Special Events


PA Adventures 17May 19May 21May 22May

PA Adventures

Meet our new PA meet-ups! We’ve upgraded these experiences to help really immerse yourself in H-Town.

AAPA 2024 Souvenir Coin 17May 18May 19May 20May 21May 22May

AAPA 2024 Souvenir Coin

Pre-order your AAPA 2024 souvenir coin or purchase it on-site as a commemorative keepsake!

AAPA 2024 Opening Reception 18May

AAPA 2024 Opening Reception

Start your Saturday night off right at our AAPA 2024 Opening Reception! Directly following Saturday’s Main Stage event, join us for this fun opener to the conference. Enjoy music, games, hors d’oeuvres, and a drink on us while you explore the Expo.

Main Stage: Space Medicine 18May

Main Stage: Space Medicine

Space Medicine: Lessons Beyond Earth promises to uncover the innovations and research that are revolutionizing our approach to health. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore the intersection of space and healthcare, and to witness a remarkable dialogue between two pioneers transcending conventional boundaries and reshaping our understanding of healthcare possibilities.

AAPA Distinguished Fellows Reception 18May

AAPA Distinguished Fellows Reception

AAPA recognizes the achievements of new and existing Distinguished Fellows at this special invitation-only reception.

Taking Names & Making Connections 18May

Taking Names & Making Connections

Network, mix, and mingle with PA students from all over the country, at the exclusive PA student-only party within a party at the Opening Reception. Come for the warm welcome, lifetime connections, and the memories – and don’t forget your conference swag and prizes!

Become a PA: AAPA's Pre-PA Workshop 18May

Become a PA: AAPA’s Pre-PA Workshop

If you’re planning on becoming a PA, this event is just for you. Join us for this dynamic day-long workshop designed to help future PA students connect with the PA profession! Lunch will be provided for participants.

Expo 18May 19May 20May

Expo

Take your AAPA 2024 experience to the next level with our best-ever Expo! Relax with your peers while you take a look at medical innovations, meet hundreds of exhibitors, collect free swag, and hit up the fun social events.

Student Presentations 18May 19May 20May

Student Presentations

Get expert insight into PA school success, specialties, finding your first job, finances, and more.

Made in Houston Marketplace 18May 19May 20May

Made in Houston Marketplace

Shop exclusively local Houston-based products inside the Expo!

Relaxation Massage Station 18May 19May 20May

Relaxation Massage Station

Take a much needed break at the Relaxation Massage Station. Want a free massage? Pick up your ticket at the CompHealth Booth #1615!

CO Central Park 18May 19May 20May

CO Central Park

Enjoy a park atmosphere while you network with CO leaders, hear about different opportunities to get involved with COs, and learn more about common goals related to healthcare access or delivery.

PA Student Networking Lounge 18May 19May 20May

PA Student Networking Lounge

Back by popular demand, this lounge is designed for PA students to relax and mingle between sessions. This area will host multiple networking events throughout conference as well as some tasty treats to keep you powered for the day!

Step Up Challenge 18May 19May 20May

Step Up Challenge

Make sure to pack your Fitbit, Apple Watch, or carry your smartphone to participate in the AAPA 2024 Step Up Challenge!

Interactive CME & Workshops 18May 19May 20May 21May

Interactive CME & Workshops

Limited seats available! Save your spot in these popular hands-on and interactive learning events.

Learning Lounges 18May 19May 20May 21May

Learning Lounges

Watch this year’s CME sessions from a comfortable spot in our new Learning Lounges.

Mindfulness Lounge™ 18May 19May 20May 21May

Mindfulness Lounge™

Back by popular demand, Lee Papa is bringing her Mindfulness Lounge™ to Houston. Don’t miss these sessions led by internationally recognized mindfulness speaker, trainer, and published author of the book “A Year of Mindfulness for Beginners.”

AAPA 2024 Scavenger Hunt 18May 19May 20May 21May 22May

AAPA 2024 Scavenger Hunt

Win prizes by competing in the Scavenger Hunt!

Fitness Classes 18May 19May 20May 21May 22May

Fitness Classes

Join us for morning fitness, led by fellow PAs! Classes are open to all and are filled on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Creative Corner 18May 19May 20May 21May 22May

Creative Corner

Challenge your colleagues to a game of Operation, work together on a puzzle, play a game of cards, do some coloring, or make your own bookmark – and give your mind a break between sessions!

Industry Sessions 18May 19May 20May 21May 22May

Industry Sessions

Learn about the latest products and technologies during a complimentary breakfast or lunch provided by AAPA at the George R. Brown Convention Center.

Student Board Meet and Greet 19May

Student Board Meet and Greet

Join the 2023-24 Student Board of Directors for appetizers & drinks in the Student Lounge!

PA Program Director's Reception (Invite-only) 19May

PA Program Director’s Reception (Invite-only)

Let’s raise a toast to the next generation of PAs and celebrate another outstanding year in PA education. Enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres while networking with fellow PA program directors.

Women in Philanthropy Reception 19May

Women in Philanthropy Reception

Join the PA Foundation’s Women in Philanthropy (WIP) for an evening of networking and learning at AAPA 2024!

Animal Cuddle & Snuggle Zone 19May 20May

Animal Cuddle & Snuggle Zone

Relax and recharge with dog and cat cuddles! AAPA is working with a local animal shelter to bring in adoptable cats and dogs for attendees to pet and play with. Donations are welcome but not required to participate.

Rotation Stage 19May 20May

Rotation Stage

Visit the Rotation Stage in the Expo to get a quick hit of essential professional, career, and research knowledge at these short, fast-paced sessions. Be sure to bring your own headphones!

PA JobSource Career Fair 19May 20May

PA JobSource Career Fair

Get one step closer to that first PA job or make your next career move! Meet with representatives from top employers from across the country looking to hire qualified PAs in all settings and specialties.

Blood Drive 19May 20May

Blood Drive

Save lives and donate blood in the Expo during the annual blood drive at AAPA 2024!

Expo Eats 19May 20May

Expo Eats

Energize your morning or enjoy an afternoon pick-me-up while you explore the Expo and visit with exhibitors.

Sunday, May 19
Morning Break: 9:30 – 11 a.m.
Afternoon Break: 3 – 4:30 p.m.

Monday, May 20
Afternoon Break: 1:30 – 3 p.m.

PAs Play Pickleball 19May 20May

PAs Play Pickleball

Get a lesson and take on your peers in Pickleball in the Expo. Paddles and balls provided!

Satellite Symposia 19May 20May

Satellite Symposia

Satellite Symposia are non-commercial scientific sessions offering AAPA Category 1 CME credit, supported by members of the healthcare industry to complement the conference CME program.

ePosters and Research in Action 19May 20May 21May

ePosters and Research in Action

Present your original research in front of your colleagues!

Main Stage: AI and Tech in Healthcare 20May

Main Stage: AI and Tech in Healthcare

In How AI and the Superconvergence of Accelerating Technologies Will Shape Healthcare, explore the transformative impact of artificial intelligence and advancing technologies on healthcare with keynote speaker Dr. Daniel Kraft, a world-renowned physician-scientist, innovator, and expert in technology.

AAPA National Medical Challenge Bowl 20May

AAPA National Medical Challenge Bowl

Cheer on your PA program at this high-energy medical game show, held on Monday, May 20 at 4 p.m. in the George R. Brown Convention Center.

Veterans Caucus Memorial Ceremony and Federal Services Reception 20May

Veterans Caucus Memorial Ceremony and Federal Services Reception

Come and celebrate the PA profession and military heraldry at the 2024 Veterans Caucus Memorial Ceremony!

PA Night Out 20May

PA Night Out

The ultimate takeover of one of Houston’s biggest and most iconic roadhouses! It’s the most talked about event from AAPA 2023 in Nashville, so don’t miss this year’s bash in H-Town!

PA School Spirit Day 20May

PA School Spirit Day

Want to show off your PA School Spirit? Wear clothing and swag from your PA school. Whether you are alumni or a current student, show your fellow attendees your PA school pride.

Meet the Candidates Forum: Board of Directors General Election 20May

Meet the Candidates Forum: Board of Directors General Election

Meet the AAPA BOD candidates, ask them questions, and hear their ideas for leading AAPA and the PA profession into the future.

iScan 2024 21May

iScan 2024

Join the Society of Point of Care Ultrasound’s 7th annual hands-on medical education event! Teams of 3-5 students from all over the country rotate round-robin style and perform point of care ultrasound at various stations.