Los Angeles: Where the World Comes to Dream and Where Otolaryngology Comes Together for #OTOMTG26

AAO-HNSF

Get ready to experience the energy of Los Angeles this October. The "City of Angels" isn't just hosting the AAO-HNSF 2026 Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO, it's rolling out the red carpet for thousands of otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeons from around the world, October 17–20, in one of the most iconic cities.

Los Angeles is a city that needs no introduction, and yet it never stops surprising you. From the palm-lined boulevards of Beverly Hills and the sun-soaked shores of Santa Monica to the legendary Hollywood sign and cutting-edge galleries of downtown, LA is a city that operates on a different scale. As the home to people from more than 140 countries who speak at least 224 languages, Los Angeles is a natural fit to welcome otolaryngology leaders from around the world.

And the best part? You don't have to choose between an extraordinary meeting experience and an extraordinary city experience. In LA, you get both.

Getting Here Is the Easy Part

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is one of the busiest and most connected airports in the world, with direct flights from virtually every major U.S. city and dozens of international destinations. Once you land, the Los Angeles Convention Center, which is situated in the heart of downtown, puts you within easy reach of some of the city's best hotels, restaurants, and attractions.

Bring the Family—LA Was Made for It

One of the best things about a meeting in Los Angeles? It's a destination your whole family will love. On-site childcare will be available again this year at the convention center, giving you peace of mind while you focus on education and building connections.

When the sessions wrap up, a new adventure begins. Los Angeles is practically engineered for family fun. Thrill-seekers and little ones alike will find their perfect day here:

Disneyland: Just 30 miles from downtown, the Happiest Place on Earth is an easy day trip the whole family will talk about for years. Character dining, classic rides, and the magic of Downtown Disney make it an unforgettable experience for every age.

Universal Studios Hollywood: Go behind the scenes at one of Hollywood's most iconic studios, explore The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and experience some of the most thrilling rides in the country.

California Science Center: Come face to face with the Space Shuttle Endeavour and explore hands-on exhibits that bring science to life for curious minds of all ages.

Natural History Museum: Step back in time at Dinosaur Hall, where ancient giants are waiting to be discovered.

Academy Museum of Motion Pictures: A world-class celebration of cinema that's as engaging for kids as it is for film lovers, with interactive galleries and behind-the-scenes exhibits.

Venice Beach: Rent bikes, explore the boardwalk, and let the kids loose at the Venice Beach Skate Park. There's no better introduction to the LA lifestyle.

And when hunger strikes? LA's food scene has you covered at every budget and every craving, from oceanfront fish tacos to kid-friendly arcades and restaurants that make dinnertime an event in itself.

Dining That Reflects the World

With a population that represents virtually every corner of the globe, the city's food scene is as diverse as its people. Whether you're craving Korean BBQ in Koreatown, fresh ceviche on a breezy patio, plant-based street tacos from a food truck, or a multi-course tasting menu at a Michelin-starred restaurant, LA delivers at every level. Come hungry because you won't be disappointed.

World-Class Culture, Art, and Architecture

Los Angeles isn't just a city: It's a living museum of Mid-Century Modern design. The iconic Capitol Records Building, the gravity-defying Chemosphere, and the legendary Stahl House (Case Study House No. 22) are just a few of the architectural masterpieces that make LA a one-of-a-kind setting.

The city's arts scene rivals any in the world. Perched high above the city, the Getty Center offers sweeping views alongside an extraordinary collection of European paintings, sculpture, and decorative arts. Downtown, The Broad showcases some of the most important contemporary art of our time. And when evening falls, the theater scene comes alive—from Tony Award-winning productions at the Ahmanson Theatre to intimate performances at the Geffen Playhouse.

Sun, Sand, and the Pacific

There's a reason people move to Los Angeles from every corner of the world, and that reason often involves the coastline. From the surf culture of Malibu Surfrider Beach to the iconic energy of Venice Beach, to the family-friendly shores of Santa Monica (home to the world's only solar-powered Ferris wheel), LA's beaches are in a category of their own. Whether you're watching the sun dip below the Pacific after a full day of sessions or taking an early morning walk along the shore, it's the kind of backdrop that makes everything feel a little lighter.

Hidden Gems Worth Discovering

LA rewards the curious. Beyond the landmarks and the tourist maps, there's a whole other city waiting to be found. The galleries where emerging artists debut their work, the pocket parks where the city slows down, and the neighborhood stairways where locals climb for sunrise workouts with views that will take your breath away. Koreatown's Pavilion Garden, the Echo Park Time Travel Mart, and the jazz-filled rooms of the Catalina Jazz Club are just a few of the hidden gems that make LA feel like a city you could explore forever.

The Otolaryngology Community Meets the City of Stars

Los Angeles is a city of dreamers, innovators, and storytellers. There's something fitting about bringing the global otolaryngology community together in a place that has always believed in the power of vision, collaboration, and making something extraordinary happen.

We can't wait to see you in LA. The palm trees, the Pacific, and the premier otolaryngology education of the year are all waiting.

Registration opens in June! Bookmark www.entnet.org/events/annual-meeting/ and check the Bulletin, OTO News, and @aaohns on social media to stay up to date.