SAA SPOTLIGHT | Ultimate Guide for Students at AAA 2018

What Is AAA 2018?

AAA 2018, formerly known as AudiologyNOW!, is the American Academy of Audiology’s annual conference. The 2018 conference will be held in Nashville, Tennessee, April 18-21, and will provide professionals and students alike with opportunities for professional development. There is something for everyone at AAA 2018, whether you are an undergraduate or a graduate student! Expand your professional network by engaging with other students and professionals at social events, attend poster sessions and presentations, and get hands-on experience with the latest technology in the exhibit hall.

Exploring Music City

What better place to have AAA 2018 and celebrate the Academy’s 30th Anniversary than Music City! Take a break from the conference and stroll down Broadway Street where you’re sure to stumble upon live music and delicious BBQ — just don’t forget your earplugs! Nashville is an eclectic city that proudly exudes all of the charm and hospitality one expects from a Southern capital. Major industries include tourism, music production, entertainment, printing and publishing, technology, manufacturing, higher education, finance, insurance, automobile production, and health-care management. 

Unique Student Offerings 

Whether this is your first time attending AAA or you are a returning attendee, there’s something for all stages of your academic career. This year, we have a new lineup of speakers, workshops, and networking events specifically for students. These topics focus on information students may not have exposure to in structured university curricula. Our student hands-on workshops this year include tinnitus counseling and management workshop, VHIT workshop, and externship panel. This year’s externship panel includes a diverse group of eight externs and two interviewers.  Each member of this panel will bring unique insight on his or her externship application process, personal experiences, specific specialties,  and much more. 

Vast diversity across our academic and clinical experience as students can, at times, stifle the confidence we have in our skill sets and abilities. Thankfully, the Student Academy of Audiology (SAA) has designed numerous events to inspire confidence in the next generation. In the exhibit hall, the SAA Scavenger Hunt will give students more familiarity with many vendors in the profession. Need to prepare for the Praxis? Take advantage of the Practice Bowl to hone your knowledge and determine which audiology-related topics you owe a little more book time. No matter where you are in your student journey, SAA has a plan to help you along the way at the AAA 2018 Conference. Lastly, don’t forget socialization! The SAA Mix and Mingle will be held on Wednesday, April 18 at 4:00 pm. This event allows students to network with peers and future colleagues from audiology programs across the country.

Networking  

Expand your circle of connections! AAA 2018 has unlimited networking opportunities to meet new professionals, future employers, and other students.

Hot Topics and Cold Drinks is returning to include topics such as: Millennial Leadership and Self-Branding, Reimbursement and Billing, and Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids. During this event, students can meet experts in the profession and discuss hot topic issues in audiology.  

Cheers for Ears will be held on Wednesday, April 18, at 8:00 pm at Rock Bottom Brewery. Cheers for Ears is a fundraising event that supports student scholarships, research grants, education and community service initiatives of SAA. Meet other students and professionals attending the conference and share the experience! 

Groundbreaking Research

AAA 2018 is a great place to learn the latest in hearing science, clinical practices, and technology. As a student, you will be able to expand your knowledge with cutting-edge research being conducted by students at other universities. Graduate students in audiology and recent graduates will be sharing their latest original research in the form of research poster presentations as well as at the annual Student Research Forum. 

Student Leaders in Audiology Conference

The Student Leaders in Audiology Conference (SLAC) was created to provide an open and engaging opportunity for students to grow and develop skills in leadership so that they may become active, contributory members to an already thriving audiology community. The audience will be solely comprised of audiology students who have been selected through a rigorous application process to become future leaders and decision makers in the profession of audiology. This year, SLAC will be held on Wednesday, April 18, from 1:00-4:15 pm. 

SAA Conference 

The SAA is excited to launch its sixth-annual SAA Conference, to be held in conjunction with AAA 2018 in Nashville on Saturday, April 21. Last year, more than 170 students attended in Indianapolis—and we expect to have even more attend this upcoming year. The SAA Conference focuses on enhancing clinical decision-making skills through case-study discussion and problem-based learning. This year, there will be a series of sessions focusing on six topic areas including electrophysiology, vestibular assessment, pediatrics, and more! 

The SAA conference is especially designed for today’s audiology students, preparing them for externships and future clinical placements. Be on the lookout for registration details for the SAA Conference!