026Drayage Explained: The Trade Show Cost Nobody Warns You About
What material handling actually pays for, why it is billed per hundredweight, the surcharges that double estimates, and six decisions that genuinely reduce it.
Read more
July 23, 2026How to Choose the Right Trade Show for Your Business
Attendance numbers are close to useless on their own. Five questions that tell you whether a show will work, and how to build a portfolio instead of a list.
Read more
July 16, 2026The 12-Month Trade Show Planning Timeline
Every deadline that matters, counted backwards from show open — including the advance-order deadline that saves 20–40% and the 48-hour window that decides your ROI.
Read more
July 9, 2026Trade Show Booth Sizes Explained: 10x10 to Island
What each booth size actually gives you, the height and setback rules that catch first-timers, and how to size a booth from your staffing rather than your budget.
Read more
July 2, 2026What Does It Actually Cost to Exhibit at a Trade Show?
A line-by-line breakdown of the nine costs of exhibiting — including drayage and staff time, the two that blow up budgets and never appear in the quote.
Read more
June 10, 2026Top Trade Shows in Las Vegas in 2026
A guide to the biggest trade shows and exhibitor opportunities in Las Vegas through 2026 — dates, industries, exhibitor counts, and what each show is best for.
Read more- September 2, 2025tradeshows.fyi
Trade Shows Demystified: Your Ultimate Guide to Exhibiting, Attending, and Everything in Between
Introduction to Trade Shows Trade shows serve as significant events in various sectors, acting as a focal point
Read on tradeshows.fyi 
November 14, 2024tradeshows.fyi10 Essential Tips for Successfully Attending Trade Shows
10 Essential Tips for Attending Trade Shows Attending trade shows offers a unique platform to showcase products, network,
Read on tradeshows.fyi- November 13, 2024tradeshows.fyi
The Ultimate Trade Show Exhibitor Checklist: Planning, Preparation, and Execution
Trade Show Exhibiting Checklist Trade shows present a unique opportunity for exhibitors to showcase their products, network with
Read on tradeshows.fyi
Advertisement