Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
The AADOCR/CADR Annual Meeting is a premier event for professionals in dental, oral, and craniofacial research. Scheduled for March 17-20, 2027, at the Minneapolis Convention Center, this conference will gather leading scientists, clinicians, and industry partners to share the latest research and advancements in the field.
Attendees will have opportunities for networking, collaboration, and professional development. American Association for Dental, Oral & Craniofacial Research - AADOCR/CADR.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: The AADOCR/CADR Annual Meeting takes place from March 17-20, 2027, at the Minneapolis Convention Center.
- 2Scale and Focus: This is the 56th Annual Meeting of AADOCR and the 51st Annual Meeting of CADR, focusing on dental, oral, and craniofacial research.
- 3Organiser: The event is organised by the American Association for Dental, Oral & Craniofacial Research, with more details available at aadocr.org.
- 4Buyer Authority: Attendees include dental researchers, clinicians, and industry professionals interested in advancing oral health.
- 5Entry: Registration is now open for those wishing to submit abstracts or attend the conference.
Why visit
Attending the AADOCR/CADR Annual Meeting provides access to cutting-edge research, networking opportunities with industry leaders, and insights into the latest advancements in dental health. Attendees include dental researchers, clinicians, and industry professionals interested in advancing oral health. Registration is now open.
Why exhibit
Exhibiting at the AADOCR/CADR Annual Meeting offers unparalleled visibility to a targeted audience of dental researchers and professionals. Exhibitors can showcase their latest products, connect with potential clients, and gain valuable feedback from industry leaders, enhancing their market presence and driving business growth.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Dental school faculty and principal investigators presenting abstracts on caries, periodontology, and craniofacial biology
Clinician-researchers from private practice and hospital dentistry groups scouting evidence for chairside adoption
Postdoctoral fellows and PhD candidates in oral health sciences seeking labs, mentors, and postdoc openings
Industry R&D scientists from dental materials, implant, and imaging companies tracking early-stage academic work
Public health and health-policy analysts working on oral health disparities and access programmes
Graduate and predoctoral dental students attending poster sessions and career-development workshops
Research administrators and grant officers from universities and teaching hospitals reviewing funding priorities
Journal editors, science writers, and medical publishers covering oral and craniofacial research
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Dental biomaterials and restorative product manufacturers showing resins, ceramics, adhesives, and cements
Implant and regenerative medicine suppliers presenting surfaces, membranes, and bone-graft portfolios
Dental imaging and AI diagnostics vendors demonstrating intraoral scanners, CBCT, and caries-detection software
Contract research organisations and preclinical testing labs serving dental and craniofacial studies
Scientific publishers and open-access journals with oral health and dental materials titles
Dental schools, research institutes, and hospital dentistry departments recruiting faculty and students
Laboratory equipment and instrumentation suppliers for histology, microbiology, and saliva analytics
Non-profit foundations and research advocacy bodies promoting oral health funding and policy
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Dental biomaterials: composites, glass ionomers, adhesives, ceramics, and endodontic sealers
Implantology hardware, surfaces, and peri-implant maintenance products
Regenerative dentistry: bone grafts, membranes, growth factors, and tissue-engineering scaffolds
Dental and craniofacial imaging: intraoral scanners, CBCT, cephalometric, and photographic systems
AI-assisted caries detection, radiograph analysis, and clinical decision-support software
Preventive dentistry and caries management: fluoride, remineralisation, and sealant products
Salivary and point-of-care diagnostics for caries risk, periodontal disease, and biomarkers
Additive manufacturing, milling, and chairside 3D printing workflows for restorations and models
Oral microbiome and microbiology research reagents, sequencing services, and culture systems
Laboratory instrumentation, histology, and biomaterials mechanical testing equipment
Continuing education, journal publishing, and research data services for dental academia
Location & Facilities
Venue
Minneapolis Convention Center
Minneapolis, MN, United States
Facilities
Parking
Minneapolis Convention Center in Minneapolis, MN typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: Minneapolis Convention Center in Minneapolis, MN typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at Minneapolis Convention Center for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Who runs the show
Organisers
AADOCR
Organiser
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Minneapolis, MN, United States
Why it matters
On 2027-03-17 to 2027-03-20, American Association for Dental, Oral & Craniofacial Research - AADOCR/CADR in Minneapolis, MN covering Dental research tools and technologies, Oral health products and services, Clinical research methodologies, Dental educa gives trade buyers a single calendar window to compare suppliers, validate specs on the stand, and book follow-ups before the next buying cycle - especially when your roadmap matches the published exhibitor profile.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Plan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · USD
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Hampton Inn & Suites Minneapolis University Area
3-star
University Area, MinneapolisUSD 115–160 / night
Confirm taxes and cancellation terms.
Home2 Suites by Hilton Minneapolis University Area
3-star
University Area, MinneapolisUSD 115–160 / night
Days Hotel by Wyndham University Ave SE
3-star
University Ave SE, MinneapolisUSD 110–150 / night
Best Western Plus The Normandy Inn & Suites
midscale
Downtown MinneapolisUSD 175–220 / night
Walking distance to the downtown core and skyway system.
Hilton Minneapolis
upscale
Downtown Minneapolis, Marquette AvenueUSD 210–300 / night
Confirm event-week availability and rate.
Hyatt Regency Minneapolis
upscale
Downtown Minneapolis, Nicollet MallUSD 210–310 / night
Confirm before booking.
Minneapolis Marriott City Center
upscale
Downtown Minneapolis, 7th StreetUSD 200–290 / night
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
Metro Transit Blue Line light rail
Estimated costCost TBA
Best forMSP airport (Terminal 1 and 2 stations) to downtown Minneapolis, Nicollet Mall or Target Field
Cheapest airport-to-downtown option, roughly 25 minutes to the downtown core; Nicollet Mall station is a 10 to 15 minute walk or short rideshare from the Convention Center.
Metro Transit Green Line light rail
Estimated costCost TBA
Best forDowntown Minneapolis to University of Minnesota and University Avenue SE hotel cluster
Useful if you stay at the Hampton Inn, Home2 Suites, or Days Hotel on the University Avenue corridor; the line connects through downtown where you can transfer to Blue Line services.
Metro Transit bus (downtown local routes)
Estimated costCost TBA
Best forNicollet Mall, Hennepin Avenue, and 3rd/4th Street corridors to the Convention Center area
Downtown buses run frequently and several stops sit within a few blocks of the Convention Center; the skyway system covers the final indoor walk.
Rideshare (Uber / Lyft)
Estimated costCost TBA
Best forDowntown and University Area hotels to Minneapolis Convention Center
Short downtown hops are inexpensive but traffic around the Convention Center peaks during morning session starts; confirm the pickup zone at the venue.
Taxi
Estimated costCost TBA
Best forMinneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) to Minneapolis Convention Center
Taxis queue at both MSP terminals; the return trip from downtown hotels can be booked through hotel desks. Confirm the metered total before departure.
Car parking
Estimated costCost TBA
Best forConvention Center ramps and downtown garages
Venue-adjacent ramps fill early on keynote mornings; parkopedia and SpotHero captures show Minneapolis rates starting low but rising for all-day convention parking. Confirm the garage rate board on arrival.
Walking and skyway
Estimated costCost TBA
Best forDowntown hotels to Minneapolis Convention Center via the skyway network
The downtown skyway is the practical option in March cold and slush; check your hotel's skyway connection and the Convention Center's access points before relying on it.
taxi
Estimated costCost TBA
Best forRochester International Airport (regional alternative via shuttle/drive) (RST) to Minneapolis Convention Center
Weather
Climatological band for Minneapolis in March, marked as an estimate: daytime highs around 4 to 9 C (40 to 48 F), overnight lows around -4 to 0 C (25 to 32 F), with snow and rain both possible and wind making it feel colder. The free-source weather family failed for this run, so the only captured atmospheric data is Open-Meteo air quality for Minneapolis: US AQI near 93, PM2.5 about 16.6 µg/m³, and PM10 about 16.8 µg/m³ in the short forecast. Sensitive groups should check live advisories, and all attendees should check a forecast close to departure.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
United States mobile networks use 4G/5G on bands compatible with most international phones; an eSIM bought before departure is usually cheaper than roaming. Venue Wi-Fi is typically available in session rooms and the exhibition hall, but bandwidth drops during large poster sessions, so download the programme and abstracts in advance. Power is 120 V at 60 Hz with type A and type B plugs, so European and UK visitors need a converter plus plug adapter. Confirm organiser Wi-Fi credentials and any exhibitor network requirements with AADOCR before travel.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Business dress at a research meeting
Dental and craniofacial research meetings run business casual, with a jacket reserved for keynote, award, and industry-sponsored symposia. Comfortable shoes matter because poster halls and the Convention Center skyway walks involve long distances indoors.
Tipping and payment
Tipping is customary in the United States: roughly 15 to 20 percent in restaurants, a dollar or two per drink at bars, and small amounts for hotel housekeeping. Cards are accepted almost everywhere in downtown Minneapolis, but carry some cash for tips and for smaller venues.
The skyway is a local habit
Downtown Minneapolis is threaded by an indoor skyway network linking hotels, offices, and retail. Locals use it constantly in cold months, and following the skyway signage is often faster and warmer than walking the street grid.
Arrival and badge collection
US convention centres usually open registration the evening before the first scientific session. Collect your badge early, check the hall and session-room numbering, and confirm whether poster mounting times fall on your arrival day.
Language and communication
Sessions and exhibits are conducted in English. International attendees should ask presenters to repeat dense statistical or clinical content; poster presenters generally welcome direct questions and often have printed summaries.
Local time and scheduling
Minneapolis is on Central Time. Scientific programmes start early, often around 8:00, so plan breakfast and the skyway walk accordingly and check whether your session is in the Convention Center or an adjacent hotel meeting space.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
MSP is a Delta hub with nonstop service from most major US cities and from several international gateways. For the mid-March 2027 meeting window, a captured JFK-MSP economy fare was approximately USD 399 round trip including taxes and fees for one adult, and price insight suggested a cheapest booking window well before departure. Long-haul samples from London and Tokyo were still loading in the capture, so treat those routes as unquoted. Book changeable fares while the scientific programme is finalised, check bag-fee inclusions, and allow a connection buffer if arriving from outside the United States because immigration at MSP can queue.
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Use the nearest international airport serving Minneapolis, MN; Metro, train or taxi links are typically available to the venue district.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Minneapolis Convention Center: University Area, Minneapolis: Hampton Inn & Suites Minneapolis University Area; University Area, Minneapolis: Home2 Suites by Hilton Minneapolis University Area; University Ave SE, Minneapolis: Days Hotel by Wyndham University Ave SE.
Ride-hail: Uber and Lyft operate across Minneapolis, including airport pickups at designated MSP rideshare zones and drop-offs at the Convention Center. Approximate fares are USD 10-20 for a downtown hotel-to-venue trip and USD 30-45 from MSP depending on surge and traffic. Allow extra time on keynote mornings when the venue surrounds fill, and use the marked pickup area rather than hailing on the street.
Public transit: Metro Transit runs the Blue Line light rail from MSP airport through downtown, the Green Line between downtown and the University of Minnesota, and frequent downtown buses on Nicollet Mall, Hennepin Avenue, and 3rd/4th Streets. Nicollet Mall station is roughly a 10 to 15 minute walk from the Minneapolis Convention Center. Fares are approximately USD 2.00-2.50 per single ride depending on time of day, with day passes available; confirm current pricing and transfer rules with Metro Transit before you travel.
Parking: The Minneapolis Convention Center has adjacent ramps and surface lots, with downtown event parking typically around USD 10-25 per day and hourly rates lower for short stays. Ramps closest to the halls fill early on keynote and exhibition mornings. Confirm the current rate board, clearance height, and whether in-and-out access is included, and note that skyway-connected garages let you walk indoors for part of the route.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: March 2027
Temperature: Approx. -4 to 9 C (25 to 48 F): daytime highs near 4 to 9 C and overnight lows near -4 to 0 C, marked as a climatological estimate because the weather source failed for this run
Seasonality: March in Minneapolis is late winter moving into early spring: expect a mix of snow, sleet, and rain rather than a settled mild season, with gusty wind and possible late-season snow events. Precipitation is moderate across the month. Check a live forecast in the final week before departure because March conditions swing widely from year to year.
Packing: Pack an insulated coat, gloves, a hat, and water-resistant boots with grip for slushy sidewalks, plus layers you can remove in heated session rooms. Bring comfortable shoes for long hours in the poster halls and on the skyway walk, a compact umbrella, and a smart-casual outfit for keynote or award sessions. Carry a refillable water bottle and a portable charger, since cold weather drains phone batteries quickly when navigating between hotels and the Convention Center.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at American Association for Dental, Oral & Craniofacial Research - AADOCR/CADR usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
Day 1
Book flights to MSP
Day 2
Reserve a hotel in the downtown or University Area cluster
Day 3
Check US entry documents
Day 4
Plan poster and oral session attendance
Day 5
Arrange airport transfer
Day 6
Pack for early-spring Minneapolis; Collect badge and final programme
Day 7
Check connectivity
Day 8
Confirm registration and session selection
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at Minneapolis Convention Center
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2American Association for Dental, Oral & Craniofacial Research - AADOCR/CADR registration concourse
Minneapolis Convention Center
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Minneapolis Convention Center
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nights$230.00
- Per diem × 2$150.00
Estimated total$380.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether American Association for Dental, Oral & Craniofacial Research - AADOCR/CADR fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
For American Association for Dental, Oral & Craniofacial Research - AADOCR/CADR, what is your primary role on the show floor?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus and target suppliers align with the official exhibitor profile.
Best for
Buyers, engineers, and delegates sourcing Dental research tools and technologies and Oral health products and services solutions and benchmarking suppliers at American Association for Dental, Oral & Craniofacial Research - AADOCR/CADR in Minneapolis, MN.
Min. budget
$770.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before opening day for registration, hotels, and travel.
Risks
Session times and ticket tiers may change - confirm the official agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a defined lead-generation or distributor recruitment goal for this market.
Best for
Brands and manufacturers launching Dental research tools and technologies and Oral health products and services products who need qualified meetings with the event's trade audience.
Min. budget
$3,465.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight, staffing, and pre-show marketing.
Risks
Booth pricing and corner premiums vary by hall - confirm with the organiser sales team.
skip
Audience, geography, or commercial goals do not justify travel and stand costs this cycle.
Best for
Teams with weak category fit, budget constraints, or overlapping commitments during the Minneapolis, MN show week.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
Skipping may mean missing buyer meetings if competitors exhibit or attend the same week.
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
What is the AADOCR Annual Meeting?
It is the annual scientific meeting of the American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (AADOCR), the US division-level organisation for dental and craniofacial scientists. The programme combines keynote lectures, symposia, oral and poster sessions, and a commercial exhibition of dental research products and services. Consult aadocr.org for the confirmed 2027 dates and programme.
Where is the meeting held and how do I get there?
The 2027 edition is listed for Minneapolis, Minnesota, with sessions at the Minneapolis Convention Center in the downtown core. Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP) is roughly 12 miles from downtown, served by the Metro Transit Blue Line light rail to downtown and by taxi or rideshare in about 20 minutes depending on traffic.
Who attends the AADOCR meeting?
Dental school faculty and principal investigators, clinician-scientists, postdoctoral fellows and PhD candidates, dental students, industry R&D scientists from materials and imaging companies, public health researchers, and journal publishers. Attendance is dominated by research and academic buyers rather than general clinical practice owners.
Can I present my research, and how do abstracts work?
Abstract submission, review categories, and presentation formats (oral, poster, late-breaking) are managed by the organiser and change each cycle. Use the schedule and abstracts pages on aadocr.org for the current call, word limits, and deadlines rather than relying on previous years.
Are continuing education credits available?
Scientific sessions at dental research meetings are typically offered for continuing education credit for dentists and allied professionals, with credit claimed per session. Confirm which sessions qualify and how to record credits on the organiser's CE page for the 2027 edition.
Is there an exhibition, and can companies book booth space?
Yes. The meeting includes a commercial exhibition for dental materials, implant, imaging, laboratory, and publishing companies, alongside academic and association tables. Booth pricing, floor plans, and exhibitor prospectus details are released by the organiser; request them directly through aadocr.org rather than assuming rates.
Do I need a visa to attend from outside the United States?
Most international attendees travelling for a scientific conference apply for a US B-1 business visitor visa, while eligible nationals of Visa Waiver Program countries can travel under ESTA. Apply early, carry your registration confirmation and, if offered, an organiser invitation letter, and check current US Department of State rules for your passport country.
Where should I stay in Minneapolis?
Downtown hotels near the Convention Center and the University of Minnesota area hotels along Washington Avenue and University Avenue SE are the two practical clusters. Downtown puts you in the skyway network within walking distance of the venue; University Area hotels are cheaper and reachable by Green Line light rail.
How do I get around Minneapolis without a car?
Metro Transit operates light rail (Blue Line from MSP airport, Green Line to the University of Minnesota) and downtown bus routes, with Nicollet Mall station about a 10 to 15 minute walk from the Convention Center. The downtown skyway system connects many hotels and buildings indoors, which matters in March weather.
What is the weather like in Minneapolis in March?
March is late winter turning to early spring, with approximate daytime highs of 4 to 9 C (40 to 48 F) and overnight lows of -4 to 0 C (25 to 32 F). Snow and rain are both possible, and wind makes it feel colder. Pack layers and footwear suitable for slush.
Glossary
- AADOCR
- American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research, the US-based scientific association that organises the annual meeting listed here and represents dental school researchers and clinician-scientists.
- Craniofacial biology
- Study of the development, genetics, and pathology of the skull, face, jaw, and teeth, a core research track at dental research meetings.
- Oral microbiome
- The community of bacteria, fungi, and viruses living in the mouth; a frequent topic in caries, periodontal, and systemic-health abstracts.
- Caries
- Tooth decay resulting from acid-producing bacterial metabolism of sugars; caries prevention and detection dominate clinical dental research.
- Periodontal disease
- Inflammatory disease of the gums and supporting bone, studied at the meeting alongside links to diabetes and cardiovascular outcomes.
- Salivary diagnostics
- Point-of-care testing of saliva for biomarkers, used for caries risk, periodontal status, and broader systemic screening.
- Biomaterials
- Synthetic or natural materials implanted or applied in the mouth, such as composites, ceramics, cements, and graft materials, often evaluated in exhibitor and poster work.
- Translational research
- Work that moves a laboratory finding toward clinical application, a recurring theme in keynote and symposium programming.
- Poster session
- Formatted research presentation blocks where investigators display data and discuss results one-to-one with attendees.
- Late-breaking abstract
- An abstract accepted after the standard deadline for results that became available close to the meeting; submission rules are published by the organiser.
- Continuing education (CE) credit
- Credit hours awarded for attending accredited scientific sessions; dentists and hygienists record them for licensure.
- Oral health disparities
- Differences in oral disease burden and access to care across income, geography, race, and insurance status, a standing policy and research topic.
- IADR
- International Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research, the global umbrella association whose regional divisions, including AADOCR, run scientific meetings.
- NIDCR
- National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, the US federal funder whose programme staff and funding priorities are regularly discussed at dental research meetings.
- Hybrid access
- Combination of in-person attendance with streamed or recorded sessions; check the organiser site for which sessions are offered remotely.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- AADOCR 2027
- Dental Research Conference Minneapolis
- AADOCR CADR Annual Meeting
- Oral Health Research Events
- American Association for Dental, Oral & Craniofacial Research 2027
- American Association 2027
- American Association Minneapolis, MN 2027
- Dental 2027
- Dental Minneapolis, MN 2027
- Oral 2027
1 more alternate names hidden
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Sources
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References
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Publishers
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Date checked
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American Association for Dental, Oral & Craniofacial Research
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AADOCR
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Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.