New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center

AAO is the annual meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the world's largest association of eye physicians and surgeons. AAO 2026 will take place in New Orleans at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. The meeting brings together ophthalmologists, physicians in training, medical students, practice administrators and allied clinical team members from around the globe for continuing medical education, scientific exchange and networking. The program spans clinical sessions, original paper presentations, instruction courses, Skills Transfer labs, posters and videos, alongside the AAOE Practice Management Program and the AAOP Clinical Teams Program. Reasons to attend include unparalleled networking, world-class hands-on labs and Skills Transfer courses, global experts on stage, the latest technology at the largest ophthalmology Expo, and CME opportunities. Attendees can earn CME credit for both in-person and virtual participation, explore the profession's largest exhibition of ophthalmic technology, and choose from specialized Subspecialty Day meetings covering fields such as glaucoma, retina, cornea and pediatric ophthalmology. It is a must-attend event for anyone in the eye care field seeking education, innovation and professional connection.

AAPS PharmSci 360 is the annual meeting of the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS), one of the largest scientific gatherings in the pharmaceutical and life sciences field. It serves as a comprehensive platform for the global pharmaceutical community, integrating drug discovery, development, manufacturing, and regulatory science, and is known for a '360-degree' approach that breaks down traditional silos to foster collaboration across the entire product lifecycle. The meeting draws pharmaceutical scientists from around the world. Participants can access the latest trends and science across discovery and basic research, preclinical and translational sciences, bioanalytics, manufacturing and analytical characterization, and formulation and delivery. Typical attendees include formulation and analytical scientists, bioanalytical and translational researchers, manufacturing and regulatory professionals, students and post-docs, and industry leaders. AAPS brings together pharmaceutical scientists from around the world to share research and exchange ideas in order to improve global health, drawing thousands of scientists to what it describes as the largest, richest scientific conversation of the year. The 2026 edition is held in New Orleans and combines scientific sessions, poster presentations, a large exhibit hall (the Solution Center), career development programming, and networking receptions.

The GCSAA Conference and Trade Show — known as the **Golf Industry Show** from 2005 until its 2022 rebrand — is the golf course management industry's largest annual gathering. Produced by the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) with presenting partners the Golf Course Builders Association of America (GCBAA) and the American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA), it is billed as the world's largest golf course management event. The event draws golf course superintendents, builders, architects, facility owners and operators, and the suppliers who serve them. It offers a dynamic week of education, networking opportunities and access to golf course and facility management solutions for golf industry professionals. During the week, major golf associations hold their annual conferences, providing additional educational and networking opportunities for professionals in the golf industry. The 2027 edition returns to New Orleans and concludes GCSAA's Centennial observation, making it a milestone gathering. Attendees come to see the newest equipment, turf technology and course-construction innovations, earn professional education, and connect with decision-makers from across the golf sector.

World of Asphalt is North America's leading trade show and conference dedicated exclusively to the asphalt, pavement maintenance, highway/street and traffic safety industries. The next edition runs Monday, March 15 through Wednesday, March 17, 2027, in New Orleans, Louisiana, and is co-located with NSSGA's AGG1 Academy & Expo, providing an enhanced show experience with additional exhibits and education opportunities. The show is geared toward asphalt, highway/street, pavement maintenance and traffic safety professionals from all types of companies, including small to large contractors, materials producers, state and agency specification personnel, maintenance companies, manufacturers and service providers. Over 11,500 visitors attend from across the United States and worldwide. The event features hundreds of exhibiting manufacturers and service providers alongside in-depth educational programming — including the popular People, Plants and Paving conference — and showcases new product launches and technical demonstrations that help attendees stay competitive. For anyone in the asphalt and paving business, it is the industry's premier venue to test new equipment, learn best practices and build valuable connections.

Switchback Spring is the springtime edition of Switchback, described as the twice-a-year business and education gathering for the outdoor industry community, held in the spring and again in the fall alongside The Running Event (TRE). The gathering brings outdoor specialty retailers, brands, media, and industry organizations together for three days of education, business, and connection built to support and advance the outdoor industry. The event is aimed at outdoor specialty professionals working across both hard- and soft-goods categories, including footwear, apparel, hiking, camping, trail running, hydration, nutrition, accessories, technology, and first aid. Attendees are mostly US-based outdoor specialty retailers, with common job titles such as Store Owner, Store Manager, Buyer, Marketing Director, Merchandiser, Sales Manager, and Editor. The show is open only to members of the outdoor industry and not to the general public. Switchback stands out for its education-first approach, offering dozens of actionable sessions for executives, owners, managers, buyers, and associates, combined with a central, accessible location and an intimate, community-focused feel. Attendees gain hours of exhibit-hall time to discover products and connect with vendors, plus curated networking events, receptions, and off-site adventures.

Safety 2027 is the American Society of Safety Professionals' annual Conference + Expo — long known as the "PDC" (Professional Development Conference) and widely regarded as the premier event for the occupational safety and health (OSH) profession. Safety 2027 is the premier annual education and networking event for workplace safety professionals. The 2027 edition takes place June 7–9 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The conference gathers occupational safety and health (OSH) professionals from around the globe. Attendees span industries such as manufacturing, construction, consulting, government, insurance, oil and gas, utilities and education, and range from frontline safety specialists to directors and executives. The program pairs three days of education sessions and an industry-leading, education-focused exhibit hall. The event is worth attending for its blend of learning, community and hands-on access to solutions. As one longtime attendee puts it, ASSP's annual conference is the premier event to network with likeminded professionals and learn about emerging best practices. The **Expo** lets attendees compare products and technologies face-to-face with vendors, while general and concurrent sessions deliver continuing education units (CEUs) toward professional development and certification.