by Bobbi Stanley, DDS, Chair of the Professional Education Committee

How do you navigate AACD 2024 National Harbor to ensure you get the most bang for your buck, learn the most you can, and have the absolute best time? Keep reading for strategies on how to get the most out of your AACD conference experience.

Counting Down the Days: Before the Conference

Ensure the best tuition rate by registering early. Doing so not only saves you money, but can give you first dibs on course selection and nailing down your entry to the hands-on workshops you are most excited about.

Book your room. Booking within the AACD's room block will save you time and money, and is good for the AACD, too! #DoubleWhammy

Connect with friends. Make sure that your colleagues know you are attending AACD. Sharing a social media post about the conference and using the conference hashtag (#AACD2024) will help others remember to get registered and booked, and ensure your favorite peers are in town for the party! Follow the hashtag to find out what other attendees are interested in leading up the conference.

Get a taste of the education. Check the conference website regularly as educators and sessions are updated and begin developing a plan for your educational time. Check out this year's headliners!

Check out the city! Read up on the conference location and start choosing restaurants you'd like to try and sights you just can't miss. There's so much happening in National Harbor: Check it out!

It's Here! During the Conference

Step out of your comfort zone. It's great to spend time with colleagues you know and love already, but try NOT sitting with friends at a few sessions. It's a great way to make new friends!

Stay balanced. While it might be tempting to pack as much education into each day as possible, don't go so hard and fast that you burn yourself out and don't make room for fun. 

Ask lots of questions! Don't be shy. Make the most of the expertise of the experts at the conference. 

Attend the events. Make sure you savor the experiences of the Welcome Reception, the Give Back a Smile Fundraiser, and the Celebration of Excellence.

Have fun. Make time for friends, great meals, and the AACD social events. 

For the Plane Ride Home and More: Post-Conference Pointers

Review your notes. Make sure you expand upon anything you learned.

Start a to-do list. Note which topics you want to learn more about. Add people you want to follow up with. Keep up that conference energy!

Respond to the conference evaluation. Make sure you share your feedback as it is valued and important to the AACD as they plan the next year's conference. Use your voice!

Head to AACD CEntral to keep up your CE momentum. With hundreds of online courses, you can keep learning all year round.

AACD 2024 is April 3, 2024 - April 6, 2024 at the Gaylord National Harbor Resort & Convention Center. Register Today!