FPMA SAM 2026: The One That Hit Different

Every year, conferences promise to be “the best yet.”

But FPMA SAM 2026?

The. Best. Yet.

From the moment the exhibit hall doors opened to the last exhausted-but-happy goodbye hug, this conference delivered in ways that don’t happen by accident. SAM26 had record physician and medical assistant attendance, a sold-out exhibit hall, and more unsolicited praise than I could keep up with. And trust me, people do not hold back when they talk to me.

Exhibitors were pulling me aside in the aisles.

Texting me after hours.

Tagging me on social.

Emailing me once they got home.

“Thank you for putting on an AMAZING conference!!! It was one of the best, if not the best, conference I’ve ever attended! The atmosphere was positive, upbeat and extremely fruitful and productive! I wanted to tell you I appreciate you and all that you did to put such an awesome conference together!!! You get an A+”

One sponsor summed it up best when they said SAM26 was “our best meeting to date!” And that wasn’t just anyone… that was Sagis Podiatry, a major supporter this year who anchored the Welcome Reception and sponsored the wildly popular Draw-Me-Bot AI caricature activation.

The Exhibit Hall Energy Was Real

If you wanted proof that the right mix of strategy, creativity, and relationships matters, you only had to walk the floor.

AIMx Podiatry, a relatively new player in the podiatry space, had hands-down the busiest booth in the hall. These guys are movers and shakers, and their presence at SAM made it very clear: they’re here to stay.

We also leaned hard into content-as-an-experience this year. Thanks to Orlando Productions and Doug Loran’s wizardry, the exhibit hall featured a fully outfitted podcast booth with live recordings, including Real Talk with a Foot Doc.

The Dean’s Chat podcast recorded live at the BakoDx booth, and APMSA recorded their inaugural podcast on stage.

Add in industry theater sessions, packed receptions, and actual conversations (not drive-by badge scans)… the exhibit hall wasn’t just busy, it was electric.

SAM After Dark: Speakeasy, But Make It Podiatry

Friday night, FPMA hosted SAM After Dark, a 1920s-style speakeasy event designed specifically for younger physicians, powered by five incredible sponsors. Every detail of this event was intentional, stylish, and fun. Exactly what this generation of doctors has been asking for.

My On-Site Role (What do I do, exactly???)

For those who don’t know, my main role at SAM is exhibitor relations. Which means I don’t sit. Ever.

I walked the aisles all day, every day. I don’t track my steps, but My Christina does and she swears she walked more with me during SAM than she does on a full Disney vacation.

Over four days, I went through two pairs of shoes per day (good thing I packed 12 pairs), interviewed exhibitors, physicians, and students, and spent two straight hours being followed by the Orlando Productions crew while I conducted on-camera interviews across the floor.

Here’s the thing I realized as I was walking and talking: no one else in this industry can stroll up to almost any booth, greet the rep by name, laugh about a shared past experience, and immediately capture meaningful video content.

Those interviews worked because the relationships were already there.

I purposefully build, nurture, and fiercely protect those relationships. This was one of those “all those late nights are worth it” moments.

The Future of the Profession Was on Display

This was also the first year I spent time talking with the students who entered the poster competition and I was blown away.

From topic selection to data collection to poster design, these students put in countless hours while balancing coursework and life.

Their work ethic, passion, and professionalism left a lasting impression, and it reminded me why conferences like SAM matter so much for the future of podiatry. Huge kudos to Dr. Edgar Sy for raising such radiant stars.

Feedback That Hit Me Right in the Feelings (My eyes watered a tiny bit)

One of my favorite moments is when someone stops me and says, “I get your emails!” I always anxiously wait for the rest of that statement.

This year, those moments brought me to tears night after night.

Physicians and exhibitors alike told me how much they appreciate the content, the honesty, and the service provided by PodiatryMeetings.com.

That kind of feedback never gets old, and it’s the fuel that keeps me going, even after a Tuesday–Sunday marathon week that was exhausting, demanding, and worth every second.

Why This One Worked

This one was different.

FPMA deserves enormous credit for recognizing the value of bringing in third-party experts and letting them do their jobs:

PodiatryMeetings.com (that's me!) – exhibit hall strategy, sponsor programs, exhibitor relations

Orlando Productions (Doug Loran) – specialty AV, photography, videography, social media, and bunches of other behind-the-scenes magic

CMC & Associates (Liz & Shanna and their team) – logistics, venue, registration, on-site execution… all the details.

And of course, the true masterminds behind SAM are the FPMA Dream Team: Karen Lambert, Dr. Dennis Frisch, and Dr. Rob Frimmel. Their trust means everything to me, and it’s an honor to be invited into the room where these decisions are made.

When experts collaborate, stay in their lanes, and respect each other’s craft, the result is magic. Or in this case… 98% smoother than a fresh jar of Skippy.

A Few Final Thoughts

I don’t believe in competition. I believe in collaboration.

I finally connected in person with Rich Dubin from LER Expo, met Meghan McClelland from APMA, and had meaningful conversations with stakeholders from other associations.

I’m honored to say: a few new projects are already in motion.

What I bring to conferences that most planners don’t is relationships and genuine empathy for exhibitors and sponsors. I know what they need to succeed, because I walk beside them every step of the way.

Don’t Miss the Next One

If you weren’t at SAM this year, don’t make that mistake again.

SAM 2027 · January 27-31

Orlando · Hyatt Regency on International Drive

-Annie