The American Society of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) convened at the San Diego Convention Center for the second time with a repeat performance of their successful gathering five years ago.

AAOS' Annual Meeting took place Feb. 15 – 19 and occupied our entire building with more than 30,000 out-of-town attendees. Delegates came not only for the latest medical and organizational updates, but also for the San Diego sunshine, amazing dining and nightlife, and spectacular views of the San Diego Bay from the Convention Center terraces and meeting rooms.

"There are several factors that make San Diego an exceptional place (to meet)," says Sue McSorley, director, Convention and Meeting Service at AAOS. "The 10-minute cab ride from the airport to downtown hotels, the location of the Convention Center to the hotels, the array of restaurants and entertainment in the Gaslamp Quarter, (in addition to) the weather and view of the bay from your hotel room."

The association is the leading provider of musculoskeletal education to orthopaedic surgeons in the world. This year military surgeons, that often treat battlefield injuries involving the extremities or the spine, joined their colleagues at AAOS. San Diego's position as a military hub added to AAOS' overall success at their Annual Meeting this year, according to Chad Price, MD, chair AAOS Annual Meeting Committee.

"The military presence in San Diego, and their participation in our meeting, will enhance the care of civilians," says Price. "It is another unique opportunity that makes meeting in San Diego special."

Each year since 2000, AAOS has sponsored a volunteer build project to kick off its Annual Meeting. The association is dedicated to leaving behind a legacy of safe and accessible playgrounds in each host city it visits so that children with and without disabilities can play safely together. This year, orthopaedic surgeons, industry partners, families and volunteers built a Family Fun and Fitness Park at the Spring Valley Youth Services' East County Communities Center.

AAOS is the third largest medical convention in the nation according to the Healthcare Convention and Exhibitors Association (HCEA). San Diego is proud to be the number one destination for healthcare meetings in the nation, also according to the HCEA.

McSorley says she understands why San Diego is on top of healthcare meeting planner's lists. The San Diego Convention Center has everything they need to make their event a success.

In addition to all of the amenities our award-winning facility has to offer, McSorley says the ease of travel around San Diego as a destination is another reason AAOS attendees enjoy coming to our sun-kissed shores.

"San Diego is a walking city – it's easy to get around on foot," she says.