Sessions and events at AAA 2026 are designed to provide attendees with a range of opportunities to learn best practices and up-to-date trends and strategies that focus on elevating patient care through evidence-based practice as well as scientific enrichment, career development, and professional networking.
Enjoy sessions, hands-on opportunities, and special events for all career stages. The 2026 Program Committee is hard at work to develop relevant and compelling education and professional development opportunities to help in your growth and optimize patient outcomes.
Below, you will find information about Featured Sessions and Grand Round presentations as well as Wednesday-only Learning Labs.
Learning Labs ($)
Wednesday-only, in-depth, cutting-edge information on hot topic areas designed to be interactive, these 3 ½ hour learning labs will offer you hands-on exercises with appropriate clinical practices.
Presented by leaders in the field of audiology and/or associated professions, these sessions are offered at an additional cost of $105 to your conference registration. Space is limited so be sure to secure your spot as soon as registration opens on November 4 for Academy members.
Many Learning Labs sold out last year so don’t delay!
Featured Sessions and Grand Rounds
These premiere sessions are a popular staple of the AAA conference and focus on contemporary topics presented by leaders in the field of audiology, hearing science, and related professional areas. The Program Committee invites presenters for these sessions based on their expertise in given topic areas.
Specific session titles, dates and times will be forthcoming, as the overall program schedule is finalized.
Special Extended Session for Attendees Interested in Vestibular Audiology 
Vestibular Crash Course- Are you VASC Ready?
Wednesday, April 22, 8:00–11:00 am
Presenters: Patricia Gaffney, AuD, PhD, Megan Majoue, AuD, Melissa Newell, AuD, and Evalena Behr, AuD
This intensive three-hour crash course provides a high-impact review of vestibular science and clinical application designed for those that are interested in refreshing their vestibular knowledge or who plan to take the Vestibular Assessment and Specialty Certification (VASC) examination. The session combines focused didactic content with interactive case studies, rapid-fire knowledge checks, and practice questions aligned with the VASC exam blueprint. Participants will review anatomy, physiology, and core vestibular assessments, apply knowledge to real-world patient scenarios, and engage in collaborative problem-solving to reinforce clinical decision-making. By integrating evidence-based review with active learning, this program ensures participants leave with increased confidence and readiness for seeing vestibular patients or passing the VASC exam.
Learning Modules, Mini Modules, and Research Podiums
In addition to our invited featured sessions, grand rounds, and learning labs, we will feature more than 100 submitted presentations for a comprehensive educational overview. Session categories will include Academic and Clinical Education, Adult Diagnostic, Amplification and Assistive Devices, Basic Science and Translational Research, Career/Personal Development, Hearing Conservation, Implantable Devices, Legal, Ethical, and Professional Issues, Neuro-Audiology, Pediatric, Practice Management, (Re) habilitation and Counseling, Tinnitus and Decreased Sound Tolerance, Vestibular. More details will be unveiled soon and be on the lookout for the release of our Online Conference Planner in early 2026.
Student Academy of Audiology (SAA) Conference ($)
Wednesday, April 22, 10:00 am–4:00 pm
Fee: $45
Scheduled for Wednesday, April 22, the SAA Conference provides in-depth and hands-on education and experiences to supplement audiology program curriculum offered across the nation. Open to undergraduate associates and graduate students only, attendees must pre-register for the event when signing up for the AAA Convention. Stay tuned for more information coming soon!
Professional Development Series
Beyond the Booth: A Blueprint for Career Growth and Leadership Development
Wednesday, April 22, 11:00 am-3:00 pm
You’ve shared that professional and leadership development training is important to you—especially those of you who are newer to the field and looking for strategies and guidance to grow your careers. To support this need, the Academy is once again offering a series of professional development sessions at AAA 2026 in San Antonio, held on Wednesday as part of our “Beyond the Booth” program.
Earn CEUs for every session you attend! There’s no extra cost to participate, but we kindly ask that you indicate your participation when registering for the AAA Convention so we can plan accordingly.
DEIB: Creating a Sense of Belonging
Thursday, April 23, 1:00–2:00 pm
Many scenarios of new experiences as an AuD can offer opportunities while also leave our sense of belonging off balance. Our familiarities may be gone, and we need support to build a new community. Studies show higher productivity, improved job performance, and better physical and mental health among individuals who have a strong sense of belonging. Success for us and for the profession depends on connecting audiologists. Leaders of national and state organizations can help foster individual connections, supervisors at the local level should take a role, and individual audiologists can proactively seek engagement. A guest speaker will address inclusivity strategies to build a culture of belonging, followed by group discussion.
Into the Tank: Research Edition
Thursday, April 23, 2:15–3:30 pm
This exciting new event puts a spotlight on innovative, early-career/doctoral research in audiology. In a fast-paced, research-focused format, selected presenters will each deliver an 8-minute pitch describing their original research projects. Following each presentation, a panel of respected research audiologists will engage the presenters with thoughtful questions and offer constructive feedback designed to support their growth and refinement of ideas. The session culminates in audience participation, where attendees vote for the most compelling study of the day! More than a fun competition, this event is a platform for showcasing cutting-edge work, fostering mentorship, and generating dialogue between rising researchers and established leaders in the field.
Panel members to be announced soon! Earn .1 CEUs for attending this session.
Advancing Audiology Research: Using Storytelling to Drive Cross-Disciplinary Engagement
Friday, April 24, 1:00–2:00 pm
