Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the conference called? 
FUTURE. You might know it as the National Conference for Medical Students and Family Medicine Residents. National Conference.  

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 new 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 2025 is Thursday, July 31–Saturday, August 2, 2025.  

The conference will take place at the Kansas City Convention Center (301 W. 13th Street, Kansas City, MO 64105). 

Who can attend FUTURE?  
AAFP members (students, residents, transitional, physicians, chapter staff) can attend. In 2024, more than 1,600 students came to National Conference!

• Students who are not current members may join when you register. The cost to join the AAFP is $0 for students. 
• Residents who are not current members may join when you register. The cost to join the AAFP is $30 plus any chapter dues for residents.
• Transitional members are those individuals who graduated medical school in 2023, 2024 or 2025 but have not yet matched. Eligible individuals may join the AAFP for $125 plus any 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. 

Why do I have to be a member to attend? 
FUTURE focuses on serving the needs of current medical students, family medicine residents and recent medical school graduates. Programming and supporting activities are tailored to these audiences. 

The event experience is not optimized for individuals who are not among these targeted groups. 

What is the benefit of membership? 
AAFP membership not only gains you access to AAFP events, but 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! Learn more on our Student Membership and Resident Membership pages. 

Can my family attend the conference with me? 
We realize attending is a family decision, and we want your support system to be present. So know there’s plenty to do in Kansas City if you want to turn FUTURE into a summer vacation. 

Child care is offered onsite. See Camp AAFP details.

Family members are not allowed on the Expo Hall floor or in workshops. This provides our attendees with the best experience possible.  

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 by April 3 to get the lowest price.

Can I register on-site? 
You can, but there will be a price difference. Register ASAP to save money and secure spots in our wildly 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 30, 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 500+ 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 2025 elected positions and other opportunities.

Will you have lactation rooms on-site? 
Yes, you can find the locations on our mobile app when it’s live.  

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.  

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.    

How do I ask for time off to come?  
You understand that 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!

Simply copy and customize this template, and send it on! We think 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 31–August 2. Thank you for considering this crucial next step in my journey.  

[Your Name] 

When is the FUTURE 2025 exhibit?
FUTURE 2025 takes place July 31–August 2, 2025, at the Kansas City Convention Center in Kansas City, Missouri.

Exhibit dates and times:

• Thursday, July 31: 4:30–7 p.m. (Expo Hall Grand Opening)
• Friday, August 1: 9–10 a.m. (Resident-exclusive Hours)
• Friday, August 1: 10 a.m.–4 p.m. (Expo Hall Open)
• Saturday, August 2: 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, 2025: Forfeit 50% of exhibit space cost.
• On or after June 1, 2025: 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, 2025.

Can I offer clinical testing in my booth?
Yes, but permission is required by May 1, 2025. You must comply with health regulations regarding hazardous waste disposal. View the FUTURE 2025 Exhibitor Agreement Terms and Conditions for details.

Can I have a celebrity in my booth?
Yes, but approval is required by May 1, 2025. 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 FUTURE Official Vendor List will be available online starting April 1, 2025, for booth furnishings, shipping, electrical, internet, lead management, catering, security, floral, etc.

Can I use a contractor other than the official contractor?
Exhibitors using external exhibit service firms must comply with Insurance Requirements in the FUTURE 2025 Exhibitor Agreement Terms and Conditions. A valid Certificate of Insurance must be submitted by May 1, 2025.

How do I order booth furnishings, electrical services, internet, lead management, etc.?
The FUTURE Official Vendor List will be available online starting April 1, 2025.

When is installation and dismantling?
Installation – Exhibit Hall

• Wednesday, July 30: 3 p.m.–7 p.m.
• Thursday, July 31: 8 a.m.–3 p.m.

Dismantling

• Saturday, August 2: 12–6 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, 2025, in the FUTURE Service Kit.

How do I order badges and/or book hotel rooms?
Exhibitor Badge Registration and Housing opens March 2025. Maritz is the official provider for badge registration. Exhibitors receive six badges per 10' x 10' booth. Additional badges cost $295 each.

Visit KC is the official provider for housing.

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