Mundy AO Nov 16

CONFERENCES

A Recap of OptiCon 2016

Opticians took over Disney’s Contemporary Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida, as theyprepared forOptiCon 2016to begin!

Friday started with apremiere of the documentary Sight: The Story of Vision.Blair Wong, ABOM, NCLEC, ABO Board Member and 2016 Conference Committee Co-Chair, and Kris Koenig, CEO of Koenig Productions welcomed everyone to the event.

Following the premiere, Wong and Koenigshared some important information regarding The Story of Vision e-bookas well as the film’s Second Screen technology.Both of these tools are available for download on the film’s website.[link to storyofsight.com]

Once the general session was over, educational sessions began and only stopped briefly for visits to the exhibit hall, which had over 50 exhibitors eager to talk with attendees.

Mickey Mouse greeted attendees at Friday night’s welcome reception. The evening’s festivities ended with a fireworks display over Cinderella’s Castle.Heavy rains and lightning earlier that night did not dampen the spirits for Disney’s Happy HalloWishes Fireworks show.Mickey’s appearance and themusic simulcast for the pyrotechnics was sponsored through the generosity of National Vision.

Saturday continued the educational vibe, and the day capped off with the NFOS College Bowl.Twelve students were eager to win the prize and bragging rights.The local team had a boisterous presence, but it was Andrew Paul, from New York City Technical College that was the night’s big winner.Following the NFOS College Bowl, attendees were invited to join Europa Eyewear, who sponsored the evening’s festivities, at Jellyrolls Dueling Piano Bar.

As the educational opportunities came to an end on Sunday afternoon, attendees said good-bye to friends and colleagues as they departed the hotel.

OptiCon 2016 was a rousing success! If you missed this year’s event, you definitely won’t want to miss it next year! OptiCon 2017 will again take place at Disney’s Contemporary Resort, but this time from October 6 through 8.

Naomi Mundy is the Director of Meetings for ABO-NCLE.

Image Captions:

  • First pic – Sunrise over Bay Lake at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.
  • Second pic – Premiere of Sight: The Story of Vision during our General Session.
  • Third pic – OptiCon attendees always thinking about keeping eyes healthy! Mark Soper was eager to give the boss a quick exam!
  • Fourth pic – Many attendees had the opportunity to visit the Magic Kingdom park before and after OptiCon.