Welcome
San Diego - Come Sea for Yourself!
It gives me great pleasure to invite you, your staff and your family to the 65th Annual Session of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) held in San Diego!
All of the planning efforts have paid off and we’re in a great position to have one of the best meetings ever. There are a number of hotels participating in the official room block for the Annual Session as we want to provide amenities for everyone. The hotels are: the San Diego Marriott and Marina (headquarter), the Embassy Suites, the Hilton Gaslamp, the Omni Hotel and the Marriott Residence Inn. Each hotel is a short walking distance from the San Diego Convention Center and the Gaslamp District; the Scientific Program takes place at the Convention Center and the Marriott.
San Diego is known for its near-idyllic climate, sand and surf, and dazzling array of world-class family attractions, appealing to guests from around the globe. Popular attractions include the world-famous San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld San Diego and LEGOLAND California. There are over 70 miles of pristine beaches, a number of charming communities including Coronado, La Jolla, the Gaslamp District, Del Mar and Hillcrest, just to name a few. Come for the convention; stay for a vacation!
The Welcome Reception takes place in the Gaslamp District; the AAPD is hosting an exclusive Block Party! The various restaurants within the couple blocks of the party are all participating and providing the menus for the evening so attendees will have an opportunity to taste a number of different cuisines ranging from Mexican, to Moroccan, to seafood and steaks, just to name a few! There is a myriad of entertainment opportunities both in the streets and in some of the restaurants. One venue is specifically devoted to kids of all ages with multiple games, attractions and entertainment throughout. Believe me, this is one event you will not want to miss!
The scientific program promises to deliver the cutting-edge topics you’ve come to expect at the Annual Session. The Preconference Course on Thursday is a refreshing twist for this meeting: Fascinating Forensics - the CSI of Pediatric Dentistry. The keynote speaker this year is Marcus Luttrell, author of the Lone Survivor who tells the harrowing story of his battle to stay alive while on tour in Afghanistan.
Bull riding anyone? The New Dentist Happy Hour is at the Double Deuce, which is a spacious venue offering a variety of entertainment, activities and areas for networking including an outdoor patio. It is conveniently located in the Gaslamp District. This event is only for the early practitioners and the residents.
You won’t want to miss the Presidents’ Farewell Dinner at the historic and beautiful Hotel Del Coronado! The infamous beach destination is an iconic symbol for the San Diego area; once you see the resort, you will understand the magic and charm it bestows on its guests. Be sure to make plans to stay for this wonderful event honoring our top achievers in the pediatric dentist community!
I would like to personally thank both Lori Good and Mitch Poiset, the local arrangements chairs. Their work to make this a spectacular event is appreciated by me, and will be noticed by everyone.
See you in San Diego!
Rhea M. Haugseth, D.M.D.