LAKELAND, Tenn.—Now in its 29th year, the Opticians Association of America (OAA) State Leadership Conference will be held Jan. 16-18, 2014, at the Astor Crowne Plaza, located in the French Quarter of New Orleans. The OAA is also seeking nominees for the 2014 State Leader of the Year ( Click here) to be presented at the Leadership Conference and the 2014 State Website of the Year ( Click here). The submission deadline for nominations for both awards is Dec. 13, 2013.

In addition to educational seminars, breakout sessions, and networking opportunities, the OAA State Leadership Conference will feature two special events Friday evening, Jan. 17. Europa will sponsor the President’s Reception from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. to introduce Tom Barracato as the new OAA president. Following that, The Vision Council will host a celebration of the American optician from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. To enable students and apprentices from throughout the country to attend the event, the OAA board awarded a total of $20,000 to 19 out of the 50 individuals who applied for travel grants.