The world’s largest gathering of orthopaedic professionals returns with hands-on education,
emerging technology, and global collaboration
NEW ORLEANS — The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons will host its 2026 Annual Meeting March 2–6, 2026, at the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.
Recognized as the premier global event for orthopaedic surgery, the meeting is expected to welcome nearly 7,500 orthopaedic surgeons, researchers, and allied health professionals, along with more than 600 exhibiting companies from over 100 countries. Attendees will explore the latest advances in musculoskeletal care through expert led education spanning every orthopaedic specialty, with a focus on innovation, collaboration, and improving patient outcomes. Programming includes hands-on instructional sessions, expert-led workshops, scientific presentations, and immersive learning experiences that highlight emerging techniques, technologies, and clinical research.
Innovative activations and standout sessions include:
- The Exhibit Hall showcasing the newest medical devices, tools, and solutions improving patient care across the field of orthopaedics.
- OrthoPitch, an exciting technology competition for novel and innovative orthopaedic products impacting the practice of medicine and patient care.
- AAOS/FDA Town Hall delving into the use of augmented reality, virtual reality, and robotics in orthopaedic surgery.
- OrthoDome, an immersive video theater experience that presents orthopaedic surgical techniques and devices in high resolution 4K video, narrated live by leading experts.
- Orthobiologics 2026 symposium addressing evolving biologic treatment options, including platelet-rich plasma and blood-derived therapies, that are increasingly discussed in both medical and consumer health coverage.