Guiding Students Through AAA 2026: Tips for Advisors

By Sarah McAlexander, AuD

It is almost time for the Annual AAA Convention (AAA 2026), and this year, we’re headed to Texas! As an audiologist currently working in Houston, I am thrilled to welcome everyone to the Lone Star State this April for what is sure to be an excellent conference.

As a student, attending the annual convention each year was a highlight of my education and professional growth. The conventions gave me the opportunity to network with other students and professionals, learn about new clinical practices and research, and expand my knowledge beyond the four walls of my university. Attending student talks and events encouraged me to get involved with national SAA, setting me up for a life of professional services and volunteering with both my state and national organizations.

Tips for SAA Chapter Advisors

Advisors can help their students get the most out of their convention experience by preparing them for what to expect. The schedule can feel overwhelming, especially for students, so helping them narrow down topics and sessions of interest and providing advice on how to network and engage with other students and professionals can ensure they take full advantage of all the opportunities available.

Encourage students to attend both student and professional sessions. Student sessions offer unique opportunities to access material presented for the student perspective in an environment with other students. Professional sessions offer the opportunity to get more advanced knowledge, and potentially network with working audiologists. Attending both types of sessions can be impactful for students’ education.

Direct students to look at the instructional level when determining which sessions to attend. Fundamental and intermediate sessions may be easier for students to attend, especially if they are in their first or second year of their program.

Encourage students to ask questions. Most sessions include time for questions at the end, and many presenters are happy to hang around and answer additional questions after the presentation’s end. Asking questions is a great way to expand knowledge and form relationships with presenters.

Highlight potential sessions or events of interest for students who are overwhelmed looking at the conference planner. Here are just a few you can consider!

• SAA Conference: The SAA Conference, generously sponsored by Starkey, features various sessions for students, including opportunities for networking.

• Grand Rounds: This year’s conference includes grand rounds in amplification, pediatrics, vestibular sciences, adult diagnostics, cochlear implants, and tinnitus.

• Leveling the Playing Field: Interprofessional Strategies for Concussion Care: This new session, sponsored by the AAA Foundation, will be a great opportunity for audiologists and students to learn about approaches to concussion care from a variety of professionals both within and outside of audiology.

• The Marion Downs Lecture in Pediatric Audiology: Early Neural Timing Precision Impacts Later Language and Cognition: The annual Marion Downs lecture is a great opportunity to learn about current research and advancements in pediatric audiology.

The Academy’s curated agendas is also a great place to start if your students have a particular topic in mind.

Last, but not least:

Encourage students to enjoy San Antonio. This year’s convention is taking place right by the San Antonio River Walk, which features restaurants, shops, and the Alamo. Plus, the conference will be taking place during San Antonio’s annual Fiesta celebration, so expect lots of parades and fun activities throughout the city. Exploring the city is a great opportunity to take a break from long days of learning.