Frequently asked questions

Family Medicine Experience (FMX) is the AAFP’s premier family medicine conference, bringing together thousands of family physicians, care team members and exhibitors each year.

You’ll receive evidence-based education and earn a year’s worth of continuing credits in just four days. But that’s not all—FMX also unites the family medicine community for invaluable professional networking, inspiring moments on the Main Stage, and exclusive access to The Xchange.

Here’s what else makes FMX special.

FMX is happening October 20-24, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee at the Music City Center. It’s our first time hosting FMX in this city and we’re so excited to share this experience with you!

FMX is open to AAFP members, including residents, new and active physicians, life members and international members. Members receive exclusive savings on their registration based on their member type.

Nonmembers, including international physicians, supporting physicians and care team members can also attend, but the registration fees will be slightly higher. Interested in learning more about AAFP membership? Start here.

Medical students are welcome to attend, but our FUTURE Conference is designed especially for their educational needs.

There’s no requirement that you have to attend the full conference. The important thing is that you don’t miss out on the chance to engage with your colleagues and leaders in the specialty!

Yes! The early bird registration discount ends June 30, 2026. If you can’t get approval before that date, we also offer an advanced registration discount. We want to help you get to Nashville! See your savings and decide when you’re ready to register for FMX.

You can register when you arrive in Nashville, but you’ll see a price difference for registration and hotel reservations. When you register early, you’ll save money and secure spots in our limited-seating, hands-on clinical workshops.

Your registration includes:

• Access to all education and Main Stage sessions, plus up to 30 days of free access to FMX on-demand sessions
• Entrance into The Xchange and the full exhibitor directory
• Professional (and fun) networking events 
• Sponsored learning sessions (food available at some sessions)
• Access to session handouts and posters in the mobile app
• An additional discount to purchase the full on-demand package after 30 days

You’ll also get to enjoy The Xchange Grand Opening, featuring appetizers, drinks, entertainment and the chance to connect face-to-face with hundreds of solution providers.

You can also upgrade your registration with popular clinical procedure workshops to enhance specific skills.

Attending FMX is an incredible opportunity to grow your skill set, make valuable connections and gain inspiration from specialty leaders. But we know a conference of this size can also be a little intimidating. We want to help you find your way!

Here’s some key advice from attendees who’ve joined us at FMX before:

• The AAFP Events mobile app is your best conference resource! It has everything – a session schedule, maps, Xchange info, ways to chat with other attendees and more.
• Take the Physician’s Journey quiz to find your FMX learning style! This can help you identify sessions you’ll love and find other attendees just like you.
• Networking is one of the best parts of FMX. Some of you may be in smaller or rural practices, or your days are so packed, you don’t have time to talk with colleagues outside your practice. This is your chance to focus on you and build the professional connections you’ve been craving.
• Review the schedule in advance and save sessions in your mobile app agenda that fit your interests and goals.

It’s flexible – your comfort is important! Many attendees opt for business or business casual attire. This is your experience.

Our best tip? Bring a sweater or light jacket. The session rooms are usually chilly. You can also stop by the Fam Med Merch Shop on-site to browse family medicine apparel, but these items sell fast!

We know attending is a family decision, and we want your support system to be present. There’s plenty to do in Nashville if you want to turn FMX into a family vacation. FMX offers on-site childcare (Camp AAFP) to help attendees traveling with children.

Check out Camp AAFP.

Guests of attendees are allowed to attend for free. But guest badges do not provide access to CME sessions, educational programming, workshops, or learning activities in any format—whether on or off the exhibit hall floor.

Guests are discouraged from attending the exhibit hall, The Xchange, to ensure our physician attendees can easily access all the vendor booths. For safety, children 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Due to the high activity on the Xchange floor, close supervision is required.

Design your perfect FMX around your schedule. Attend as many sessions as you'd like, while also making time to build valuable connections. The official FMX schedule starts on October 20 and is packed with over 140 sessions, sponsored learning opportunities, networking events, AAFP member meetups, Main Stage sessions, dedicated hours to explore The Xchange and more.

It’s tough to do it all even when you pack your agenda. If you have to miss a session you wanted to see, almost all our educational sessions are available through FMX On Demand after you leave FMX.

The official FMX schedule starts on Oct. 20, but to make the most of your FMX experience, you may need to arrive October 19 to ensure you don’t miss any valuable education sessions. Sessions run through Oct. 24 so you can determine what works best for your schedule.

FMX offers a broad schedule to ensure you find what you need. Here are examples of educational sessions we offered last year:

• AI in Health Care
• Breaking the Obesity Barrier
• Diabetic Kidney Disease: A Family Medicine Call to Action
• Early Onset Dementia: Diagnosis and Management for Primary Care
• Maximizing Outpatient and Inpatient E&M Coding
• Nail Procedures: Best Practices and Updates
• Physician Burnout
• Pressure Sores and Wound Care Management Tips for Your Practice
• Understanding and Overcoming Vaccine Hesitancy
• Value-Based Care: Payment Adoption in Primary Care Practices

FMX offers various networking opportunities including interactive sessions, meet-and-greet events and dedicated networking spaces. You’ll have the chance to connect with fellow physicians, experts and exhibitors.

Exclusive events like The Xchange Grand Opening provide a fantastic setting to build relationships with solution providers and peers. You won’t want to miss the themed food, entertainment and activities!

Sitting in a session? Strike up a conversation. Grab some new friends and enjoy dinner together. No matter what you do, attending FMX in person provides ample access to peers, mentors and potential collaborators across family medicine.

There’s always something fun to do and amazing people to meet. Build your perfect schedule and get ready to fill in the rest with unforgettable experiences throughout the week.

No, this event is in person only. Attending FMX helps you create meaningful connections through face-to-face networking, hands-on learning and engaging discussions with like-minded peers. The onsite environment also boosts energy, leading to fresh insights and memorable experiences for all.

But we do offer the FMX On Demand option if you’re unable to attend. This provides all-access to key sessions and content at your convenience, and you’re still able to earn CME.

The Xchange at FMX is packed with 300+ exhibitors, including companies that share a commitment to family medicine. Explore the latest innovations, tools and resources to enhance your career, clinical and practice needs.

Stop by one of our sponsored learning opportunities to take part in a 45-minute Solution Session (food provided) or a 15-minute Med Talk (think Ted Talk, just health care related).

What else can you find? A lot!

• Paws 4 a Break—Take a break to cuddle some adorable shelter pups. It’s “pawsitively” the best way to relax and recharge.
• AAFP Central—Visit us to see AAFP membership in action. Learn more about membership, educational opportunities, advocacy support and more.
• Larger-than-life Board Games—Take a brain break with games like Jenga, Lite Brite and Operation.
• Career Resources—We’ll have experts on hand to support your professional success—from insurance and financial planners to recruiters, career coaches and more.

We’ve listed out all hotel options in the FMX block to help you find the perfect room. You won’t do this through the hotel you select; you’ll book your room during the FMX registration process to get the FMX room discount.

Yes, we will! You can find the locations on our mobile app when it’s live.

You’ll have access to drinks and snacks throughout the event. Music City Center also features a Starbucks in the lobby for your daily caffeine fix, as well as a food court with options like Sbarro, Baja Fresh Express, Just Grillin' and Submarina.

You could (and should) get a group together to try out one of Nashville’s incredible restaurants. Ask a local which spot is their favorite.

See what else Music City Center offers.

We host FMX in a different city each year so you can explore the U.S. Curious about future conference dates and locations? Here’s what you can expect.

FMX 2027: Sept. 20-24 in San Diego, CA

FMX 2028: Oct. 10-14 in Indianapolis, IN

We’re delighted you’ll be at FMX 2026! Exhibit dates and times are:

• Wednesday, Oct. 21: 5–7:30 p.m. (The Xchange Grand Opening)
• Thursday, Oct. 22: 9 a.m.–3:15 p.m.
• Friday, Oct. 23: 9 a.m.–3:15 p.m.

Log in and submit your Exhibitor Agreement. Once your application is approved, you’ll receive a confirmation for your booth. For more details, view the agreement.

View the detailed pricing information to see FMX 2026 booth pricing and other exhibitor opportunities.

For each 10' x 10' booth, you receive:

• Pipe and drape
• Booth ID sign (7" x 44")
• Four exhibit badges
• Pre- and post-show physician attendee mailing file
• Security for the exhibit hall perimeter
• Listings in the FMX Program and Exhibitor Guide, mobile app and FMX website

Note: Booths do not include carpet, chairs, or a table. These items may be rented through Freeman, the AAFP's official service contractor, or you may bring your own furnishings.

No, shared booths are not permitted at FMX.

All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing via email to Jill Vetter, Senior Sales Manager, Strategic Program and Events.

• Before June 1, 2026: Forfeit 50% of the exhibit space cost.
• On or after June 1, 2026: Forfeit 100% of the exhibit space cost.

After your booth assignment, you'll receive an email with Exhibitor Login details and instructions. Use this portal to submit your booth description, product category, and, if applicable, new-to-show listings for the live floor plan and FMX mobile app.

Your booth will also appear in the FMX Program and Exhibitor Guide with an alphabetical list, booth number, and product category. Keep descriptions factual for promotional purposes, as the AAFP may review and edit submissions.

Yes, but with limitations:

• Companies with island booths (20' x 20' or larger) can provide formal in-booth education.
• Smaller booths cannot host formal presentations due to space constraints.
• In-booth education cannot qualify for CME credit and must display a sign stating: This educational session does not qualify for CME credit.

Plan accordingly to meet these guidelines.

Companies choosing to provide in-booth education must email Aaron Verhei by September 21, 2026.

Exhibitors can only distribute CME materials if they are the official CME provider and comply with ACCME Standard 4.5. Distribution is restricted to their assigned booth space.

Yes, but you must request permission by emailing Aaron Verhei before September 21, 2026, and comply with all state and local health regulations regarding hazardous waste disposal. View the AAFP FMX Exhibitor Agreement Terms and Conditions for more details on hazardous waste disposal.

Yes, but you must request permission by emailing Aaron Verhei before September 21, 2026. Be sure to include the celebrity’s name, along with the dates and times they will appear in your booth.

For all media inquiries, contact AAFP Public Relations at pr@aafp.org or 800) 274-2237, ext. 6051.

Hanging signs are permitted for island exhibitors (20' x 20' or larger), subject to the 20' height restriction. For further details regarding hanging signs, truss setups, par lighting, gobo lights, and safety cabling regulations, please contact Aaron Verhei.

For complete information, please refer to the Exhibitor Service Kit available June 1.

No, the AAFP provides 24-hour security throughout the exhibit floor, but there will not be a locked security area at the Music City Center.

Important Note: The AAFP cannot guarantee or be held responsible for any loss or damage. For this reason, we recommend that you refrain from displaying products or items of value in your booth until company representatives are present.

Freeman Decorating is the AAFP's official service contractor. The FMX official vendor list to order booth furnishings: carpet, shipping, electrical, internet, lead management, catering, security, floral, etc. will be available June 1.

Exhibitors who choose to use an exhibit service firm other than the official contractor must comply with the Insurance Requirements outlined in the AAFP FMX Exhibitor Agreement Terms and Conditions. You are required to notify the AAFP and submit a valid Certificate of Insurance by September 21, 2026. After this deadline, exhibitors must use the AAFP’s official contractor, Freeman, or their own full-time employ

Information on ordering these services is available June 1 in the FMX official vendor list.

Move in

Monday, October 19
8 a.m.–5 p.m.

Tuesday, October 20
8 a.m.–5 p.m.

Wednesday, October 21
8 a.m.–4 p.m.

Move out

Friday, October 23
3:15–8 p.m.

Saturday, October 24
8 a.m.–5 p.m.

• Please note: Aisles must be clear of all boxes, skids, crates, pallets, trash, materials, etc., by 1 p.m. on Wednesday, October 21, to allow the official contractor to clean/vacuum for The Xchange Grand Opening.
• Equipment (ladders, job boxes, carts, forklifts, etc.) may not be brought into the exposition hall until 30 minutes after the show closes, to allow attendees time to exit the hall.
• Important reminder: For safety reasons, children under 18 are not allowed in the exhibit hall during installation or dismantling due to heavy equipment.

Yes, lead management is available through Maritz, the AAFP's FMX official housing provider. Attendee badges will contain a barcode/QR code that holds the attendee’s name and mailing address.

Please note: the AAFP privacy policy does not allow the inclusion of phone numbers. An email address may be included at the attendee's discretion, but it is not guaranteed. The lead management order form is available in April in the FMX official vendor list.

Shipping information will be available on June 1.

Maritz is the official provider for both badge registration and housing.

Exhibitors are entitled to four badges per 10' x 10' booth. Companies exceeding this allotment will be invoiced an additional $895 per badge after FMX 2026.

Important things to know

Please be aware that you may be targeted by unauthorized hotel or housing poachers claiming to be "partners" or offering services on behalf of the AAFP. These companies are not authorized to provide services for the AAFP.

The AAFP takes proactive measures to prevent unauthorized contact with our community and the inappropriate use of FMX attendees’ and exhibitors’ names.

Rest assured, we are committed to delivering quality services to ensure a positive experience at FMX. We will actively pursue these housing pirate organizations to prevent any unauthorized solicitations.

Yes, exhibitors are welcome to use the free convention shuttle that operates from designated hotels. For specific details, please consult the on-site shuttle schedule.

Exhibit and Sponsorship Sales Management and AAFP Terms and Conditions:
Jill Vetter | (913) 951-8943 

Exhibit Logistics and Operations:
Aaron Verhei | (913) 906-6071