First Time Attendees
The Annual Meeting is an exciting event full of opportunities to learn from colleagues, share knowledge, and network with peers.
View the tips below to help you plan and get the most out of your first Annual Meeting experience.
Top 3 Things to Do After You Register
If you've already registered for the Annual Meeting and you plan to attend in-person, follow the tips below to get your travel preparations underway.
- Book your hotel! Maximize your time and stay at or near a hotel where your Division or Interest Group sessions are held. For more information on making a reservation and DIG session locations, visit the Hotel Accommodations page. Hotel room blocks book quickly, so book soon!
- Book your travel! In anticipation of your trip to Boston, make you arrangements early!
- Connect with your DIG Community! Stay up-to-date on your DIG's newsletters and emails, which offer important Annual Meeting information and activities.
Planning Your Agenda
With over 2,000 sessions on the program, planning your agenda in advance will help you get the most out of your first Annual Meeting. Use the following tips and keep your first Annual Meeting frustration-free!
- Create your customized agenda. The AOM 2023 program will be available in June. We recommend focusing on your Divisions or Interest Groups (DIGs) first to avoid overscheduling.
- Prepare for Professional Development Workshops (PDWs). Select PDWs may require a separate registration due to space limitations or may have pre-work assignments so be sure to review all of the session details. Doctoral and faculty consortiums are often full-day events and may fill up quickly, so register once the Program opens.
- DIG's Socials and Welcome Events. These events are listed in the program and are held to welcome you and help you begin building your AOM network. Take advantage of these opportunities to meet others from your DIGs!
- Visit Career Services on the 3rd floor of the Marriott and speak with a Career Service Volunteer for career or job market advice.
- Schedule some down-time! Be sure to take a break from your sessions and explore Boston.
- If you're a student, join the New Doctoral Student Consortium (NDSC) Community on Connect@AOM to learn about their full-day workshop. This cross-discipline community provides an opportunity for you to learn how to navigate not only AOM, but also your doctoral life.
Key Events for First Time Attendees
First Time Attendee & New Member Orientation Webinar slides and presentation:
Held Wednesday, 19 July as a pre-conference webinar. If you missed the live session, you can still learn more about your Academy membership benefits and how to navigate the Annual Meeting prior to your arrival in Boston. Access the webinar video below.
All-Academy Opening Reception:
Friday evening, 4 August, 18:00*, Exhibit Hall
Don't miss the inaugural Opening Reception, offering early access to exhibits and opportunities to meet with AOM’s leaders both past and present.
Annual Meeting Hubs featuring Morning Coffee Breaks:
Friday-Tuesday 7:30-9:00* each day
Network in the hubs located in the Hynes Convention Center and hotels hosting program sessions: Boston Marriott Copley Place, Boston Park Plaza, Hilton Boston Back Bay, Sheraton Boston Hotel, The Westin Copley Place
Watch the First Time Attendee & New Member Orientation Webinar
Trouble viewing? Click here for an alternate version of the video.
New Attendee Welcome Room
Hosted by the Membership team, the New Attendee Welcome Room is reserved for you! Whether you're a new member or attending your first Annual Meeting, this room is your go-to location for questions about your schedule or membership, and provides a quiet respite between sessions.
Other first-time attendees, volunteers, and the AOM Membership staff will be available to greet you, so be sure to stop by the Hynes Convention Center across from Registration and say hello! We look forward to seeing you there.
Heading to Boston
As you make your final preparations to arrive in Boston, please read through the following information:
Before You Leave
Get your bearings. Review the Boston Travel page for tips on where to go, what to do, and how to get around. Be sure to pick up an area map when you arrive.
Guest Policy
Only one guest per registered attendee is permitted at an additional cost of $85. Guest passes have limited access to the conference.
Travel Delays
If you experience flight delays that affect your hotel reservation, call the hotel directly to notify them and to adjust the reservation as needed. Failure to call and miss the scheduled check-in date can result in a no-show fee and reservation cancellation.
When You Arrive
- Check in. Self-service check-in kiosks are available at the Annual Meeting hubs morning coffee location in the hotels hosting program sessions, and the Hynes Convention Center. Retrieve your name badge prior attending ANY sessions as we require identification to participate.
- Get connected. Wi-Fi connections and charging stations are available throughout the meeting properties. Power up your devices and get connected so you don't miss anything!
- Visit the AOM Information Booth by Registration. Get answers to your questions and guidance on how to navigate the properties and program.
- Tune in. Get up-to-the-minute information from AOM's social media channels using hashtag #AOM2023. Spread the word about the meeting, connect with other attendees, and share photos!
Other Helpful Tips
- Attire: Business casual attire is accepted and preferred. If you have interviews scheduled at the Annual Meeting Career Fair, business attire is a must.
- Comfort: Sessions are scheduled in several locations and a lot of walking may be required—be sure to wear comfortable footwear. Your schedule may be packed—carrying snacks and water will help on busy days.
- Climate: Indoor meeting spaces are air conditioned and Boston can be hot and humid in August—be prepared for the extreme in both instances.
- Networking: Don't forget your business cards to hand out as you network with colleagues.
- Luggage: Save space for conference materials, Exhibit Hall promotional items, and souvenirs!
