Around Town

The 111th American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) Annual Session held May 13-17, at McCormick Place West in Chicago, Illinois, proved to be a very busy but very productive five days. From the AAO Gala and the meeting's many receptions to the outstanding educational offerings and robust exhibitions from a record 320 companies on the expo floor, members of the AAO and Orthotown alike had opportunities to interact with their peers and leaders in the specialty to shape the future of orthodontics as well as celebrate this past year's accomplishments in the profession.

According to the AAO, 6,763 orthodontists from around the world attended this year's meeting (another record!), along with about 3,700 orthodontic staff members and more than 3,400 guests.

Thanks to all who stopped by the Orthotown booth; your discussions with us helped reinforce our mission to serve our readers and online members with the most up-to-date information about orthodontics. Thank you for all of your feedback and participation. Those who stopped by might have met Orthotown's Online Community Manager Kerrie Kruse. If you have any questions about Orthotown.com, Kerrie extends a warm invitation to contact her any time at kerrie@farranmedia.com or 480-445-9696.

Long-time Orthotown members and brand new Townies reconnected over cocktails and hors d’oeuvres at our VIP Townie Happy Hour at Bin 36 on Sunday, May 15. This informal, laid-back setting was a nice respite from the hustle and bustle of McCormick Place, and just a little token of appreciation to all who have supported the largest online orthodontic community in the world! As we all mingled on the show floor, after seminars and at happy hours, the excitement of this year's show was evident – and we all look forward to AAO's 112th Annual Meeting, May 5-8, 2012 in Hawaii!