Some 3,500 of the nation's foot doctors, support staff and family members will be strolling around the Hawai'i Convention Center next week for the American Podiatric Medical Association's 96th Annual Scientific Meeting.

The meeting runs Thursday through Sunday. It includes a series of lectures and workshops on the latest developments in podiatric medicine, on topics such as diabetes and nail fungus. Attending physicians will earn continuing medical education credits necessary for licensure.

The state projects attendees will spend $4.8 million, generating more than $468,000 in statewide tax revenue.

The conference will kick off with the presentation of APMA and Prevention magazine's Best Walking City Award to Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann for Honolulu's ranking as the seventh-best walking city in the nation.

The American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine's Golden Foot Award will be presented to the L.A. Galaxy's midfielder David Beckham for his outstanding contributions to children and sports.

Founded in 1912, the American Podiatric Medical Association is the nation's leading professional society for foot and ankle specialists. The association has component societies in 53 locations in the U.S. and its territories and a membership of close to 11,500 doctors of podiatric medicine.