AAFS 2026
Know Before You Go
We're excited to welcome you to New Orleans next week for the 78th AAFS Annual Scientific Conference! Please see below for important last-minute details to ensure your conference experience is fantastic.
Bookmark this link and refer back to this important information during your week in "The Big Easy."
Conference Locations:
New Orleans Convention Center
900 Convention Center Blvd.
New Orleans, LA 70130Hilton New Orleans Riverside
Two Poydras Street
New Orleans, LA 70130Time Zone:
New Orleans is located in the Central Standard Time (CST)
Dress Code:
Attire for the AAFS Conference is business casual. Please note, we recommend dressing in layers as temperatures in meeting facilities can fluctuate.
Weather:
For the week of February 9th in New Orleans, expect mild to cool weather, typical for early February, with daytime highs often in the low 60s to low 70s Fahrenheit and cooler nights in the high 40s to mid-50s, with chances of some rain, so layering clothing and packing a light jacket or sweater is key, especially as it's peak Mardi Gras season with lots of festivities.
Get a head start on your conference planning! Check out the most up-to-date conference documents on our conference website.
Check the room. This year we have events happening both at the New Orleans Convention Center and the Hilton Riverside. All rooms at the convention center will be preceded with "NOCC," and all hotel spaces will be listed with "Hilton."
The AAFS Conference App is your source for the most up-to-date information, schedule details, and more while you're onsite in New Orleans. The app also features helpful resources like property maps, local area attractions, AAFS-TV, and more.
To get started:
- Download the app from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.
- Create a new account; when prompted for an Event Code, enter: AAFS2026
- Update your profile and you'e ready to go!
Download Now!
For those flying into the Louis Armstrong International Airport, it's approximately 15 miles from the airport to the Convention Center area. There are a number of options available to get there once you arrive:
Uber/Lyft:
Pickup from Level 1 (Ground Level) Approximately $35–$45 15–20 minute ride
Taxi:
Pickup from Lower Level at the arrivals curb, near baggage claim 7. Approximately $36 15–20 minute ride
Parking:
Parking for the New Orleans Convention Center is available in multiple lots on the south side, with daily rates (around $23 for cars, $42 for oversized) payable via the ParkMobile app, which also allows reservations.
The conference registration desk is located in the New Orleans Convention Center in the Hall D Lobby. AAFS will have signage displayed to assist you in locating this area as well as other key spaces of the conference facility.
Registration Hours:
- Sunday, February 8: 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm
- Monday, February 9: 6:45 am - 5:00 pm
- Tuesday, February 10: 6:45 am - 6:00 pm
- Wednesday, February 11: 6:45 am - 5:00 pm
- Thursday, February 12: 6:45 am - 5:00 pm
- Friday, February 13: 6:45 am - 4:00 pm
As a reminder, conference badges should be worn at all times while in the convention space to identify you as part of the conference and are required for admission to conference functions.
We're here to support our attendees! Here are a few of the resources available to those coming to New Orleans.
Mother's Room:
Ernest N. Morial New Orleans Convention Center offers two nursing locations. Nursing Mothers Rooms are located in both Lobby B and Lobby H. Additional accommodations can be made at the Medical Services Stations in Lobbies B, F, and H.
Getting Around NOCC:
- The Convention Center provides service ramps to entrances and elevated areas, automatic doors, an array of passenger elevators, and restroom facilities as well as braille instructions and directional signage at strategic locations throughout the building.
- Mobility scooter rental is available at NOCC at the UPS Store, located in Lobby F. We welcome and encourage our guests to make arrangements in advance: Mobility Scooter Reservation Form. Wheelchairs are also available upon request.
- AAFS Shuttles Busses: AAFS Shuttles buses will be available for pick-up/drop-off of attendees every 15–20 minutes between Hilton Riverside (HQ Hotel) and the Convention Center Lobby D during the following dates and times. Wednesday, February 11 – 7:00am – 6:30pm ,Thursday, February 12, – 7:00am – 8:30pm , Friday, February 13, 8:00am – 5:00pm.
For more information on these and other accessibility and accommodation efforts at the AAFS Conference, please visit our Accessibility page.
Attending AAFS is a fantastic experience, and while New Orleans has plenty to offer, it's always smart to keep basic safety in mind — just like you would anywhere else! Here are a few simple tips to help you navigate with confidence:
- Stay Aware and Walk with Purpose – Stick to well-lit, populated areas, especially at night, and be mindful of your surroundings. Looking confident and engaged can deter unwanted attention. When possible, travel with fellow attendees when out and about in the city.
- Keep Your Belongings Close – A crossbody bag or zippered pockets help prevent pickpocketing. Avoid leaving bags or devices unattended, even for a moment.
- Use Trusted Transportation – Opt for official rideshare services, taxis, or hotel shuttles rather than accepting rides from strangers. If walking, use main streets and stay with fellow attendees.
- Be Smart with Your Badge – While networking is key, avoid wearing your conference badge outside the convention center or hotel to keep from identifying yourself as a visitor.
New Orleans is a vibrant city and with these easy safety habits, you'll be free to enjoy your conference experience with peace of mind!
All conference attendees will receive a Certificate of Attendance via email upon completion of the conference. However, if you need to claim continuing education credit, please make sure you've paid the CE Fee.
AAFS is proud to offer the following continuing education credits:
- General Continuing Education
- Medical (CME)
- Nursing (CNE)
- Dental (ADA CERP)
- Legal (CLE)
Credit claiming will be online through CME University. Online claim information will be sent to registered CE participants and will also be available onsite at the registration kiosks in the New Orleans Lobby D Foyer. For more information, visit our CE Information Page.
Need to pay the CE Fee? You can do so online by modifying your registration or stopping by the registration desk during the week.
The AAFS Exhibit Hall not only features some of the leading products and services for the forensic sciences community, but also a number of enhancements you won't want to miss!
- AAFS Pavilion: All things AAFS! Visit our Pavilion to meet AAFS Staff, ask questions about programs and opportunities, and more. Look for the special giveaway drawing slip in your conference bag and return it to the Pavilion during the week for a chance to win a free registration to the 2027 AAFS Conference!
- AAFS Game Zone: Take a break and recharge in the AAFS Game Zone! Located in the exhibit hall, this casual, interactive space is designed for attendees to relax, connect, and have a little fun between sessions. Stop by to enjoy games, friendly competition, and a laid-back atmosphere. It's the perfect spot to unwind, network, and reset before heading to your next event.
- Exhibitor Showcase Stage: The showcase stage returns with product demonstrations from leading companies participating in AAFS 2026!
- Attendee Lounge: Relax, charge your phone, and catch up with colleagues in our comfortable attendee lounge.
- Passport to Prizes Giveaway: Find participating booths, chat with exhibitors, stamp your passport, and win prizes!
Stay up-to-date on all Mardi Gras parade routes, start times, and real-time locations by downloading the official Parade Tracker app. The app provides live GPS tracking, route maps, and alerts so you'll know exactly when and where parades are happening. We highly recommend downloading the app before heading out to plan your viewing spot and avoid street closures or delays.
We invite you to join us for these special functions during the week:
- The Judge and the General Film Screening Presented by the FSF Humanitarian & Human Rights Resource Center
Tuesday, February 10
4:00 pm - 6:00 pm in Hilton Jackson - Welcome Reception
Tuesday, February 10
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm in Hilton Jefferson, St. Charles and St. James - Community Connections Forum & Reception
Tuesday, February 10
8:00 pm - 10:00 pm in Hilton River/Port/Starboard - Plenary Session: Navigating Invisible Wounds: Mental Health and Well-Being Across the Forensic Spectrum
Wednesday, February 11
9:00 am - 11:00 am in La Nouvelle Ballroom - Forensics After Hours Reception:
Thursday, February 12
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm in NOCC Hall D - Last Word Society
Thursday, February 12
8:00 pm - 10:00 pm in NOCC La Nouvelle Ballroom A - Criminalistics Special Session: Believe It or Not! (All are welcome!)
Friday, February 13
5:30 pm – 8:00 pm in NOCC 353
- The Judge and the General Film Screening Presented by the FSF Humanitarian & Human Rights Resource Center
Stay connected while in New Orleans! Conference Wi-Fi is available throughout the New Orleans Convention Center for AAFS attendees.
- Network: AAFS_WiFi
- Password: AAFS2026
Disclaimer: The free internet access is provided "AS IS;" this provides access to the internet on an "as is" basis with all risks inherent in such access. By connecting, the user acknowledges and accepts the risks associated with public access to the internet and public use of an unsecured wireless network.
Please note that all luncheon sessions will be held at the Hilton Riverside.
Attendees should plan ahead and allow adequate travel time between the convention center and the hotel to ensure timely arrival. AAFS will have shuttle busses available during these times that will be on a 15–20 minute loop from the Convention Center to the Hilton Riverside New Orleans.
In addition to the scientific sessions, exhibits, posters, and more already included with your ticket, we have several additional opportunities that you can add-on to your registration! If you're interested in one of our workshops, luncheon sessions, special celebrations, or other add-on events, simply click to add it to your registration or visit the registration desk to sign up while on-site. But don't wait, space is limited for many of these opportunities!
Each year, the Forensic Sciences Foundation (FSF) offers an exciting opportunity to take home unique and incredible items while raising funds to support research and educational grants for the forensic community. From books, electronics, trips, and more, there's something for everyone in the auction.
Check out this year's available items and place your bid (you don't even have to wait to be in New Orleans).
While onsite, if you have questions or need assistance, visit the Registration desk in the New Orleans Convention Center Lobby D Foyer to chat with our friendly staff.
(Available during normal registration hours beginning Sunday, February 8)