FUTURE Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the conference called? 
FUTURE! It used to be National Conference for Medical Students and Family Medicine Residents, but that just wasn’t fitting our vibe anymore. We renamed it “FUTURE” to reflect a commitment to the next generation of physicians. 

FUTURE captures what this event is about—embracing health care innovation, inspiring future leaders, and fostering professional growth in an ever-evolving field. It’s focused on equipping you with the tools and connections you need to define your medical career and impact the future of patient care.   

Why FUTURE? 
The AAFP’s National Conference was a cornerstone for medical students and residents pursuing family medicine. At National Conference 2024, we renamed it “FUTURE” to reflect our commitment to looking forward and preparing the next generation of physicians.  

Our name captures what this event is about—embracing innovation, shaping health care, inspiring future leaders, and fostering professional growth in an ever-evolving field. It’s focused on equipping you with the tools and connections you need to define your medical career and impact the future of health care. 

When and where is FUTURE? 
FUTURE 2026 is Thursday, July 30–Saturday, August 1, 2026.  

Each year we host FUTURE in Kansas City at the Kansas City Convention Center (301 W. 13th Street, Kansas City, MO 64105). It’s in the center of the country because it simplifies your travel and costs are lower. We share other ways you can save money while attending on the Plan Your Trip page! 

Who can attend FUTURE?  
AAFP members (students, residents, transitional, physicians and chapter staff) can attend. In 2025, more than 1,600 students came to FUTURE!

• If you’re a student who’s not a current member, you can join when you register. Your cost to join the AAFP is $0.
• If you’re a resident who isn’t a current member, you can join when you register. Your cost to join the AAFP is $30 plus any chapter dues.
• Transitional members are individuals who graduated medical school in 2024, 2025 or 2026 but have not yet matched. You can join the AAFP for $125 plus chapter dues. Registration will not be complete until membership has been approved. (The date provided on an ECFMG Certificate is not acceptable as a graduation date.)
• Staff-approved nonmembers (primarily physicians, allied health professionals, chapter executives and other FP or non-FP organization staff, etc.) Staff-approved non-members must go through Member Resources to register to verify they are eligible to attend. 

What if I’m not sure of my specialty yet?
No problem! While we're a family medicine association, this conference is intended to help medical students explore the different medical career options out there. It’s important you have the time and information to make the best decision for yourself and your family. This is what you’ll be doing for the next 30-plus years! 

I’m not ready to meet with residency programs yet. Would it still benefit me to come?
Absolutely! That’s not an expectation. Meeting with residency programs is only one piece of the FUTURE experience. We offer many other activities based on where you’re at in school. You can explore the exhibit hall, chat with other attendees or enjoy some time to yourself. 

What's the benefit of becoming an AAFP member? 
AAFP membership not only gains you discounted access to AAFP events like FUTURE, it also provides you with the resources you need to succeed, such as:

• a QBank of more than 1,300 Board-style questions to prepare for your exam
• unlimited access to the American Family Physician journal, our peer-reviewed, evidence-based clinical journal
• residency search tools
• networking through Family Medicine Interest Groups and more.  

It's easy to join and free for students! Learn more on our Student Membership page. 

Can my family attend the conference with me? 
Attending may be is a family decision, and we want your support system to be with you. There’s plenty to do in Kansas City if you want to turn FUTURE into a summer vacation. 

Childcare, known as Camp AAFP, is offered onsite.

Family members are not allowed on the Expo Hall floor or in workshops so all attendees can have focused time.

What does my conference registration get me? 

• Three days to learn and connect 
• Main Stage sessions and workshops
• Expo Hall access (This is where you’ll find residency programs and health care companies.) 
• Expo Hall Grand Opening  
• Student or resident Congress activities 
• Celebration (This is where you’ll dance the night away.) 
• Special interest networking sessions 
• Access to session handouts in the mobile app 

How will I know when registration opens? 
Registration is open. It's easy. Sign up today.

Do you offer an early bird discount?
You bet! Register today to get the lowest price. Here are the registration discount deadlines: 

• Early bird: Ends April 15
• Advanced: April 16 – June 24

Can I register onsite? 
You can, but there will be a price difference. Register in advance to save money and secure spots in our popular, limited-seating hands-on workshops.  

Do you offer scholarships? 
We do. Since 2002, the AAFP Foundation has paid for over 4,875 med students and residents to attend our conference. You can read more about scholarship options.

When should I arrive to FUTURE?  
We’d love to have you onsite at FUTURE on Wednesday, July 29, by 5 p.m. to join us for Regi-ception!

Pick up your badge and swag before the rush, and mingle with peers over apps and drinks. The energy of Regi-ception is contagious, and we highly recommend attending this fantastic networking event.

If you’re unable to make it on Wednesday, no worries—education kicks off on Thursday at 8 a.m. sharp!  

How do I make a hotel reservation? Do you offer a special conference rate? 
Yes, we do. See hotel options to compare rates and select what fits your travel budget. Book early to get the best options.

Is there public transportation to get to the convention center?  
The Kansas City Streetcar, bus services and taxis are available throughout the city for your transportation needs.   

Will I have the chance to participate in hands-on workshops or practical sessions? 
Yes, we offer 45- or 75-minute workshops that are designed to be interactive. Many include hands-on practice using simulators, models and small group activities.

Will there be opportunities to meet and speak with family medicine professionals? 
Yes, you’ll be able to speak with family medicine professionals in between sessions, in our Expo Hall, and at networking events.  

Why should I visit the Expo Hall? 
FUTURE’s Expo Hall is packed with 400+ exhibitors. There, you’ll be able to travel the country via residency programs and learn about the latest in health care tech. The Expo Hall is also a great space to connect with peers and take a brain break with massages and larger-than-life board games.  

Am I allowed to go to Congress? 
Congress sessions are open to anyone registered for FUTURE. To speak to and vote on recommendations before your congress, you must be a resident or student member of the AAFP. To vote in elections, you must be a chapter delegate. 

• Each AAFP chapter sends one delegate to each congress. Chapter delegates attend all business sessions, poll their state delegations about issues before the congresses, and vote in elections. If you are interested in serving as a delegate to your congress, contact your chapter. 
• A key action of the congresses is the election of the resident and student AAFP board members, FUTURE chairs, delegates to the AAFP Congress of Delegates, national coordinator of the Family Medicine Interest Group Network and representatives to the boards of the AAFP Foundation, Association of Family Medicine Residency Directors and Society of Teachers of Family Medicine.
  
  You must be an AAFP member in good standing at your school/program to run for office. Learn more about 2026 elected positions and other opportunities.

How do I ask for time off from school to attend FUTURE?  
Missing a few days of school to attend FUTURE will benefit your career in the long run, but how do you explain this to your advisor or professors? We’ve got you!

Copy and customize this template, and send it on! They’ll be impressed by your initiative.  

Time Off Request Template:

[Advisor or Professor], 

I plan on attending the AAFP’s FUTURE conference, formerly National Conference. 
 
FUTURE is the premier event for medical students interested in learning about family medicine. I’m looking forward to the positive impact these three days of exclusive education will have on my future.  

I’ll be at FUTURE July 30–August 1. Thank you for considering this crucial next step in my journey.  

[Your Name] 

What’s the dress code? 
That’s up to you and your schedule. Be comfortable if you’re coming in from the airport. Come to sessions in your scrubs. Dress business casual if you have a good impression to make. Pick an outfit you can dance in for our Friday night party, Celebration. Any combination of these looks could be the perfect one for your day.  

Pro tip: Check our social media and this site for photos of attendees like you at past conferences. You’ll be able to get a good idea of what to pack.  

What should I bring with me each day? 
Bring something to take notes (pen and paper, tablet, etc.), a snack, water, a sweater in case you get chilly and anything else you feel you might need to have the best conference possible.    

Will you have lactation rooms onsite? 
Yes, you can find the locations on our event mobile app.

Will there be ADA accommodations on-site? 
If you need a scooter or wheelchair, you can order one for an additional fee through Chuck’s Mobility. Reservations are required. Contact Chuck’s Mobility at (816) 859-0290 or visit chucksmobility.com to make a reservation.  

Note: Rentals will not be available on-site at the convention center. All reservations must be made before arrival. 

If you need hearing or vision assistance, complete the “Special Accommodations” questions on your registration form or contact Annie Tebow at least 10 business days before the event to make arrangements. 

What’s the food situation? 
You’ll have access to food and drinks for purchase throughout the event. At lunchtime, we line the street with gourmet food trucks. Many special events throughout the conference offer refreshments, and our after-hours events feature alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.  

Check your sessions on our mobile app to see if they include food and be on the lookout for a free breakfast or two. You also could (and should) get a group together to try out one of Kansas City’s incredible restaurants. Ask a local which spot is their favorite.  

How does this event benefit medical students specifically?

FUTURE is for you. With workshops designed to help you succeed in med school, you’ll have no problem getting a clearer picture of your future in medicine. Attend sessions focused on clinical skills, leadership development, career planning and more.

I don’t know if I want to practice family medicine. Should I still come? 
Absolutely! Our programming is designed to not only help you discover what makes family medicine so great, but also which specialty would ultimately be the right fit for you. Our sessions are geared toward helping med students succeed in med school, no matter the specialty.

Will there be sessions tailored for specific stages of medical school or career interests?
Yes! No matter where you are on your journey, FUTURE is the place to discover new opportunities in family medicine. Here’s how we address each stage:

1st Year

Explore family medicine through workshops, Main Stage sessions, discussions with your peers and specialty leaders and more.

2nd Year

Prepare for clerkship through educational programming designed to enhance your family medicine journey and get a jump-start on your residency and career.

3rd Year

Strengthen your path to family medicine. Hone procedural skills, visit residency programs and see what all you can do as a family physician.

4th Year

Learn how to seamlessly transition into residency and connect with residents who went through the same experiences.

Is there special programming for residents?
Yes, there are resident-focused workshops. Additional activities will be announced soon.

Can resident exhibitors participate in the conference?
Yes, resident exhibitors receive access to all free conference programming, including Main Stage sessions, workshops and Resident Congress sessions. Residents also have resident-only time in the Expo Hall.

Do I have to pay to attend?
Only if you don’t come with your residency program. Ask your program if they can help you come to FUTURE for FREE—and save your money for Family Medicine Experience (FMX), the AAFP’s premier event for primary care, Oct. 20–24, 2026, in Nashville, TN.

• Gain insights that go beyond med school.

• Learn how to prioritize self-care.

• Become a well-rounded physician.

Health care is about more than just prescribing medicine. That’s why FUTURE is focused on equipping you with the skills and insights you need to thrive during and after medical school.

Our skills workshops and educational sessions feature over 40 topics, providing knowledge that extends far beyond the traditional med school curriculum. In addition to clinical expertise, you’ll explore practical, hands-on learning in areas like suturing, joint injections, mental health care and chronic disease management.

Our workshops also offer invaluable tips on how to survive med school with best practices for studying, time management and balancing the demands of your education with your well-being. 

You’ll learn about the importance of self-care during training, ensuring you prioritize your health while pursuing your career. FUTURE also helps you navigate important decisions like choosing the right specialty. Whether you’re considering family medicine or another path, our sessions give you the tools and perspective to determine which specialty is the best fit for you.

Whether it’s through specialized skills, leadership development, certifications or unique insights into policy and advocacy, the knowledge you gain at FUTURE will set you apart. Excel in med school and make a lasting impact as a well-rounded, compassionate physician.

Relevant Connections

• Meet peers, residency programs and mentors.

• Network at formal sessions and informal activities.

• Attend career fairs and expo events. 

Build meaningful relationships with peers, experienced practitioners and mentors who can guide you through the journey of becoming a physician at FUTURE.

Whether it’s sharing study tips, exploring specialty choices or finding a balance between work and personal life, these connections are invaluable as you navigate medical school and beyond.

In addition to structured networking sessions, FUTURE offers relaxed, organic ways to connect. Participate in activities like interactive coloring walls, games and celebration events. These informal gatherings allow you to forge connections that extend beyond the conference. Expect to make lasting friendships with peers who share your passion for medicine.

FUTURE also provides opportunities to connect with residency programs, practice groups and health care organizations. Attend career fairs and expo events to meet residency directors and potential employers and gain insights into various medical fields while learning what programs look for in candidates.

With these connections, you’re not just building a professional network—you’re gaining a supportive community to help you grow and succeed throughout your medical career.

Poster Competition

• Showcase your research.

• Gain constructive feedback.

• Learn from your peers’ findings.

FUTURE’s poster competition is a unique opportunity for medical students and residents to showcase their research, clinical case studies and innovative projects to a national audience of peers, educators and family medicine leaders.

Each year, this event highlights the diverse and impactful work being done by emerging professionals in family medicine, offering a platform to present new ideas, share evidence-based findings and engage in thought-provoking discussions.

By participating in the poster competition, you’ll not only gain valuable presentation experience, but you’ll also receive constructive feedback from experienced family physicians and academics. This is your chance to refine your communication skills, enhance your research acumen and build your professional resume.

Attendees benefit from exploring a wide array of topics, ranging from cutting-edge clinical research to community health projects. This is also an excellent opportunity for attendees to network with presenters and fellow participants, making connections with future colleagues.

This event fosters a collaborative environment where you can ask questions, exchange ideas and gain insights into the varied research areas that drive the field of family medicine forward.

Leadership Development

• Impact the future through Congress sessions.

• Collaborate with like-minded peers in an FMIG.

• Attend a night to remember hosted by CDHEGH.

At FUTURE, you’ll have the chance to become a champion for family medicine and develop essential leadership skills.

Through our Congress sessions, all attendees are welcome to engage in meaningful discussions about the future of family medicine, allowing you to use your voice to influence real change.

Additionally, we offer dedicated sessions on leadership development, where you can learn from experienced family physicians and connect with Family Medicine Interest Groups (FMIGs). As part of an FMIG, you’ll be able to collaborate with peers who share a passion for advancing family medicine and advocating for primary care. These experiences empower you to grow as a leader and make a lasting impact on both your career and the field of family medicine.

When is the FUTURE 2026 Expo Hall?
FUTURE 2026 takes place July 30–August 1, 2026, at the Kansas City Convention Center in Kansas City, Missouri.

Exhibit dates and times:

• Thursday, July 30: 3–4 p.m. (Resident-exclusive Hours)
• Thursday, July 30: 4–6 p.m. (Expo Hall Grand Opening) 
• Friday, July 31: 9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. (Expo Hall Open)
• Saturday, August 1: 9 a.m.–12 p.m. (Expo Hall Open)

How do I reserve a booth?
If you're a new exhibitor or haven't exhibited with us in the past five years, please complete and submit the Exhibitor Eligibility Form with a list and description of the products, devices, and services you plan to showcase. This helps us review your submission before assigning booth space.

If you have recently exhibited with us, log in and submit your Exhibitor Agreement. Once approved, you'll receive a booth confirmation. For details, view the agreement.

How much does a booth cost?
The Exhibitor Package costs $1,850.

What’s included with my booth package?
For each 10' x 10' booth, you receive:

• 10' x 10' booth space
• 6' x 30" draped table
• Two chairs
• Booth carpet
• One wastebasket
• 8' back drape
• 3' side drape
• One Swap Mobile App Badge Scanner (app activation)
• Exhibitor ID sign
• Up to six exhibitor badges
• FUTURE t-shirts for each exhibitor
• Listing in the Expo Hall Map (mobile app and website)
• Pre- and post-show mailing lists*

Can I share a booth with another company or residency program?
No more than two residency programs may share one 10' x 10' booth.

What if I need to cancel?
All cancellations must be submitted in writing via email to Jill Vetter.

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

How do I input my company information for attendee promotion?
After booth assignment, you'll receive an email with Exhibitor Login details. Use this portal to submit your booth description, categories, and, if applicable, new-to-show listings for the live floor plan and mobile app.

Can I offer education or distribute CME in my booth?
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: This educational session does not qualify for CME credit.

Exhibitors providing in-booth education must email the Exhibits Team by May 1, 2026.

Can I offer clinical testing in my booth?
Yes, but permission is required by May 1, 2026. You must comply with health regulations regarding hazardous waste disposal. View the FUTURE 2026 Exhibitor Agreement Terms and Conditions for details.

Can I have a celebrity in my booth?
Yes, but approval is required by May 1, 2026. Include the celebrity’s name, and their appearance dates and times in your request.

Do you allow hanging signs, safety cabling, par lighting, or gobo lights?
Hanging signs are permitted for island exhibitors (20' x 20' or larger), subject to a 20' height restriction. For details, contact the Exhibits Team.

Is there a locked security area?
No. The AAFP provides 24-hour security on the exhibit floor, but exhibitors are responsible for securing valuables.

Who are the official contractors?
Fern Decorating is the AAFP’s official service contractor. The official vendor list for booth furnishings, shipping, electrical, internet, lead management, catering, security, floral, etc. will be available April 1, 2026.

Can I use a contractor other than the official contractor?
Exhibitors using external exhibit service firms must comply with Insurance Requirements in the FUTURE 2026 Exhibitor Agreement Terms and Conditions. A valid Certificate of Insurance must be submitted by May 1, 2026.

How do I order booth furnishings, electrical services, internet, lead management, etc.?
The official vendor list will be available April 1, 2026.

When is installation and dismantling?
Installation – Exhibit Hall

• Wednesday, July 29: 3–7 p.m.
• Thursday, July 30: 8 a.m.–2 p.m.

Dismantling

• Saturday, August 1: 12–3:30 p.m.

Important: Children under 18 are not allowed in the exhibit hall during installation or dismantling due to safety concerns.

Do you offer lead management?
Yes. Lead management is available through Maritz, AAFP’s official provider. Attendee badges contain a barcode/QR code with name and mailing address.

Note: The AAFP privacy policy does not include phone numbers. Attendees may opt to share an email address, but it is not guaranteed.

Where do I send my freight?
All shipments must be consigned to Fern, AAFP’s official material handling contractor. Detailed shipping instructions will be available April 1, 2026, in the FUTURE Service Kit.

How do I order badges and/or book hotel rooms?
Maritz is the official provider for badge registration. Exhibitors receive six badges per 10' x 10' booth. Additional badges cost $295 each. ORCHID is the official provider for FUTURE housing. Visit resources for additional details.

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 FUTURE attendees’ and exhibitors’ names.

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

Who can I contact with additional questions?

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

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