Every Voice Shapes the Future: Submit Your Proposal for the AAO-HNSF 2026 Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO
Whether you’re a researcher, academician, private practitioner, or resident, your voice matters, and it needs to be part of the conversations that drive the specialty forward.
Cecelia Damask, DO, Annual Meeting Program Coordinator
This is your opportunity to bring your ideas, your research, and your unique perspective to the podium. Whether you’re a researcher, academician, private practitioner, or resident, your voice matters, and it needs to be part of the conversations that drive the specialty forward.
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Cecelia Damask, DO
A Meeting Built by Its Members
Each year’s Annual Meeting is shaped by the creativity and expertise of the otolaryngology-head and neck surgery community. The sessions, panels, and lectures that fill the program begin with one simple act—someone deciding to submit a proposal.
The 2026 Annual Meeting will continue that proud tradition of member-driven innovation. “Our goal is to create a dynamic, inclusive program that balances cutting-edge science with real-world clinical practice,” Dr. Damask explains. “When you submit, you’re not just sharing your work, you’re helping to define what’s next for otolaryngology.”
The Annual Meeting Program Committee (AMPC) is especially encouraging submissions from individuals who have not previously submitted proposals, from early-career professionals, and from diverse practice settings and geographic regions. The result will be a meeting that captures the full spectrum of perspectives across the specialty.
In the Room Where It Happens: Why Being There Matters
Although virtual learning has expanded access in recent years, there’s something powerful about being in the room connecting face-to-face with colleagues, mentors, and collaborators. The Annual Meeting isn’t just an education event—it’s an experience defined by energy, engagement, and inspiration.
“Some of the most meaningful moments happen in the hallways, between sessions, or over a cup of coffee,” said Dr. Damask. “When you’re surrounded by thousands of colleagues who share your passion, new ideas come to life. You can feel the momentum of our specialty moving forward together.”
From the excitement of live panel debates to the personal connections forged at networking events, the Annual Meeting embodies what it means to belong to a professional community. Los Angeles, a vibrant, diverse, and forward-looking city, provides the perfect setting to celebrate that spirit.
What the AMPC Is Looking for
The AMPC welcomes proposals across the full spectrum of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery. Submission categories include:
- Expert Lectures: High-impact sessions led by recognized experts sharing clinical insights, evidence-based updates, and practice innovations.
- Panel Presentations: Engaging discussions featuring multiple voices and perspectives on emerging or controversial topics.
- Scientific Oral and Poster Presentations: Original research highlighting new discoveries, techniques, and outcomes that advance patient care.
- Simulation Presentations: Immersive, hands-on sessions that build technical skills and clinical confidence through realistic, interactive simulation experiences. Simulation Presentations include interactive, hands-on sessions designed to enhance clinical or surgical skills through active learning. These sessions may include skills demonstrations, guided practice, or coaching formats that promote direct engagement and feedback.
- ENT Pulse (New in 2026): Dynamic, 30-minute sessions that reflect the pulse of innovation in otolaryngology. Designed to highlight rapidly evolving topics, new discoveries, and areas of ongoing debate, these sessions put attendees on the fast track to what’s next in otolaryngology.
- Master of Surgery Video Presentations: Demonstration videos of key surgical procedures performed by otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeons.
- International Symposiums: The International Symposiums showcase cutting-edge content presented by international physicians. Sessions provide a global perspective on popular topics in otolaryngology.
Topics of particular interest include innovations in surgical technique and technology, health equity and access, practice management, interdisciplinary collaboration, wellness and workforce development, as well as global otolaryngology.
“We’re looking for creativity, clarity, and relevance,” Dr. Damask noted. “A great proposal doesn’t have to be complex; it just needs to be meaningful. If your idea will help others think differently or practice better, we want to hear it.”
The Power of Participation
Being part of the Annual Meeting program is about more than a presentation slot. It’s about engagement, contribution, and community. The act of presenting transforms how we share knowledge and accelerates professional growth.
“When you present your work, you’re stepping into a larger conversation,” Dr. Damask said. “You’re joining a tradition of physicians and scientists who advance our field by sharing what they’ve learned. And when you attend the Annual Meeting in person, you experience the energy that only comes from being surrounded by others who are as passionate about this specialty as you are.”
That’s why the AAO-HNSF Annual Meeting must be experienced live. From spontaneous collaborations to memorable plenary sessions, there’s a shared sense of purpose that can’t be replicated virtually. By submitting your proposal during the Call for Science, whether an oral abstract, poster, or presentation, you’re ensuring your place in the “room where it happens,” shaping the conversations that define the future of otolaryngology.
Why You Won’t Want to Miss Los Angeles
The 2026 Annual Meeting will bring together otolaryngology professionals from around the world for four unforgettable days of education, innovation, and connection. Set against the backdrop of Los Angeles, home to world-class culture, creativity, and diversity, the meeting will feature fresh program formats, interactive learning opportunities, and unparalleled networking.
Attendees can expect innovative session designs, expert-led discussions, and immersive experiences that blend science with storytelling. Whether you’re presenting new research, leading a panel, or attending sessions across subspecialties, you’ll find yourself at the center of the specialty’s most dynamic gathering where learning, collaboration, and fun come together in true Los Angeles style.
Key Dates and Details
- Proposal Submissions Open: December 1, 2025
- Submission Deadline: January 26, 2026
- Categories: Expert Lecture, Panel Presentation, Simulation Presentations, ENT Pulse Presentations, Scientific Oral/Poster Presentations, International Symposiums, Master of Surgery Video Presentations
Submissions are reviewed by the multisubspecialty AMPC expert members who evaluate quality, innovation, education value, and relevance to the field. All submitters will be contacted regarding the status of their proposal(s) in May 2026 once the decisions have been made.
Your Invitation to Shape What’s Next
The AAO-HNSF Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO is more than an event. It’s the heartbeat of our professional community. It’s where ideas become action, where collaboration becomes innovation, and where every participant helps define the future of our specialty.
“The Annual Meeting is at its best when everyone sees a piece of themselves in the program,” said Dr. Damask. “We want every member to know that their contributions matter. This is your chance to share your expertise, connect with colleagues, and make your mark.”
So, consider this your personal invitation. Step up. Share your voice. Submit your proposal. Shape the future of otolaryngology. Join us in Los Angeles in 2026—in person, in community, and in the room where it happens. You don’t want to miss it!
If you have questions regarding the submission guidelines or would like to request a copy of your abstract from last year, please email programs@entnet.org.
