JUSTICE FOR ALL
Conference Extras
The 2024 conference offers not only top-tier educational content, but a number of ways for you to enjoy Denver, connect with fellow attendees, and maximize your experience throughout the week. Check out some of the below opportunities offered to attendees of the AAFS Annual Conference:
Film Screening – Just Mercy
Join AAFS for a special screening of Just Mercy, the powerful and thought-provoking 2019 biopic illustrating the true story of 2024 Keynote Speaker and renowned lawyer Bryan Stevenson and his history-making battle for justice for a wrongly condemned death row prisoner.
Sunday – February 18 | 6:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Pre-Registration Encouraged
AAFS Hockey Night
Arriving early in Denver? Kick off the conference with the Stanley Cup-winning Colorado Avalanche as they take on the Arizona Coyotes! AAFS attendees will have special seats for the game, along with pre-game food, drinks, and networking.
Note: This event is ticketed and is not included in your registration. You may purchase additional tickets for any guests you may wish to invite, even if they are not registered for the main conference itself. Tickets must be purchased by December 21. Transportation to the arena is not included.
Cost: $150 per ticket
Facility Tour: Denver City/County Office of the Medical Examiner
Take a peek inside the world-class facility home to the Denver Medical Examiner/Coroner teams. Specially designed to support the City and County of Denver, the office investigates over 2,000 deaths annually. Their team is opening their doors to allow AAFS attendees a special look at how they operate to support the region. Limited space will be available, and tours will be approximately 1-1.5 hours. Transportation to/from the facility will be provided.
Special thanks to Denver Chief Medical Examiner James Caruso for partnering with us to offer this opportunity.
Cost: Free
Pre-Registration Required
Closing Celebration: "Party on the Peak"
We're wrapping up the week with a special celebration, themed around the mountains and skiing of Colorado. Taking place Friday evening, your ticket includes music, food, entertainment, and more. Wear your best "chalet chic" or "flannel fun" and close out the conference with your friends and colleagues!
Note: This event is ticketed and is not included in your registration. You may purchase additional tickets for any guests you may wish to invite, even if they are not registered for the main conference itself. All guests must be 18 years or older.
Cost: $50 per ticket
AAFS 2024 Challenge Coin
Actual Size: 1.75 inches
Cost: $10 pre-ordered; $15 once on site
Challenge coins have a history dating back to World War I. These coins hold immense significance within the armed forces and are seen as symbols of camaraderie and tradition. The challenge coins serve several important purposes within the military community to include unit identification, recognition for service and awards, and symbols of unity and belonging. Another common purpose includes presenting a coin while amongst colleagues as a "challenge" to see who does not have their coin. The one caught with an empty hand owes a round of drinks to the group. If everyone produces their coin, the challenger owes a round of drinks to the group.
The role of the challenge coin has evolved beyond the military and they are now popular with many organizations, to include law enforcement, federal agencies, and state agencies. They are often presented as tokens of appreciation, traded with colleagues, and collected by many. While the original purpose of these coins was to identify a military member's association with a particular unit, they transcend these military boundaries and serve to identify association with a particular agency or organization. The American Academy of Forensic Sciences has created its own challenge coin for the 2024 conference that represents our relevance and commitment to "Justice For All" and integrity through forensic science.
