The Academy of Doctors of Audiology (ADA) will kick off its annual convention online on Friday morning at 8AM EST. AuDacity 2020: Forge Ahead & Forge Ahead Down Under—which runs from October 16-17, 2020—is an event held in collaboration with Independent Audiologists Australia (IAA) and Independent Audiologists New Zealand (IANZ). Together ADA, IAA, and IANZ members and guest speakers will deliver unique programming, exceptional networking, and interactive training to audiologists and practice owners around the world.

On Friday at 8 AM, Amyn Amlani kicks things off with a seminar comparing the cost-effectiveness of provider-fit versus self-fit hearing aids, followed by a 8:45 AM session by Robert Allen on how diagnosing dizziness can help build a hearing care business. The President’s Address and Keynote on Design Thinking is scheduled for 10 AM by ADA President Deb Abel and Bon Ku, MD, respectively. Two related feature presentations on the topic of Design Thinking follow at 12:15 and 1 PM, with the latter, titled “Advocacy to Support a Design Thinking Approach to Care,” including special guests Senator Rand Paul and Maryland Governor Larry Hogan. The annual ADA Student Business Plan Competition will be held from 2:05-2:50 PM, followed by two Industry Leadership Panels that respectively will address the topics of how teleaudiology and other technologies are fundamentally changing the field, and what private practices need to rethink, retool, or look differently at in order to prosper in the next 3-5 years. The day wraps up with a keynote presentation, “Better Health Care through Design Thinking” with José Colucci, PhD, as well as presentations by Brent Edwards, PhD, on DTC hearing aids, and Julia Sargent, PhD, on hearing loss and cognitive decline.

A separate program tailored for IAA and IANZ members is also offered on Friday.

Likewise, Saturday offers a full slate of great presentations, live workshops, and an Industry Showcase that runs from 2:30-4 PM. Audacity 2020 also provides more than 10 on-demand webinars for attendees.

See the AuDacity 2020 Events At-a-Glance page for details.

Register for AuDacity 2020: Forge Ahead & Forge Ahead Down Under here. ADA promises that visitors will participate in a one-of-a-kind digital experience, designed to allow attendees, speakers, and exhibitors to engage in surprising ways. The event is $250 for ADA members and $300 for non-members.