ASORN Handbook: Annual Meeting Hints

The ASORN Annual Meeting is held in conjunction with the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) each fall. An international mix of nurses, physicians, technicians, photographers, support staff, and exhibitors gather at their respective specialty meetings to gain knowledge, network, practice skills, and focus on interests. Approximately thirty thousand ophthalmic caregivers congregate at this time.

The ASORN meeting is held in a large hotel, as are the meetings of the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO), the Ophthalmic Photographers Society, and other ophthalmic related organizations. The AAO hold its courses in the local Convention Center. Hundreds of vendors set up booths in the Convention Center Exhibit Halls, as well.

When thinking of hints for making the most of your Annual Meeting attendance, there are several pieces of information one should consider:

Register early for the meeting and submit your Housing form as soon as you can with several choices listed. Hotel reservations tend to fill quickly. Academy members are allowed to book hotel rooms earlier than non-Academy members.
Pick up your materials during registration hours the day before the meeting opens or arrive at the meeting when it first opens to get your materials early, if possible. Give yourself time to read about last minute changes, organize your class and social schedule for the week, and orient yourself to the city before attending class.
Name badges are required to enter the Academy Exhibit Hall and classes. Badges are color-coded such as brown represents Technical Exhibitors, blue is Academy Members, purple is ASORN meeting registrants, and orange is Allied Health registrants (for those who are not attending the ASORN meeting. Please note that only purple-coded badges or specific one-day ASORN badges are allowed entrance to ASORN’s meeting.
Take care if you decide to wear your badge out in the evening. Badges identify you as a visitor and can make you more vulnerable outside our meeting site. As in all large cities, personal protection tactics should be utilized at all times.
Your hotel concierge can help with restaurant reservations, local attractions, etc. There is also a city representative booth/desk at the Convention Center where city information is available.
Some cities have mass transit systems that may be easier or faster for you depending on where you stay, e.g., Orlando has a trolley which has a stop very close to the Convention Center.
Wear your badge where it can be easily seen by other ASORN meeting attendees, e.g., high and right or left toward one shoulder. This helps others to see your name and city. Spontaneous discussion, conversation, and networking will be much easier!
In the same vein, we recommend that meeting attendees feel free to rest and relax in the ASORN I-Connect Room between, before, or after attending classes. Your involvement with ASORN will, undoubtedly, be enhanced and learning what others are doing in their setting is another bonus of ‘hanging out and talking.’ Get to know your fellow ASORN members!