We are pleased to present the Industry Partner and Exhibitor FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) for Academy 2022 San Diego. As a loyal sponsor/exhibitor, or a new company, we appreciate your continued support and involvement in bringing life to our annual meeting, providing practice-changing, clinical research and education, including showcasing new product innovations, technologies and pharmaceuticals in the optometric field to our members and other professionals in the optometric community.

We have updated our Exhibitor FAQs to keep you apprised of what to expect this year as we move forward in planning Academy 2022 San Diego!

General Exhibiting Information

Q: Is Academy 2022 San Diego going to be a live, in-person meeting?

A: Yes, the Academy is planning a live, in-person meeting in San Diego for October 26-29, 2022.

Q: Where is Academy 2022 San Diego being held? 

A: San Diego Convention Center, 111 W Harbor Dr. San Diego, CA 92101

Q: What are the exhibit hall hours?

A: Please see Exhibit Hall Hours here

* Hours are subject to change 

Q: We are interested in participating, where can I find details on show hours, pricing and booth options? 

A: Please see Academy 2022 San Diego Exhibitor Prospectus

If is your first time exhibiting with the American Academy of Optometry, you must first complete the Exhibitor Review Application before you can apply to exhibit. If approved, will notify you by e-mail to proceed to apply for booth space for Academy 2022 San Diego.

Exhibit booth space does not include carpet, tables, chairs, or other equipment, nor does it include electricity, labor, or other services. All utilities (including internet and electrical outlets) must also be pre-ordered from the appropriate vendors. Order forms for all such materials and services will be included in the service kit supplied by the official show decorator FernExpositions. Information regarding rental and service orders with descriptions and rates for all items will be made available to every confirmed exhibitor by the official show decorator at least *90 days (about 3 months) prior to the meeting. The service kit will be available online through OneView, which is the FernExpo online ordering system.

*month/date subject to change

Q: What are the deadlines for registration and payment?

A: The deadline for registering as an exhibitor is a week prior the annual meeting. Payment is due in full upon receipt of contract and is non-refundable after July 15, 2022. The deadline for inclusion in the show program is May 30, 2022. We strongly advise registering well before this deadline to maximize your Academy 2022 San Diego exhibiting experience. View the live floorplan here.

Q: When will the Exhibitor Service Manual be available and how will it be sent? 

A: A comprehensive service manual, including all order forms for labor and services is currently available . Only exhibiting companies that paid in full will receive automatically the link.

Q: Is lead retrieval provided?

A: Yes, this can be found in the service kit provided by OneView-FerExpo.

Q: Who is the official General Services Contractor?

A: Fern Expositions is the official contractor for all exhibitor related services. Exhibitor Services can be reached at 800.774.1251 or via email.

Q: Who is the official housing provider, when open and rates?

A: Orchid Events Solutions is the Academy's official housing provider. 

Exhibitors will receive a link via email to secure housing after you register to exhibit for Academy 2022 San Diego. For assistance booking housing (registration as an exhibitor required prior to calling) please call Orchid Events at 1-866-365-1113 toll-free (International: 1-385-766-1649).

The hotels require a one-night deposit or credit card guarantee when reservations are made. Deposits are fully refundable if notice of cancellation is received by the hotel at least 72 hours prior to the date of expected arrival. The Academy aims to offer contracted hotel rates to all registered attendees. We ask that you please do not make two hotel reservations as this takes away room availability from other attendees.

If you do not see your desired dates available or would like to stay before or after the convention dates, please contact us at the above number.

Orchid Event Solutions is open Monday-Friday 7 a.m.- 4 p.m. MT, excluding federal holidays.

Please note that Orchid Event Solutions does not accept cancellations over the phone. You can submit your cancellation request by fax at 801-355-0250 or by e-mail at help@orchid.events

Hotel Rates

Headquarter Hotel: Hilton San Diego Bayfront - Room Rate: $324/night

Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina - Room Rate: $324/night

**Government hotel. The government hotel rates will be updated in October 2022.

Manchester Grand Hyatt -Room Rate: $309/night

Omni San Diego - Room Rate: $309/night

San Diego Marriott Gaslamp - Room Rate: $279/night

Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter -Room Rate: $279/night

Q: Is there In Conjunction With (ICW) or Affiliate space meeting space available?

A: We are very excited about seeing everyone at Academy 2022 San Diego, but due to the high-volume of ancillary meeting requests we have received, we can no longer accept ICW or Affiliate requests at this time. However, companies and organizations may still apply for space in the Expo Suites area of the exhibit hall.  Expo Suites are private, furnished suites on the exhibit hall floor, and can be customized to meet your needs.  In addition, we have created a waiting-list as we work through our contracted space capacities.  If you are still interested in space at one of our contracted hotels, please email details to affiliates@aaoptom.org.  These emails will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and there is no guarantee we will be able to accommodate the request.  If there is an urgent issue that needs priority attention, please email Amy Loy, Meetings Manager, amyl@aaoptom.org or Betty Taylor, VP, Meetings & Industry Relations, bettyt@aaoptom.org. 

Q: How can I get a letter of invitation from AAO for visa purposes?

A: International exhibitors traveling to the United States can request an invitation letter from AAO. These letters do not guarantee that visas will be accepted. Click here to request an official AAO invitation letter.

Q: Can I cancel my booth space?

A: All cancellation request must be made in writing. Send an e-mail to exhibits@aaoptom.org. Request to cancel or downsize booth space may incur a cancellation fee based on the date the request has been received by the exhibits manager.