Events and Activities

We are excited to offer the following fun activities and networking events to enhance your experience at AAA Annual Convention 2026 (AAA 2026) while in San Antonio. Most activities are included with your conference registration, but those indicated with a ($) are available at a separate fee and can be purchased with your conference registration.

Alamo Group Tours ($)

Open Details

Wednesday, April 22, 10:00 am

Saturday, April 25, 1:00 pm

Grab a friend (or two!) and discover the stories, landmarks, and legacy that shaped Texas history in this unforgettable experience.

Step into history with the Line in the Sand Experience! This self-guided tour gives you access to the historic Alamo Church, the Long Barracks, and admission to the Alamo Exhibit at the Ralston Family Collections Center. Explore the Alamo grounds at your own pace with an engaging Audio Tour featuring 20+ stops narrated by Country Music star Ray Benson.

Tickets may be purchased at registration for $20 each. A minimum of 25 people per day is required or this event is subject to cancellation.

First-Time Attendee Orientation & Meet-Up

Open Details

Audiology Connects: Specialty Group Networking Meet-Ups

Open Details

Back by popular demand! Our specialty networking meet-ups return to give audiology professionals the chance to build meaningful connections, exchange ideas, and discover new opportunities.

These informal gatherings provide a welcoming space to collaborate with peers, share experiences, and strengthen your professional network in an engaging, supportive environment.

Why Attend?

Expand your circle within the audiology community
Learn from others’ successes and real-world experiences
Share challenges and gain fresh perspectives and solutions
Practice and refine your networking skills in a relaxed setting

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, collaborate, and grow with your audiology community. We can’t wait to see you there!

Wednesday, April 22, 3:00-4:00 pm

Specialty Group Meet-Up:

International Delegates

Thursday, April 23, 2:15-3:15 pm (immediately following the DEIB Dialogue Session from 1:00-2:00 pm)

Specialty Group Meet-Ups:

Black Audiologists
Hispanic/Latino Audiologists
Asia-Pacific Audiologists
LGBTQ+ Audiologists

Friday, April 24, 11:00 am-12:00 pm

Specialty Group Meet-Up:

Audiology Assistants

Friday, April 24, 4:15-5:15 pm

Specialty Group Meet-Up:

Private Practice Owners & Audiologists

New Professionals Networking Meet-Up

Open Details

Sponsored by Kaiser Permanente

Wednesday, April 22, 3:00–4:00 pm

Open to new professionals only (those with five years or less of experience).

Attention New Professionals!
You're invited to a special networking meet-up designed just for early-career audiologists. Connect with peers who are at a similar stage in their professional journey, share experiences, and start building lasting relationships. This informal gathering is a great way to create a sense of community and support as you dive into a busy and inspiring conference. We look forward to seeing you there!

Student Academy of Audiology (SAA) Mix and Mingle (Students Only)

Open Details

Expo Hall Opening including Celebrate Audiology Reception

Open Details

Sponsored by Hamilton CapTel.

Wednesday, April 22, 4:00–7:30 pm

Join us at 4:00 pm to kick off the first evening of the AAA Annual Convention 2026 in the Exhibit Hall—where the energy and excitement of opening night are not to be missed! Reconnect with friends and colleagues as you explore the latest technologies, innovations, and services from our exhibitors. Then, from 5:30 to 7:00 pm, enjoy open bars and delicious bites during the Celebrate Audiology Reception while networking with peers and industry partners right at their booths.

Wine and Beer Event in the Expo Hall

Open Details

Open Houses

Open Details

Wednesday, April 22, 4:30–5:30 pm

Open Houses are for colleges, universities, and learning institutions to gather alumni, faculty, and current (and future) students during AAA 2026 for a relaxing and fun reception-style event. Co-organized by universities and state audiology organizations, this is a great opportunity to host meet and greets, to re-connect with friends and faculty, and share a sense of community on the first night of AAA 2026. Space must be reserved in advance through the Academy. Space is limited and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information on how to host your Open House at our headquarter hotel, the Marriott Rivercenter on the Riverwalk, please click here.

Academy Raffle Drawings in the Expo Hall

Open Details

Wednesday, April 22, 6:30 pm
Thursday, April 23, 4:45 pm
Friday, April 24, 12:15 pm

Excitement (and cash) is in the air! Join us in the Expo Hall on Wednesday evening, Thursday afternoon and Friday afternoon for your chance to win a $150 gift card! All you have to do is complete a raffle ticket, put it in the raffle drum located near the front of the Expo Hall entrance and then wait for your name to be called. One ticket per attendee and you must be present to win.

Morning Yoga ($)

Open Details

Marriott Rivercenter on the Riverwalk

Thursday, April 23, 7:00–8:00 am

Start your day with movement and mindfulness – San Antonio style! Join Black Swan Yoga for a rejuvenating beginner-friendly yoga session designed to help you stretch, breathe, and reset before a busy day at the convention. Whether you’re new to yoga or a seasoned practitioner, this class is the perfect way to energize your body and calm your mind. Space is limited, so grab your ticket today for just $25 - don’t miss out!

Professional Headshot Studio

Open Details

Sponsored by ReSound

Thursday, April 23, 2:00–4:00 pm
Friday, April 24, 9:30–11:30 am

Back by Popular Demand – Complimentary Headshots!
A great headshot is essential for networking and professional opportunities. Visit the designated booth in the Expo Hall, where a professional photographer will be on hand to capture high-quality portraits. Digital headshots will be provided to attendees after the convention—perfect for updating your LinkedIn profile or professional bio!

Refreshment Break with Exhibitors

Open Details

AAA Foundation Fiesta ($)

Open Details

Thursday, April 23, 8:30-10:00 pm

Join us for a celebration honoring the AAA Foundation and its vital mission to support research, education, and public awareness of the audiology profession and hearing health at San Antonio Marriott Rivercenter on the River Walk. Enjoy a fun evening with great company and an open bar — all while supporting a cause that makes a difference. Your ticket isn’t just entry to the event — it’s a meaningful donation that helps the Foundation make a real impact.

Tickets are available for $90 for Established Professionals/Members and $35 for Students.

Recharge Lounge

Open Details

Sponsored by HPSO

Open during Expo Hall Show Hours

Relax, Recharge, and Connect!
Need a break during the Expo? Stop by the Recharge Lounge—your go-to spot to unwind, catch up with colleagues, and power up your devices. With comfortable seating and convenient phone charging stations, it’s the perfect place to relax and recharge—both yourself and your tech—during regular show hours.

Morning Meditation: Reset, Recharge, and Refocus

Open Details

Friday, April 24, 7:15– 7:45 am

Begin your day with a mindful pause to relax, recharge, and restore balance before the convention’s busy schedule. Join Dr. Sarah Wakefield, AuD, a certified meditation instructor, for a guided session designed to help you reconnect with calm focus and renewed energy.

This brief session will include a gentle introduction, 15-minute guided meditation, and time for reflection to help you carry a sense of ease and clarity into the rest of your day.

Open to all experience levels, this simple and rejuvenating practice invites you to start the morning feeling centered and refreshed. No prior experience or special equipment is required. Space is limited to 50 participants. Doors will shut promptly at 7:15am.

Coffee Break with Exhibitors

Open Details

Paws and Relax

Open Details

Sponsored by HearingLife

Thursday, April 23, 2:30-4:30 pm
Friday, April 24, 9:00 am–11:00 am

They’re back - and cuter than ever! 🐾 Who can resist cuddling up with a furry friend? Get ready, because the Academy is teaming up with San Antonio Pets Alive!, the city’s incredible foster-based, non-profit rescue, to bring you the ultimate conference perk - adorable pups and kittens ready to steal your heart. Swing by, recharge your spirit, and soak up some unconditional love from these playful bundles of joy.

Audiology’s Night Out at the Grotto ($)

Open Details

Friday, April 24, 7:00–10:00 pm

Experience San Antonio like never before at the Academy’s Audiology Night Out! Join us at the Grotto on the Riverwalk, one of San Antonio’s most iconic features, for an evening that perfectly blends the city’s vibrant culture, lively music, and Texas-sized fun.

Saddle up for a lively country-themed night filled with great food, drinks, and entertainment. Wear your best cowboy boots and western gear as you enjoy a relaxed evening of music, fun activities, and good company with colleagues and friends.

Step outside and get ready to dance with a DJ spinning your favorite hits, or head indoors to enjoy a live trio band. Don’t know how to line dance? That’s okay, we’ll have a line dance instructor ready to get everyone moving.

Throughout the night, be dazzled by the incredible skills of a professional trick roper, gun twirler, and bullwhip specialist, bringing authentic Western flair to the party. And for a truly memorable touch, don’t forget to snap a photo with the famous beer burros, who will be making a special appearance!

Don’t miss this chance to unwind, connect, and celebrate - country style. Tickets start at $80 each, so secure yours early and get ready for a night you won’t forget!

Closing General Session-Trivia Bowl

Open Details

This session will allow attendees to earn .05 CEUs.

Saturday, April 25, 11:00 am–12:30 pm

As the conference draws to a close, we’re thrilled to invite all attendees to a memorable and engaging finale—the Audiology Trivia Bowl! Join us for a fun-filled afternoon of friendly competition and networking with fellow conference-goers, and the big question is, which friends and colleagues will be on your winning team?

You’ll have the chance to demonstrate your knowledge on the latest advancements in hearing technology, fascinating hearing facts, pop culture, and much more, all while enjoying the company of like-minded individuals who share your passion for audiology. It’s a unique way to wrap up the conference and create lasting memories with your peers. So, join us for a closing session jam-packed with fun, learning, and friendly rivalry as we celebrate the conclusion of this outstanding event. Be sure not to miss the Audiology Trivia Bowl hosted by Dr. Tish Gaffney and Dr. Ryan McCreery—it’s the perfect way to turn your conference experience into an unforgettable adventure!

The Academy Gives Back

Open Details

For the third year in a row, the Academy is partnering with Letters Against Isolation to make connections with isolated seniors. Studies show an association between hearing loss and depression in older adults. This creates social isolation and loneliness, and we can help fight this one letter at a time! This is a well-documented issue and has effects not only on seniors’ mental health but on their physical health. Through handwritten messages of love, hope, and joy, we can help bring seniors connections and improve their mental and physical health.

Stop by the counter located inside the Expo Hall anytime during show hours to write a quick cheery note or draw a picture. Our goal is 200 letters so feel free to write more than one!

Meal Vouchers

Open Details

Skip the Hassle—Grab Your Meal Vouchers in Advance!
Make mealtimes easy by purchasing $25 meal vouchers ahead of time. Available for use at the concession stand located inside the Expo Hall on Thursday and Friday—perfect for a quick coffee, snack, or lunch between sessions.

Want more flexibility? You can buy as many vouchers as you'd like during registration. Just a heads-up: the convention center doesn’t offer change, so be sure to use the full value at checkout!

Concession Stand in the Expo Hall

Open Details

Alamo Group Tours ($)

First-Time Attendee Orientation & Meet-Up

Audiology Connects: Specialty Group Networking Meet-Ups

New Professionals Networking Meet-Up

Student Academy of Audiology (SAA) Mix and Mingle (Students Only)

Expo Hall Opening including Celebrate Audiology Reception

Wine and Beer Event in the Expo Hall

Open Houses

Academy Raffle Drawings in the Expo Hall

Morning Yoga ($)

Professional Headshot Studio

Refreshment Break with Exhibitors

AAA Foundation Fiesta ($)

Recharge Lounge

Morning Meditation: Reset, Recharge, and Refocus

Coffee Break with Exhibitors

Paws and Relax

Audiology’s Night Out at the Grotto ($)

Closing General Session-Trivia Bowl

The Academy Gives Back

Meal Vouchers

Concession Stand in the Expo Hall

Quick Links

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This content is an exclusive benefit for
American Academy of Audiology members.

This content is an exclusive benefit for
American Academy of Audiology members.