Committee spotlight: AOA’s Meetings & Member Experiences Committee

Optometry's Meeting® is where it all happens: you can grow your network and practice, build stronger optometric acumen, gain insights on the latest industry trends and advocate for the profession. 

But have you ever wondered who is responsible for making it all happen? 

Meet the AOA’s Meetings & Member Experiences Committee (MMEC), a group of 12 AOA-member volunteer optometrists, paraoptometrics and optometry students. 

“The MMEC works year-round to listen to what our members would like to see when they attend, and we continue to be innovative and proactive to offer the premier optometric event every year,” says Paul Hodge, O.D., MMEC member and past chair emeritus.

MMEC Chair Lillian Kalaczinski, O.D., MPH, shares all you need to know about the committee and this year’s big event.  

What is the mission of the MMEC? 

To support and contribute to a high-quality and innovative member experience at Optometry's Meeting and AOA-related programs and events throughout the year.  

What role does the committee play in Optometry’s Meeting? 

During Optometry’s Meeting, MMEC committee members are "boots on the ground" where we support all attendees (doctors, paraoptometrics, students, sponsors, industry partners, other AOA committees, the AOA Board of Trustees and AOA staff) by assisting with almost all aspects of the meeting from registration, convention navigation, event admission ... and many more. We are a hardworking group, often beginning the day with a 7:30 a.m. touch base and ending with a full state of evening events. In addition to fulfilling designated committee responsibilities, MMEC members also attend as many of the special events and continuing education lectures throughout the week as possible. Some of us have a friendly competition to log the most steps daily, and 15,000 to 20,000 steps per day is not unusual!  

What can members expect at Optometry’s Meeting this year? 

Optometry's Meeting 2025 offers new experiences and some attendee favorites! The meeting is visiting Minneapolis for the first time, and a new venue is always exciting to explore. Optometry’s Meeting 2025 is hosting the 5th World Congress of Optometry, in partnership with the World Council of Optometry. This globally minded event will focus on advancing universal access to high-quality eye health and vision care.  

The AOA Education Center has worked hard to develop an outstanding program with over 300 hours of continuing education and professional development available to optometrists, paraoptometric professionals and students. Students and residents can expect lectures and events geared to their specific interests, including the AOA+ Residency Summit and Career Fair and the AOSA Optometry Student Bowl™ XXXIV, powered by EssilorLuxottica.  

Attendees can register to attend The Innovation Hub, an event designed to showcase cutting-edge advancements in eye care technology, including artificial intelligence and new diagnostic and therapeutic advancements. In addition to learning about the latest innovations, this will be a valuable networking opportunity for attendees to engage directly with industry leaders and innovators. If that isn’t enough, Eye Care Square offers a reimagined exhibit hall where companies and industry supporters will showcase new products, services and innovations. 

Let's not forget the AOA House of Delegates, where optometric leaders from across the country gather to conduct the business of the association and to elect and celebrate members of the AOA Board of Trustees.  

Throughout it all there will be time to catch up with friends, recognize peers for their service and accomplishments and celebrate the profession of optometry.   

Why should members attend? 

Optometry’s Meeting brings together the full array of today’s leaders and the leaders of tomorrow, including doctors of optometry, paraoptometric professionals, students and industry supporters. Connect with peers from across the profession during these unmatched four days of community building and help chart the course for the future of optometry.  

What other projects/goals does the committee have for the rest of 2025 and beyond? 

Our primary goal is delivering a successful Optometry’s Meeting 2025, but planning is already underway for Optometry’s Meeting 2026 in Phoenix and Optometry’s Meeting 2027 in Boston! Mark your calendars now!