Optometry’s Meeting® 2020: Never so far, so long, so far away

There's certainly no good excuse for missing this once-in-ever opportunity to attend the profession's premier conference in the nation's capital in the profession's biggest year—2020. With that in mind, it's never too early to start planning your Optometry's Meeting ^® experience in National Harbor, Maryland/Washington, D.C. , June 24-28.

Once again, Optometry's Meeting is bringing together the powerfully engaging, advocacy-focus of AOA on Capitol Hill, as well as the student and new grad experience, AOA+, with the renowned continuing education (CE), networking and entertainment opportunities, and innovative Exhibit Hall, that attendees have come to expect from the AOA's annual meeting.

Like no other meeting, Optometry's Meeting perfectly blends the member experience with the latest in education, advocacy and professional development. Here are three highlights of what you can expect from Optometry's Meeting 2020:

1. NEW! Optometry Unites on Capitol Hill. Optometry's Meeting opens on Union Square in front of the U.S. Capitol this year alongside your colleagues and the profession's advocates. Consider this your one-stop shop for all things Washington; book your sightseeing tours or participate in the 'Advocacy Central' where you can utilize information and resources to help advance optometry.
   
   
2. 5 days of industry-leading CE. Take advantage of the Optometry's Meeting CE menu with courses ranging from anterior segment, contact lenses and pharmaceuticals to systemic disease, injections, laser and surgical procedures. By popular demand, the Education Theater in the Exhibit Hall returns with six courses for attendees to learn without ever stepping foot outside the hall. And, new this year, try "CE on the Water" as you learn on the decks of a 19th-century Victorian riverboat, cruising along the Potomac.
   
   
3. The AOA+ experience. Students and new doctors can get that critical career-path knowledge and insight through the AOA+ suite of programs. Join a Leadership Link networking program to network and connect with the profession's leaders; attend any of the AOA+ Pop-Up sessions, fast-paced, interactive and engaging courses that fill in the blanks between school and real-world practice; and, finally, check out the Residency and State Affiliate Summit to visit with residency directors and meet doctors from your state.
   
   
4. Celebration of Optometry—'90s style. Did we mention the entertainment? Lovers of '90s music rejoice because Optometry's Meeting is celebrating this once-in-ever decade for our profession with a pop-rock star whose name is as recognizable as his chart-topping hits. Mark McGrath's '90s Experience will headline the closing Celebration of Optometry, sponsored by Hoya Vision Care, on Saturday, June 27, at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center. That timelessness is what attendees can tap into during the Celebration of Optometry. Grab your friends and dust off that box of '90s garb as Optometry's Meeting hosts a '90s-themed decades party and costume contest. Hosted by McGrath, the Celebration of Optometry also will feature DJ Cory, the Red Hot Band, an interactive '90s entertainment and video arcade, fireworks and more.

Stop procrastinating, register now for Optometry's Meeting

If Optometry's Meeting is in your future then stop procrastinating and save yourself time and money: Take advantage of early-bird registration discounts, now through April 1. This limited-time, low registration rate can save AOA member doctors nearly 20% off on-site registration fees. So, too, educators, students and others also can save throughout early-bird registration.

One low rate grants attendees access to the latest CE, the Exhibit Hall, countless networking and mentoring opportunities, and other banner events, all brought together in our nation's capital for our profession's most auspicious year.