The Western Foot & Ankle Conference 2027
Event Date
June 24–27, 2027
Location
Anaheim, CA
About This Show
AI-drafted summaryThe Western Foot and Ankle Conference — known simply as "The Western" — is a podiatric medical meeting and exhibition held annually in Anaheim, California. Presented by the California Podiatric Medical Association (CPMA), it brings together podiatric physicians (DPMs), residents, students, educators, and podiatric medical assistants for continuing education and networking. The conference is set at the Disneyland® Hotel & Convention Center, making it an easy-to-reach, family-friendly destination.
The program is built around continuing education. Doctors' general sessions run 3.5 days, and a separate two-day Podiatric Medical Assistants (PMA) track combines administrative and hands-on clinical training. Attendees also gain access to a sold-out exhibit hall of medical, surgical, and professional vendors.
The Western is worth attending for professionals who want to earn a full slate of CECH in one destination, engage directly with industry exhibitors, and connect with colleagues. Its location at the Disneyland Resort lets attendees combine professional development with family time at the theme parks, Downtown Disney, and on-site hotels.
Show Highlights
- All your CECH in one meeting: DPM general sessions provide up to 26.25 Continuing Education Contact Hours across 3.5 days.
- Free Fluoroscopy course: A high-quality on-demand Fluoroscopy course from Western University is included free with registration, worth an additional 4 CECH if completed by August 31.
- PMA training program: A dedicated two-day program for Podiatric Medical Assistants — one administrative day and one clinical day with hands-on training — for up to 14.25 CECH.
- Sold-out exhibit hall: A full slate of vendors covering professional, medical, and surgical needs.
- Specialized CECH: DPM sessions include 10.21 Radiology CECH and 3.16 Opioid-related CECH (acceptance may vary by state).
- Family-friendly destination: Held at the Disneyland Resort, with access to Downtown Disney and discounted theme park tickets for attendees.
Registration
Registration is completed online through the official website (thewestern.org) via the Register page. The Western encourages attendees to register early to save on registration fees and to take advantage of the hotel room block and discounted theme park tickets.
Registration options are structured around the two main tracks:
- DPM (doctor) registration — access to 3.5 days of general sessions for up to 26.25 CECH, plus a free on-demand Fluoroscopy course from Western University (an additional 4 CECH if completed by August 31).
- Podiatric Medical Assistant (PMA) program — a two-day administrative and clinical training track for up to 14.25 CECH.
Registered attendees receive a private link to reserve theme park tickets and rooms at two of the on-site hotels; organizers caution that rooms sell out fast. Questions can be directed to hello@thewestern.org.
History
The Western Foot and Ankle Conference is produced by the California Podiatric Medical Association (CPMA), whose mission for the meeting is to provide educational opportunities that advance and elevate the level of podiatric patient care. The conference serves medical students, residents, educators, providers, and ancillary staff involved in care of the foot, ankle, and lower leg. It is held annually in Anaheim, with future editions already scheduled for June 24–27, 2027 and June 22–25, 2028 at the Disneyland® Hotel & Convention Center.
Venue & Travel
Venue
Disneyland® Hotel & Convention Center
1150 Magic Way
The Western is held at the Disneyland® Hotel & Convention Center, a resort-based meeting facility within the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim. The setting places conference sessions and the exhibit hall alongside on-site hotel accommodations, restaurants, and the Downtown Disney District — an open-air shopping, dining, and entertainment area. Attendees also have convenient access to the Disneyland Resort's two theme parks.
Parking
Self-parking and valet parking are available at the Disneyland® Hotel and the wider Disneyland Resort; a parking garage serves the hotel on Magic Way. Because rates and availability vary, attendees should confirm current parking options directly through the resort or the conference's official links. Additional parking is available at Downtown Disney for shopping and dining.
Getting There
The closest airport is John Wayne Airport–Orange County (SNA), approximately 15 miles (a roughly 20–30 minute drive) from the Disneyland Resort. Long Beach Airport (LGB, about 13–20 miles) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX, about 35–40 miles) are additional options. Ground transportation from SNA is available at the Ground Transportation Center, including shared shuttles, private shuttles, taxis, and limousines. Rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft are readily available (Uber rides from SNA typically run around $25–$55), and public transit via OCTA bus routes connects the airport to the Anaheim resort area.
Nearby Hotels
The Western offers a discounted room block at two of the on-site Disneyland Resort hotels, reservable through a private attendee link. Staying on property places attendees within walking distance of the convention space, Downtown Disney, and the theme parks. A number of "Good Neighbor" and resort-area hotels also line nearby Harbor Boulevard and Katella Avenue, many within a short walk or tram ride of the resort, including full-service properties such as the Hilton Anaheim and various Marriott and Hyatt hotels in the Anaheim Resort district.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is The Western Foot and Ankle Conference held?
The conference takes place at the Disneyland Hotel & Convention Center in Anaheim, California. The 2026 edition was held June 25–28, 2026, and the next edition is scheduled for June 24–27, 2027, followed by June 22–25, 2028.
Who should attend The Western?
It is designed for podiatric medical professionals, including podiatric physicians (DPMs), residents, students, educators, and podiatric medical assistants. Attendees come to earn continuing education, engage with exhibitors, and network with colleagues.
How much continuing education (CECH) can I earn?
Doctors' general sessions run 3.5 days for up to 26.25 CECH, and a free on-demand Fluoroscopy course from Western University offers an additional 4 CECH if completed by August 31. The two-day Podiatric Medical Assistant program provides up to 14.25 CECH.
How do I register?
Registration is completed online at the official website, thewestern.org. Organizers recommend registering early to save on fees and to access the hotel room block and discounted theme park tickets. Questions can be sent to hello@thewestern.org.
What makes The Western worth attending?
It lets podiatric professionals earn a full slate of CECH in a single meeting, visit a sold-out exhibit hall of medical and surgical vendors, and combine professional development with a family-friendly Disneyland Resort location featuring on-site hotels, Downtown Disney, and theme parks.
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