2019 Annual Session events will include the Excellence in Orthodontics Awards Ceremony featuring Ron Howard as the keynote speaker. The luncheon ceremony will be Sunday, May 5, 12 pm – 2:15 pm at the JW Marriott in Los Angeles, with the Annual Session extending from May 3-7.

A ticket is required to attend the Awards Ceremony (($60 with lunch; $15 to attend the keynote address only).

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Academy Award-winning filmmaker Ron Howard is one of this generation’s most popular directors.  From the critically acclaimed dramas A Beautiful Mind and Apollo 13 to the hit comedies Parenthood and Splash and holiday favorite How the Grinch Stole Christmas, he has created some of Hollywood’s most memorable films. His work includes Cinderella Man starring Oscar winner Russell Crowe, for which Howard earned an Oscar for Best Director and which also won awards for Best Picture, Best Screenplay and Best Supporting Actress.  Many of Howard’s other films have also received nods from the Academy, including the popular hits Backdraft, Parenthood and Cocoon, the last of which took home two Oscars. In 2009, Howard produced and directed the film adaptation of Peter Morgan’s critically acclaimed play Frost / Nixon.  The film was nominated for five Academy Awards including Best Picture.

Howard began his career in film as an actor, first appearing in The Journey and The Music Man, then as Opie on the long-running television series The Andy Griffith Show.  He later starred in the popular series Happy Days and drew favorable reviews for his performances in American Graffiti and The Shootist. Howard and long-time producing partner Brian Grazer co-founded Imagine Entertainment in 1986 to create independently produced feature films.  Howard is currently directing the documentary Pavarotti, about famed tenor Luciano Pavarotti.

Also, plan to attend the following Annual Session events:

Opening Ceremonies, Saturday, May 4, 5 pm – 7 pm

Microsoft Theatre

Featured entertainer:  World Classic Rockers

One complimentary ticket is included with each paid Annual Session registration.

The World Classic Rockers was founded in 1995 by Nick St. Nicholas of Steppenwolf.  St. Nicholas tours with group on an ongoing basis, recruiting very talented musicians to perform with him in high-energy, audience-friendly concerts.

The International Reception*, Saturday, May 4, 8 pm – 10 pm

The Grammy Museum and The Terrace at L.A. LIVE

Sponsored by Rocky Mountain Orthodontics

Ticket required ($50)

Located on the rooftop of the GRAMMY Museum® L.A. LIVE, The Terrace at L.A. LIVE is a modern, outdoor mezzanine offering exceptional views of downtown Los Angeles and the iconic Hollywood sign. The museum pays tribute to all aspects of the American musical heritage.

* Open to all registered attendees who purchase tickets.

Fun Run and Walk, Sunday, May 5, 6:30 am – 7:15 am

(Location to be determined)

Sponsored by Speed System Orthodontics

Ticket required ($25)

AAO Orthodontic Residents Reception, Sunday, May 5, 5 pm – 7 pm

Lucky Strike

Sponsored by American Orthodontics

Free by reserved ticket for residents who are AAO student members. Required guest tickets are available for purchase for $35 each.

AAO Celebration, Sunday, May 5, 7 pm – 9:30 pm

Xbox Plaza (formerly Microsoft Square)

Entertainment: Tom Thumb and the Hitchhikers

Ticket required:  $29 for adults and children of ages 4-18. Free for children aged 3 and under.

This event, which formerly took place on the Monday evening of Annual Session, has been moved to Sunday evening to allow those leaving Los Angeles on Monday to attend. AAO member Dr. Patrick Turley performs as the lead singer of Tom Thumb and the Hitchhikers, a popular oldies band in Southern California.

View the complete 2019 Annual Session Special Events and Business Meetings schedule, including educational and networking events and governance meetings.