Special Events
Check out these unforgettable experiences!
Step beyond the sessions and into the energy of the AAP National Conference & Exhibition, where a wide range of special events adds fun and connection to every day. Kick things off at the lively Welcome Reception, put your knowledge to the test at Trivia Night, and get moving with colleagues during the invigorating Fun Run. Whether you’re here to network, unwind, or just enjoy the full conference experience, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
- AAP Community Cares – Urban Peak
- AAP Kids’ Camp Family Reception
- President’s Welcome Reception
- District Networking Receptions
- Exhibits Reception
- AAP Trivia Night
- Pediatrics On Call Podcast – Unedited!
- Denver Experience! at Meow Wolf
- AAP Friends of Children Fund 5K Fun Run & Walk
- Annual Business Luncheon
Friday
AAP Community Cares – Urban Peak
Friday, September 26
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Connections Corner, Colorado Convention Center
Come lend a hand at our annual Community Cares project! Attendees and guests (5 years or older) are invited to help us pack kits of essentials for youth experiencing homelessness. Urban Peak provides meals, housing, and support services, such as mental health support, medical services, employment training, and assistance with academic success, to children and young adults ages 12-24 who are without a home. Its goal is for all Colorado youth to have safe housing, supportive relationships, and the opportunity for self-sufficiency and success.
Please join us at 11:00 AM on Friday, September 26 in Connections Corner in the Colorado Convention Center to help pack parcels for kids who are taking a step away from the streets and toward a better life. To learn more about Urban Peak, visit https://www.urbanpeak.org/.
Not designated for CME credit.
AAP Kids’ Camp Family Reception
Friday, September 26
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Four Seasons Ballroom 3 & 4, Colorado Convention Center
Wild West Wonders
Saddle up for a journey to the Wild West where frontier fun and adventure await! Kids can pan for gold or test their lasso skills, while enjoying yummy snacks. Wear your boots, hitch your wagon, and join us for a night of wild western fun—yeehaw!
All registered attendees and families are welcome to join. All children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Badges are required for entry. Shuttle bus services will begin at 6:00pm from shuttle routes 1-3.
Not designated for CME credit.
President’s Welcome Reception
Friday, September 26
6:30 PM – 9:30PM
Bluebird Terrace, Colorado Convention Center
Giddy Up & Glow
Step into the glow of the Wild West as we kick up our boots for a one-of-a-kind networking experience! Mingle with colleagues in a lively atmosphere filled with neon lights, western flair, and toe-tappin’ tunes. Enjoy tasty bites and plenty of photo-worthy moments as we bring a bold, colorful twist to cowboy country. We encourage you to dust off those boots and hit the dance floor for some line dancing. This is one hoedown you won’t want to miss!
Badges are required for entry. Shuttle bus services will begin at 6:00pm from shuttle routes 1-3.
Supported in-part by Children’s Hospital Colorado
Not designated for CME credit.
District Networking Receptions
Friday, September 26
5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Colorado Convention Center
Join district and chapter members and leaders for an hour of networking and connection. Reconnect with familiar faces and forge new relationships at this district-hosted reception.
Not designated for CME credit.
Saturday
Exhibits Reception
Saturday, September 27
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Hall D, Colorado Convention Center
Head to the Exhibit Hall and discover all the new products and services offered this year. Mingle with exhibitors and colleagues while enjoying light appetizers. Badges are required for entry.
Not designated for CME credit.
AAP Trivia Night
Saturday, September 27
6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Connections Corner, Colorado Convention Center
Put your knowledge to the test and your thinking caps on—it’s time for Trivia Night! Join fellow pediatricians for a fun, fast-paced evening of friendly competition, brain teasers, and laughter. From medical must-knows to pop culture and everything in between, this is your chance to show off your smarts and connect with colleagues. Prizes, bragging rights, and a whole lot of fun await!
Families are welcome to play along. Badges are required for entry.
Not designated for CME credit.
Sunday
Pediatrics On Call Podcast – Unedited!
Sunday, September 28
12:15 PM – 1:30 PM
Meeting Room 501, Colorado Convention Center
Join the Pediatrics On Call podcast team for a live recording. Hosts Joanna Parga-Belinkie, MD, FAAP, and David Hill, MD, FAAP, welcome the editors of Pediatrics, Alex Kemper, MD, MPH, MS, FAAP, Andrea Cruz, MD, MPH, FAAP, and Rachel Moon, MD, FAAP. It promises to be a recording session packed with learning, laughter and just a few dad jokes.
Not designated for CME credit.
Denver Experience! at Meow Wolf
Sunday, September 28
1st Time Slot: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
2nd Time Slot: 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Meow Wolf Denver’s Convergence Station
Step into a world of imagination and wonder at our exclusive private event hosted at Meow Wolf Denver, an immersive art museum. Explore surreal landscapes, interactive art installations, and mind-bending experiences in this one-of-a-kind venue. Mingle, network, and celebrate in a setting where creativity knows no bounds. This unforgettable evening promises to surprise and inspire at every turn.
Tickets will be sold for two entry times. Food and beverages will be served at both. It will take about 2 hours to explore the museum.
View more information regarding sensory sensitivity and accessibility at Meow Wolf Denver.
Attendees are encouraged to take the free shuttle to the event. Parking is available onsite for $15.
Not designated for CME credit.
Ticket Info
- If you haven’t purchased your tickets, check for ticket availability at Conference Registration in the Colorado Convention Center. Cost is $20 per adult and $15 per child (12 and under), in addition to the conference registration fee.
- All attendees must wear their conference badge, which includes the special event icon associated with their selected entry time. Your ticket is valid for only one time slot. All attendees must pass through a security checkpoint that includes metal detectors.
Shuttle Bus Info
- Shuttle bus transportation for the 1st entry time will be provided on all routes beginning at 5:30pm.
- Shuttle bus transportation for the 2nd entry time will be provided on all routes beginning at 7:30pm.
- Shuttles will run continuously through 10:30pm. For detailed shuttle bus information, see the shuttle schedule in the conference app or platform.
Monday
AAP Friends of Children Fund 5K Fun Run & Walk
Monday, September 29
7:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Sloan’s Lake Park, Denver
Start your day with fresh air, movement, and unbeatable views at the AAP Friends of Children Fund 5K Fun Run & Walk! Set against the stunning backdrop of Sloan’s Lake Park, participants will enjoy a scenic route featuring sparkling lake views, majestic mountain peaks, and the city skyline in one picturesque loop. Whether you’re running for time or walking with friends, this is the perfect way to energize your morning and take in the beauty of Colorado.
New this year: The 5K will be officially chip timed with real-time results!
Participants will receive a commemorative T-shirt. Bibs and t-shirts can be picked up from Conference Services near Registration in the Colorado Convention Center.
Shuttle bus transportation will be provided on all routes at 6:30 AM. For detailed shuttle bus information, please see the shuttle schedule in the conference app or platform.
If you haven’t purchased your ticket, please visit Conference Registration in the Colorado Convention Center. Cost is $25 per adult and $15 per child (12 and under), in addition to the conference registration fee.
Not designated for CME credit.
Annual Business Luncheon
Monday, September 29
12:30 PM – 1:45 PM
Centennial Ballroom DE, Hyatt Regency Denver
The annual business meeting of the American Academy of Pediatrics will be chaired by President Susan Kressly, MD, FAAP. Attendees will hear CEO/Executive Vice President Mark Del Monte, JD, and President-Elect Andrew Racine, MD, PhD, FAAP, report on the state of the AAP and strategic initiatives.
Not designated for CME credit.