Conferences are a great way to knock out some CMEs, network with peers, and stay up-to-date on the latest advances in your field. Sometimes, they’re in particularly vacation-worthy destinations, as well! We’ve combed through the list of events scheduled for 2023 and identified the top orthopedic conferences that pair well with a vacation.
Top orthopedic conferences in 2023
Skiing in Park City? Beignets at New Orleans’ Café du Monde? How about a glass of wine at sunset after touring Rome’s Colosseum?
If you’re looking for an orthopedic surgery conference or a course that fulfills CMEs, why not pair it with a memorable trip?
These top orthopedic conferences and summits don’t just come highly recommended. They’re also in superb locations for your next vacation. We’ve listed events in chronological order for easy planning.
1. Spine: Base to Summit 2023
Vail, CO: January 13 – 16, 2023
Spine: Base to Summit has been the leading winter spine meeting for three decades. This event is for surgeons and fellows who include spine surgery in their practice. Lively discussions in a casual atmosphere will cover adult deformity, degenerative, trauma and tumor, MIS, and open surgical procedures.
Orthopedic surgeons who like skiing won’t want to miss this one. Vail Mountain is home to one of the largest ski resorts in Colorado. Conference organizers have provided ample time for attendees to enjoy time on the slopes with their families.
2. Annual AAOS/AOSSM/AANA Sports Medicine Course
Park City, UT: January 22 – 25, 2023
This sports medicine course is another great opportunity for winter enthusiasts to pair professional growth with a memorable vacation. Park City hosted the 2002 Winter Olympics and is bordered by the Deer Valley Resort and Park City Mountain Resort, both known for their ski slopes.
Explore the latest innovations in sports medicine with three action-packed days of case-based learning and networking with leaders. This highly interactive course engages participants with case discussions, participant-expert panels, open dialogue with faculty, and unparalleled sports medicine expertise.
3. Annual Selby Spine Conference
Park City, UT: February 2 – 4, 2023
This Foundation for Orthopaedic Research and Education (FORE) conference is designed for surgeons interested in treating spinal disorders. The conference reviews both surgical and nonsurgical techniques.
4. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Annual Meeting
Las Vegas, NV: March 7 – 11, 2023
If you’re not passionate about winter or skiing, AAOS 2023 might be more up your alley. And let’s face it, you might be ready for some sunshine by the time March rolls around.
The 2023 AAOS Annual Meeting is one of the top orthopedic conferences in the country. The event will feature five powerful days of education, innovation, and collaboration. Join over 15,000 professionals convening to reach new heights in orthopedic surgery.
The average high in Las Vegas is 71 °F in March. So, in addition to walking The Strip, you might want to check out the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, see the Hoover Dam, or plan a day trip to the Grand Canyon.
Spring Orthopedic Conferences
5. American Osteopathic Academy of Orthopedics Spring Meeting
Nashville, TN: April 20 – 22, 2023
The AOAO annual meetings provide orthopedic and osteopathic surgeons with cutting-edge updates on techniques in the field. Orthopedic D.O.’s gather once in the spring and again in the fall (see the AOAO Fall Meeting in October).
6. SpineWeek 2023
Melbourne, Australia: May 1 – 5, 2023
If you’re feeling more adventurous this year, consider SpineWeek 2023, a week-long international conference for health professionals working on spine disorders. This event is one of the largest international gatherings of spine experts with societies from North America, Latin America, Europe, and the Asia Pacific.
Don’t forget to budget a few days to explore Melbourne, especially if this is your first trip to Australia. Visitors love the Royal Botanic Gardens, the National Gallery, and the 3D ArtVo. You might also want to catch a game at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Australia’s largest, oldest, and most popular sporting venue.
7. Arthroscopy Association of North America Annual Meeting
New Orleans, LA: May 4 – 6, 2023
Attend AANA to learn the latest advances in arthroscopy and network with colleagues worldwide. You might also want to stay later to attend the Biologic Association’s 4th Annual Summit (May 6-7), a summit featuring renowned faculty delivering state-of-the-art presentations focused on innovative approaches and new orthobiologic ideas, products, and applications.
Aside from Mardi Gras, New Orleans is famous for its food and music. Visit the French Quarter, linger for a jazz concert, or take a streetcar to one of the city’s world-renowned restaurants.
8. World Congress on Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis and Musculoskeletal Diseases
Barcelona, Spain: May 4 – 7, 2023
The Committee of Scientific Advisors of the International Osteoporosis Foundation (IOF) and the European Society for Clinical and Economic Aspects of Osteoporosis and Osteoarthritis (ESCEO) have put together an exciting program featuring the world’s best in the field of musculoskeletal health and disease. Learn about new understandings of bone metabolism and pathology and new strategies and options in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
Barcelona is one of Europe’s best cities for a vacation, and the weather in May is fantastic. Take a stroll down the main walking street (“La Rambla”), get lost in the Gothic Quarter, or see a game at Camp Nou, the largest soccer stadium in Europe. Don’t miss the city’s unique architecture, including Gaudi’s famous La Sagrada Familia and Park Güel and Casa Battlo.
9. European Federation of National Associations of Orthopaedics and Traumatology Congress
Vienna, Austria: May 24 – 26, 2023
Here’s another chance to attend a top orthopedic conference in a city worthy of a vacation.
The annual EFORT congress is the largest platform for European orthopedics to exchange knowledge and experience within Europe but also with colleagues from other parts of the world. This year’s theme is “Building the Future of Orthopaedics and Traumatology,” intended to inspire some stability in these uncertain times. The event program will energize participants through presentations, debates, and discussions on robotics, biological implants, technological advances in diagnostic equipment, and virtual reality.
If you love Europe, you have to visit Vienna. The capital of Austria is one of Europe’s most beautiful cities and an excellent location for shopping, dining, sightseeing, and classical music. The city is full of historical landmarks and museums, including the Schönbrunn Palace and Kunsthistorisches Museum.
10. American College of Sports Medicine Annual Meeting
Denver, CO: May 30 – June 3, 2023
The 2023 ACSM Annual Meeting will showcase the latest in exercise science and sports medicine.
While Denver may seem dull compared to Vienna or Barcelona, the mile-high city is an American metropolis and a jumping-off point for exploring the nearby Rocky Mountains. Stretch your legs with a visit to Rocky Mountain National Park, a concert at the Red Rocks Amphitheatre, or a drive up the Mount Evans Scenic Byway.
11. Musculoskeletal Imaging in Clinical Practice
Miami, FL: June 9 – 11, 2023
If you need some CMEs but want beach time, this might be the meeting you’ve been looking for.
The 14th Musculoskeletal Imaging in Clinical Practice meeting reviews the diagnosis, treatment, and management of musculoskeletal disorders and their clinical applications. Faculty will share techniques and tips for interpreting musculoskeletal injuries and pathology.
Summer Orthopedic Conferences
12. American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine Annual Meeting
Washington, DC: July 13 – 16, 2023
This list wouldn’t be complete without AOSSM 2023, a top orthopedic conference and the leading orthopedic sports medicine meeting.
For over half a century, AOSSM has offered education and networking opportunities for world leaders in orthopedic sports medicine. Expect over 3,000 participants, 200 orthopedic presenters, and 20+ instructional courses.
While Washington DC, isn’t the most exotic destination, the city has lots to offer for a memorable vacation. In addition to the obvious monuments and museums, the nation’s capital has become one of the best foodie cities in the country.
13. International Congress on Shoulder and Elbow Surgery
Rome, Italy: September 5 – 8, 2023
The 15th ICSES is a chance to learn from world experts in shoulder and elbow surgery. The program will include courses, live surgeries, debates, and round tables on significant issues and controversies in the field.
The Congress isn’t just one of the top orthopedic conferences. It’s also a great excuse to visit Rome. See the Colosseum, tour the Vatican, and eat the best pizza of your life.
14. American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society Annual Meeting
Louisville, KY: September 20 – 23, 2023
The American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) mobilizes the dynamic community of foot and ankle orthopaedic surgeons to improve patient care through education, research, and advocacy.
The AOFAS meeting features top experts discussing the latest research and surgical advancements. You’ll also have plenty of opportunities to connect with orthopaedic specialists from around the world.
You might not think of Kentucky as a top vacation destination, but Louisville has a lot going on. Bourbon lovers or anyone curious about thoroughbred horse racing will want to book an extra vacation day to tour distilleries or visit Churchill Downs, the site of the famous Kentucky Derby.
Fall Orthopedic Conferences
15. American Society for Surgery of the Hand Annual Meeting
Toronto, Canada: October 5 – 7, 2023
The 78th annual ASSH meeting gathers international hand care professionals to learn about breakthroughs in the field. The conference will explore new procedures and concepts while revisiting the tried and true techniques for upper extremity surgery.
16. AOAO Fall Meeting
Colorado Springs, CO: October 5 – 7, 2023
The American Osteopathic Academy of Orthopedics meetings provide orthopedic surgeons, residents, and allied health physicians with updates on current techniques and controversies in the field.
If you missed the AOAO Spring Meeting in Nashville, consider joining colleagues for the Fall Meeting in Colorado Springs. Early October is a beautiful time in Colorado, so get outside and see the changing leaves.
17. Orthopaedic Trauma Association Annual Meeting
Seattle, WA: October 18 – 21, 2023
Most orthopedic conferences take place in the first half of the year. But if you’re looking for a fall event, consider the OTA annual meeting in Seattle.
The annual meeting of the Orthopaedic Trauma Association features robust programming, including basic science forums and cutting-edge research sessions on trauma care.
While you’re there, don’t forget to stroll through Pike Place Market and grab a coffee at one of Seattle’s famous coffee shops.