March 2025 Advisors Corner

One of my favorite experiences from graduate school is right around the corner, the AAA 2025+HearTECH Expo happening in New Orleans, Louisiana from March 26-29, 2025. While you will learn a lot in the classroom and in your clinical placements, the many benefits of attending the Academy’s  annual conference are well worth the conference costs.

The national SAA Programs Committee has been hard at work to plan the SAA Conference, as well as other student-focused programming at AAA 2025+HearTECH Expo. The SAA Conference is a special event just for students on Wednesday, March 26 from 10:00 am-4:00 pm. Registration is only $45 and can be added to general conference registration. This year the conference will host a hands-on workshop provided by the conference sponsor, Starkey, an externship panel, as well as soft skills to be applied to academic and professional opportunities!

All students have the opportunity to attend the SAA Mix and Mingle from 4:00-5:30 pm on Wednesday, March 26. Enjoy food and drinks while connecting with other audiology students from across the country. The SAA Mix and Mingle is also generously sponsored by Starkey.

For an additional opportunity to connect with other students and professionals, consider purchasing a $45 ticket to the AAA Foundation Happy Hour, which will take place later in the evening on March 26 from 7:00-8:30 pm. This is a great networking opportunity for students and professionals alike and supports the AAA Foundation’s mission of promoting education, research, and public awareness in audiology and hearing sciences.

The national SAA Students with Hearing Loss Subcommittee will be hosting a meeting at the AAA annual conference. If you are a student with hearing loss, I strongly encourage you to attend the meeting on Thursday, March 27 8:30-9:15 am. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect and network with other students with hearing loss. For more information or any questions you may have, contact Mindee Anderson, Chair, national SAA Students with Hearing Loss Subcommittee.

Take advantage of the AAA Conference Online Conference Planner to create a personal schedule based on presentations of interest. Other great opportunities at the conference include the Professional Headshot Studio, Paws and Relax (where you can enjoy some cuddles from some sweet pups!), and AAA’s Not-So-Secret After Party which will feature a full band and cash bar on Thursday, March 27 from 9:00-11:00 pm. You can also purchase a $75 ticket to the Audiology’s Night Out at Generations Hall for Friday, March 28 from 7:00-10:00 pm which features live jazz, a DJ, food and drinks, and unique activities that capture the spirit of the city.

For more suggestions regarding session and events to attend check out the student-focused curated agenda!

We cannot wait to see you in New Orleans!

Audrey Taylor, AuD
National SAA Advisory Committee Chair