First offered as an experiment, the Family Friendly Schedule was a huge hit with attendees at the last annual meeting held in Orlando. We start a little earlier and place the more controversial, intense sessions in the mornings. We also keep evening events to a minimum to allow families to enjoy the variety of local attractions. A member breakfast on Friday combined with the Annual Business Meeting and Saturday brunch are two more ways the Academy combines things to save attendees' time.
The Family Is Welcome at the Opening Reception...
The meeting kicks off Wednesday evening at 6 pm with a reception in the Exhibit Hall. It's a time to see old friends, scan the floor for the exhibitors you want to visit the next day, and relax after your arrival at the hotel.
Personal Scheduler Maximizes Your Time at Meeting
AN EXCLUSIVE BENEFIT FOR MEMBERS ONLY: Your personal scheduler will give you a complete listing of sessions and events by day. Simply click directly on the sessions you wish to attend. When you're finished, choose "print" and your personal itinerary will be printed with just those sessions and events you have chosen sorted by day and time. You can also return to Your Personal Scheduler on another day to modify your schedule if you choose - the system will remember what you last selected. The Scheduler also works for maximizing your time in the Exhibit Hall. Simply click on the names of the companies you wish to visit and the Scheduler will print those names and booth numbers. It will also highlight the booths on the map of the Exhibit Hall making them easy to find.
Intensive Technician Program Spans Two Days
"I can't remember when the Academy has had a better program for technicians and everyone else who is seriously interested in product safety. This is one not to miss." - Tony Wickman, RTPO Freedom Fabrication
In keeping with the Academy's tradition of high quality technical education, this year's program will be a "must-see" for the technician as well as the technically inclined practitioner. John Michael, CPO, FAAOP, FISPO, MEd will join renowned Australian rehabilitation engineer and presenter Bill Contoyannis for a presentation of Maximizing Patient Safety: Material Science in P&O Design. Originally offered as part of the Advanced Training Series, this intense program will provide practitioners and technicians with a clear understanding of the material science and engineering governing design in O&P, and provide an overview of what can go wrong and how to avoid it. The course will span two whole days and earn the technician or practitioner 12 PCE credits. Participants will be able to use the information provided to significantly increase the quality, design, and safety, of the devices they manufacture. This special, in-depth program is simply not available anywhere else - make plans to attend on Friday and Saturday (no extra charge).
Disney Offers Special Price Savings on Tickets
Visit Disney's Delegate Deals where you'll find great savings on Park Hopper packages for your entire family, and special lower rates for after 2 p.m. PLAN AHEAD because these rates are only good if purchased BEFORE FEBRUARY 20. These special rates can be used for your family to get the most out of each day in the theme parks, or for yourself to save Big Bucks on lower late afternoon rates. The rates are also available for three days before and after the meeting. Take a few extra days and enjoy yourself...make it a vacation!
You'll Enjoy the Friendly Atmosphere of the Exhibit Hall - Everyone Does!
Members really enjoy the friendly and informal environment of the Exhibit Hall. Our exhibitors tell us it gives them a chance to meet people who use their products and provides the best feedback about current products and future needs. Practitioners tell us they appreciate the ability to talk directly to manufacturers and suppliers in a win-win setting. About 175 companies will fill the 300 tabletop exhibits and perimeter booths in Orlando. Plan to devote some significant time to learning about new products and services.
NEW THIS YEAR:
With both Academy and ACPOC members visiting the hall, be sure to look for the Pediatric Product Display Case in the lobby area. Exhibitors who offer products for pediatric patients will display samples and will also be identified in the Exhibit Hall.
