PLASTIC SURGERY THE MEETING 2012 HIGHLIGHTS uuAttendance was the highest it has been since 2008 in Chicago. Nearly 3,000 attendees came to New Orleans. came to celebrate with our Patients of Courage awards at the “Opening Ceremonies,” where five amazing women were recognized for their aid to others fighting breast cancer and for sharing information about breast reconstruction options. 2012 Annual Meeting featured new programs such as our 2.5 hour closing session Lunch & Learn: “Fat Tuesday - Clinical Applications of Fat Grafting,” and “Building Your Virtual Practice,” our Friday pre-conference symposia featured Google hands-on training, and 27 new instructional courses. New educational programs included Mastering Rhinoplasty and Duet Injection Program with Live Demonstrations for residents. We also introduced “Forums” or interactive sessions that provide for additional Q&A with faculty and smaller sessions at the larger meeting. Exhibit Hall brought hundreds of companies who provide new solutions to plastic surgery practices. More than 200 companies participated. introduced the first annual “Guest Nation” and welcomed nearly 100 members of Sociedade Brasileira de Cirurgia Plástica who took part in our Annual Scientific Meeting in New Orleans. ASPS translated the general sessions in Portuguese and highlighted Brazil’s clinical excellence and accomplishments in the art and science of plastic and reconstructive surgery. The Guest National program led to a 30% increase in Brazilian attendance over 2011. OCTOBER 11 - 15, 2013 SAN DIEGO, CA uuThousands uuThe uuThe uuWe PA G E 1 7