Hey everyone!
This year's conference is going to be massive: 60 credits (50% more than when we started in 2015), at the same price as prior years. The exhibit hall this year has the most companies we've ever had at a show.
I'll use this thread as updates to the event come in.
Look forward to seeing everyone there, should be a fun event
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I have been attending the Texas Optometric Association convention over 25 years. I missed last year because of a health problem
The convention has been held in Austin, Tx for years. The previous hotel in the north of Austin became too small for the large turnout .
The TOA hotel rate was about $180 per night. On a regular weekend the room cost was about $99 per night
About 5 years ago the convention moved to downtown Austin and the room rate was about $220-250 per night and parking was extra
This year because of the large turnout we moved to a new hotel about 1 block away, the TOA rate is $274 before taxes plus parking. Three nights at the hotel is over $1000. In the past I have taken 4 to 6 staff members, but three rooms will now be over $3000
The registration fee after December 20 for TOA members is $595. I can get all my hours including the required ethics class for the year, plus attending special non credit classes will get you a $200 rebate which I have donated back to the TOA
Flying from Dallas is $200 or the cool bus with first class seats is $200. Driving for me is about 4 hours on a constantly worked on highway
I have always enjoyed this convention, the interaction with friends and meeting the many students who attend the convention.
However, everyone has a number and I think they have reached my number to not attend this year
it has been a tradition for me for so many years to attend this convention and I am saddened that I have been priced out this year