In the Room Where It Happens: Why the AAO-HNSF Annual Meeting Must Be Experienced Live and In Person

Cecelia Damask, DO, AAO-HNSF Annual Meeting Program Coordinator

The AAO-HNSF 2025 Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO in Indianapolis brought together thousands of otolaryngology professionals from around the world for four unforgettable days of learning, innovation, and connection. It was a vibrant reminder that some experiences simply can’t be replicated virtually. It was a true celebration of connection, discovery, and the energy that only happens when thousands of otolaryngology professionals gather in person. It was truly more than a conference; it was a shared experience that reminded attendees why gathering in person matters.

The AAO-HNSF 2025 Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO Opening Ceremony.The meeting kicked off with an inspirational Opening Ceremony, setting the tone for the meeting. James L. Netterville, MD, distinguished AAO-HNS/F Past President and Hall of Distinction inductee, delivered an inspiring message challenging us to reflect on what it truly means to care for patients during the John Conley, MD Lecture on Medical Ethics. His words inspired us to return home with a renewed purpose to deliver exceptional, compassionate care to every patient we serve.

Innovative and interactive sessions brought new perspectives to the forefront. The debut of Pardon the OTO-ruption! engaged participants in fast-paced, thought-provoking discussions on hot-button topics. The crowd favorite Wait Wait … Do Tell Me! was filled with laughter and learning in equal measure, offering an OTO twist on current Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery articles. Interactive Problem-Based Learning sessions encouraged deeper exploration of real-world cases, while Game Changers spotlighted the most impactful and practice-shaping research of the year.

Special moment in time capturing every individual who has held the International Coordinator position, from the very beginning to present day.Special celebrations added to the sense of community and shared purpose. The Women in Otolaryngology (WIO) Section marked its 15th anniversary with a dynamic General Assembly, reflecting on the progress made and the work still to come, all while inspiring the next generation of leaders. The Otolaryngology Private Practice Section (OPPS) hosted its General Assembly, offering valuable dialogue on the evolving landscape of independent practice, innovation, and advocacy. Meanwhile, the Board of Governors General Assembly brought together delegates from across the nation to discuss policy, leadership, and strategies to strengthen the specialty’s collective voice. The International Symposium underscored the global reach of the specialty, offering perspectives from thought leaders across continents.

Throughout the meeting, more than 500 Expert Lectures and Panel Presentations, along with hundreds of Scientific Oral Abstract and Poster Presentations, showcased the best of evidence-based innovation and clinical excellence. The OTO EXPO buzzed with hands-on demonstrations, cutting-edge technology, and the kind of conversations that spark collaboration and progress.

The Research and Quality Engagement Hub.

The meeting also introduced new ways to connect and recharge. The debut of the Wellness Zone provided a calming space for mindfulness, stretching, and reflection. This quiet space helped attendees focus on their own well-being amid a full meeting schedule with massages, red light therapy, and more! The Simulation Center gave participants the chance to sharpen surgical and procedural skills through cutting-edge, hands-on experiences that blended education and technology.

Medical students gathering at the AAO-HNSF 2025 Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO.Engagement among early-career professionals and future otolaryngologists was stronger than ever. Hundreds of medical students participated in dedicated programming, including a lively Speed Mentoring session that connected students with leaders across the specialty. The excitement continued with the Academic Bowl, where residents in training faced off in a spirited competition testing their clinical knowledge and reflexes under pressure all while cheered on by an enthusiastic crowd.

The Presidents’ Reception at Lucas Oil Stadium offered an unforgettable experience that captured the spirit and camaraderie of the meeting. Attendees stepped onto the iconic turf, home of the Indianapolis Colts, for a once-in-a-lifetime chance to walk the field, pose on the 50-yard line, and even attempt a field goal under the stadium lights. The air buzzed with excitement as colleagues mingled across the end zones, sharing stories and laughter while live music filled the space. It was an evening that perfectly blended fun, fellowship, and celebration—an experience that could only happen in person and one that will be remembered long after the final whistle.

These are moments you simply can’t replicate online: the spontaneous hallway exchanges, the shared excitement of live sessions, the sense of belonging to something bigger. Perhaps the most important takeaway was that the energy, collaboration, and spontaneous connections that define the Annual Meeting can only happen in person.

As we look ahead to Los Angeles in 2026, one thing is certain, new sessions, innovative formats, and fresh opportunities to connect await. What will they be? You’ll have to join us in person to find out.