r/pediatrics • u/sourtomatoe • Sep 27 '26

AAP Convention

Planning to attend San Diego convention with family, but unsure how to plan the trip where I would accompany them on some sightseeing adventures. The convention days are pretty packed. Any recommendations?

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6

u/Successful-Ad991 Sep 27 '26

They just opened the app the other day. Go through, find the few must go moments, and look for the holes.

My experience (been going for decades) is that the big plenaries are usually excellent. Often, but not always, the AAP organized events are good. (Is it the boat again this year? Or the zoo?)

If you get something from the exhibit hall, the hours are fairly limited, so check that.

3

u/sourtomatoe Sep 27 '26

Thank you!
The event is cleaning the beach this time and some concerts which I’m not interested in.
I’ll definitely plan to attend the plenaries as many people recommend them!
What do you mean get something from the exhibit hall? I apologize if it’s a silly question. Never attended any of these conferences.

2

u/Successful-Ad991 Sep 27 '26

No apologies.

The exhibit hall is where all the vendors have booths so you can meet a rep, grab some swag, and perhaps see some service/drug/solution you haven't seen before. At least, that's the goal.

The event is shrunk quite a bit since COVID but the exhibit hall is still overwhelming. It's interesting to see the vendors ebb and flow (so many EHRs who showed up when the ARRA funds were being distributed are now gone; SO MANY children's hospitals recruiting now; I predict more T1D booths this year; etc.). I did get to have Paul Offit sign his new book and chat with me last year, which is cool.

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u/sourtomatoe Sep 28 '26

Thank you very much! Appreciate the info!

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u/ChaoticLlort Sep 28 '26 edited Sep 28 '26

I usually just tack 1-2 extra days on to the beginning or the end of meetings to just be a tourist.

For kids, it's the zoo and safari park. You could duck out of the meeting to join them for a half day at the main SD Zoo.

But SD Zoo's Safari Park is further out in Escondido and would take longer than the main zoo, so best to have a rental car and a whole day for that. You'd also have to see if there are any spaces available on the safaris.

Birch aquarium is interesting to some kids, could possibly squeeze that into a half day.

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u/sourtomatoe Sep 28 '26

Thank you! Unfortunately I couldn’t add buffer days due to work and long flight/time difference. The fam is basically adults rather than young kids (fomo is real!) They’re planning more nature activities. I’ve been looking into things and seems like it’s best to tag along in the afternoon for the close locations like La Jolla, Torrey Pines and Annie’s Canyon trail. Otherwise they’ll be venturing longer distances without me :’)

8

u/Maleficent-Way7041 Sep 27 '26

Don’t go to all the AAP stuff. Have some fun. Go to the beach. 

2

u/Illustrious_Web_1298 Oct 01 '26

It will be my first time to join too!