Dr. Richard Besser, is ABC News' senior health and medical editor, providing medical analysis and commentary for all ABC News broadcasts and platforms, including "World News with Diane Sawyer," "Good Morning America" and "Nightline." Watch video of Dr Besser

11:45 AM–4:00 PM
AAP Community Cares Project
Shuttle departs at 11:30am Friday from the Hall B Lobby of the Convention Center

Join us for an opportunity to provide support for New Orleans schoolchildren by volunteering your time before the National Conference during our annual "Community Cares" project. This year, the AAP will be painting, repairing, planting, and participating in a host of other activites for the ReNEW Charter Management Organization (www.renewschools.org) - a network of charter schools (pre-K through high school) dedicated to preparing inner-city children for college. Conference attendees, families and children (5 years of age and older) are welcome to participate in this fun and rewarding activity. Lunch and shuttle transportation will be provided. Don't miss out on an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of New Orleans' children!

5:30 PM–8:30 PM
AAP Kids’ Camp
Hilton Riverside Hote, Grand Salon
Children have a ball at their very own reception with kid-friendly healthy food and fun with games and prizes galore, cool arts and crafts, and more. All attendees and their families are welcome.

7:30 PM–9:30 PM
Welcome Reception
Hilton Riverside Hote, Grand Ballroom
Experience hospitality and cuisine as eclectic as New Orleans. Sway and swing to the jazz of local fame and enjoy a taste of the Crescent City.

Saturday, October 20

10:30-12:15 PM
Opening Plenary Sessions
Ernest N. Morial Convention Center

5:00 PM–6:30 PM
Pediatric Surgical Specialists Reception ^NEW
Hilton Riverside, Grand Salon A-B

Join your fellow surgical specialists for networking and complimentary food and drink following Saturday’s educational program. Table top exhibits are anticipated. Come discuss latest surgical practices and advancements.

7:00 PM–10:00 PM
New Orleans Experience! at Mardi Gras World
Food and Beverage are Complimentary
Shuttle service from AAP hotels is complimentary and runs continuously until 10 pm

Marvel at the masters of sculpture, walk among the towering figures of fantasy and floats, and get a photo op with the props that bring Mardi Gras to life every year. The artists of Blaine Kern Studios create many of the masterpieces seen in theme parks, casinos and amusement parks around the globe including Disney World, Universal Studios Florida, Japan’s Toho Park, Philadelphia’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and many other international cities. While eating New Orleans-inspired cuisine, enjoy local talent including jazz bands, street performers, and activities specifically arranged for children and families.

Sunday, October 21

7:00 AM–8:15 AM
District Breakfasts
Hilton Riverside, Grand Salons on the 1st Floor (see signs on site for specific room assignments)

Join your colleagues in an informal setting and learn more about what is happening in your chapter and district by attending your district breakfast. District leaders will provide an update on national initiatives as well as regional hot topics.

Not sure what AAP District you're in? Click map > to view.

5:30 PM–7:00 PM (Extended Exhibit Hall Hours)
President’s Reception
Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, Exhibit Hall

Mingle with AAP leadership, meet the conference faculty, and enjoy complimentary food on the exhibit floor. Exhibit hours are extended this evening to talk with exhibitors. Don't miss the special events in the AAP Resource Center from the Dept of Education!

Monday, October 22

7:30 AM–8:30 AM (6:30 am Shuttle Bus Pick Up from AAP Hotels)
AAP Friends of Children Fund 5K Fun Run & Walk
Corner of Canal and Wells Street

Join runners and walkers in the 6th annual Fun Run & Walk benefiting the AAP Friends of Children Fund. Suggested donations for entry begin at $25 per family to participate. Conference participants will receive a commemorative T-shirt.

12:30 PM–1:30 PM
Annual Business Luncheon
Hilton Riverside, Grand Ballroom C-D

The AAP Executive Director, Errol R. Alden, MD, FAAP, will report on the state of the AAP at this ceremonial luncheon. AAP President (2011–2012), Robert W. Block, MD, FAAP will lead the inauguration of AAP President-Elect (2012–2013) Thomas K. McInerny, MD, FAAP.

Tuesday, October 23

12:30 PM–1:30 PM
Pediatric Bowl
Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, Room 275-277

Pass a Good Time at the Pediatric Bowl! Play along with Louisiana’s pediatric residency programs competing for the Meconium Cup. Defending Champions (2003), Bonnie Desselle/Paul Cooper and their "Tchoupitoulas Tigers" from Louisiana State University will compete against Todd Washko and his “Gris-gris Green Waves” from Tulane University and newcomers Alston Dunbar and his “Cajun Krewe” from Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital Baton Rouge.

Who Dat? They’re the famed facilitators of fun! Watch Lewis First, editor of Pediatrics; Marshall Land, American Board of Pediatrics; and William Gerson, University of Vermont College of Medicine challenge the rising stars of pediatrics.

Moderators: Lewis First, MD, FAAP; William Gerson, MD, FAAP; Marshall Land, MD, FAAP