October 11, 2007

Academy of Doctors of Audiology (ADA) launched its annual convention at the Peabody Hotel in Orlando yesterday with its Day Ahead Workshops and Opening Reception in the Exhibit Hall. HR and HPR will be hosting a blog on The Hearing Review and Hearing Products Report Web sites posting live news by new HPR Editor William Campbell.

This year’s theme, “Launch Your Practice for Success”, reflects the ADA’s longstanding commitment to combining the best elements of professional practice and business. The 4-day convention runs from October 10 -13, and offers key decision-makers and business owners in the audiology community from around the country educational and networking opportunities, including courses and workshops in the following blocks:

• Practice Development & Business Tools
• Amplification/Technology/ Rehabilitation
• Diagnostic/Biomedical/Research
• Professional /Advocacy/Legal/ Ethical Issues

Today, the keynote speaker at the Opening General Session is Al Walker, CSP. With 20 years of experience, Walker earned the National Speakers Association’s prestigious Cavett Award, which is given to only one member annually who has rendered exceptional service. His background is in training, sales and marketing, and he has written numerous articles on leadership, sales, customer service, and personal development. Walker has spoken to thousands of audiences across the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean. After the General Session, the exhibit hall will be open and several educational events—including seminars, gabfests, and roundtables—are planned. Thursday’s events conclude with the ADA Pool Party and Reception.

Friday offers a half-day of work followed by a half-day of fun. Educational sessions start at 7:30 a.m.  and the Exhibit Hall is open from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. A Kennedy Space Center Tour is available in the afternoon, or attendees may participate in the annual Audiology Foundation of America (AFA) Golf Tournament.

Saturday is back to business with concurrent seminars starting at 8:30 a.m. The ADA Business Luncheon for its members takes place from noon to 2:30 p.m., followed by more seminars from 2-3:30 p.m. The convention closes with its annual banquet, which this year will be an evening at the House of Blues.

The schedule of events (subject to change) appears below:

Wednesday, October 10

8:00 am – 5:00 pm Exhibitor Registration Open

8:00 am – 7:00 pm Registration Open

9:00 am – 5:00 pm Day Ahead Workshops

12:15 pm – 1:30 pm Workshop Attendee Luncheon

6:30 pm – 10:00 pm Opening Reception in Exhibit Hall

6:30 pm – 10:00 pm Exhibit Hall Open

Thursday, October 11

8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Registration Open

8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Continental Breakfast

9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Opening General Session & Keynote

11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Lunch in Exhibit Hall

11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Exhibit Hall Open

1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Concurrent Sessions

2:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Refreshment Break in Exhibit Hall

2:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Exhibit Hall Open

3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Concurrent Sessions

4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Shorter Sessions/Panels/Gabfests

5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. AFA Art Auction

7:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. ADA Pool Party & Reception

Friday, October 12

7:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Registration Open

7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. Continental Breakfast /Panels/Gabfests

8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Exhibitor Liaison Committee Meeting

8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Concurrent Sessions

9:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Exhibit Hall Open

10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Refreshment Break

10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Concurrent Sessions

12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. Lunch in the Exhibit Hall

12:30 p.m. *Kennedy Space Center Tour

1:00 p.m. AFA Golf Tournament

Evening Manufacturers’ Hosted Events

Saturday, October 13

7:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Registration Open

7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. Continental Breakfast

8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Concurrent Sessions

10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Refreshment Break

10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Concurrent Sessions

12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. ADA Business Lunch (Members Only)

2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Concurrent Sessions

6:00 p.m. Evening at the House of Blues

For more information, visit http://www.audiologist.org.