What Is the AAP National Conference & Exhibition 2026?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) National Conference & Exhibition is the most comprehensive pediatric meeting in the world. In 2026, it returns to the west coast, taking over the San Diego Convention Center from October 2 through October 6 — with exhibit hall days running October 3, 4, and 5.
The conference draws the full spectrum of pediatric medical professionals: general practitioners, subspecialists, young physicians, pediatric residents, and allied health professionals. For any company serving the pediatric healthcare market, this is the single most important exhibition of the year.
Exhibit Dates, Hall Hours & Unopposed Session Times
Planning your team’s travel and staffing around the right windows is critical. Here is the complete 2026 schedule:
Exhibit Hall Open Hours
| Day |
Date |
Hours |
| Saturday |
October 3, 2026 |
12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Reception with light appetizers 5:00–6:00 PM |
| Sunday |
October 4, 2026 |
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Monday |
October 5, 2026 |
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM |
Unopposed Session Times (Peak Foot Traffic)
These are the windows when no competing conference sessions run — meaning attendees are free to visit the exhibit hall. These are your highest-value hours and your booth must be fully staffed and presentation-ready.
| Day |
Unopposed Windows |
| Saturday, Oct 3 |
12:15 PM – 2:00 PM | 3:00 PM – 3:30 PM | 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM (Reception) |
| Sunday, Oct 4 |
10:00 AM – 10:30 AM | 12:15 PM – 2:00 PM | 3:00 PM – 3:30 PM |
| Monday, Oct 5 |
10:00 AM – 10:30 AM | 12:15 PM – 2:00 PM |
Exhibitor Registration Hours
| Day |
Hours |
| Thursday, Oct 1 |
9:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Friday, Oct 2 |
8:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Saturday, Oct 3 |
8:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Sunday, Oct 4 |
8:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Monday, Oct 5 |
8:00 AM – 2:00 PM |
2026 Exhibit Space Rates — What You Pay & What You Get
AAP booth pricing is straightforward: all spaces are based on the 10×10 (100 sq ft) unit. Here are the official 2026 rates:
Standard 10×10
$3,800
Per booth unit. Corner upgrade available for an additional $200.
Corner Upgrade
+$200
Additional fee for corner positioning for greater visibility.
Nonprofit Rate
$2,800
First 10×10 only. IRS determination letter required. Additional booths at standard rate.
What Is Included in Your Booth Package?
Every confirmed booth space includes the following as standard:
🏗 Physical Setup
Backdrape & Siderail
8-ft back wall drape, 36-inch side rail drape, and booth ID sign included
🎟 Badges
5 Complimentary
Per 10×10 booth. Up to 5 staff on floor at any one time.
💻 Online Listing
Full Digital Profile
Website link, PDFs, banner, logo & description on aapexperience.org
🏆 Priority Points
Earn & Choose Early
Select your 2027 booth location onsite before the public
Installation, Dismantle & Critical Deadlines
Your booth must be fully installed and show-ready by 7:00 PM EDT on Friday, October 2. Missing this deadline triggers mandatory labor charges for carpet and booth setup — a costly and avoidable expense. Plan to arrive in San Diego on Thursday, October 1 at the latest.
Installation Windows
| Day |
Install Hours |
| Thursday, October 1 |
8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Friday, October 2 |
8:00 AM – 7:00 PM ⚠️ Final deadline |
Critical Exhibit Rules Every AAP 2026 Exhibitor Must Know
The AAP Exhibition is an extension of the organization’s continuing medical education program, and it is governed by strict rules. Violations can result in immediate booth removal without refund. Here are the most important regulations to understand before you build:
Booth Construction Specifications
Standard Linear Booth (10×10): Maximum height of 8 feet 3 inches for all displays and decorations. Display fixtures over 4 feet tall must be placed at least 5 feet from the aisle line when within 10 linear feet of an adjacent exhibit.
Island Booth: Must have see-through visibility from all four aisles. Maximum height of 20 feet. Hanging signs and graphics may reach a maximum of 20 feet from floor to top of sign, with prior approval from Tradeshow Logistics.
01 Booth Plan Review
First-time exhibitors and all island or peninsula booths must submit construction plans for approval at least 60 days before the show opens.
02 No Subletting
You cannot share, assign, or sublet your booth to another company without written approval. Products displayed must match your original application.
03 Sound & Noise
All sound must remain within your booth space and must not disturb neighbors. Show Management is the final judge of acceptable sound levels.
04 Insurance Required
All exhibitors must carry $1,000,000 comprehensive general liability insurance. A certificate of insurance must be provided to Show Management.
05 Fire & Safety
All booth decorations including carpeting must be flameproofed. No propane, balloons, or butane/bottled gas. Electrical must conform to National Electrical Code standards.
06 No CME on Floor
CME-accredited education cannot be offered on the exhibit floor. Any educational events in your booth must be pre-approved and posted with a non-CME disclaimer.