“My Favorite Conference.”

I heard many folks say the same thing about the OAA Leadership Conference that just occurred in Savannah, Ga., Feb. 9 to 11, “This is my favorite conference.” 

I’ve enjoyed attending this conference for the past two years, and it is easy to understand why the similar refrain from so many others. In my view, this meeting celebrates opticianry and cultivates leadership while providing resources and direction for opticians from across the United States. Many state opticianry associations and members attend the conference for a healthy dose of positivity and camaraderie.

All the right elements were there to ensure a successful meeting: a beautiful location in Savannah, Ga., a great and also entertaining executive director Chris Allen, active and participating committees and above all else—opticianry students and opticianry college professors. It is brilliant as well as inspiring to me to see these young students being brought into the fold of leadership in their profession at such a critical point in their careers.

One of the more inspiring sessions was the report from the OAA Branding Committee. A complete branding package and media kit was rolled out to the membership. There was also a breakout session to explain all the elements of the media kit and brainstorm ideas for members and state associations to use to promote awareness and the profession of opticianry.

Blair Wong and Dibby Bartlett facilitated breakout sessions for opticianry students, specifically targeting leadership topics such as Excellence, Planning and Succeeding in Leadership. Those issues are powerful and important to all of us.
If you want to feel inspired and proud of your profession as an optician, plan to attend the 2018 conference in Charleston, S.C., early next year.

• Mindi Lewis
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