NORWALK, Conn.—IDOC has issued a “save the date” notice for the return of its annual national conference, The Connection, to be held in Orlando, Fla., from Feb. 16 through Feb. 19, 2023. The announcement comes just a few months after IDOC hosted its largest event to date at The Connection 2022, a record-breaking gathering of more than 800 attendees, including IDOC members, sponsor representatives, and other industry professionals from across the country. IDOC noted that the organization is pleased to return to Orlando in 2023 for three intensive days of business management curriculums, COPE-approved clinical education, staff training, and high-profile guest speakers.

“We were thrilled to see such an incredible turnout and energy at The Connection 2022,” Dave Brown, president and chief executive officer of IDOC, said in the group’s recent announcement. “We can’t wait to gather again next year and empower the independent optometry community at The Connection 2023. It is our privilege and delight to continue to provide our members with the dynamic learning and networking opportunities they’ve come to love from IDOC.”

IDOC’s recent launch of turnkey practice management services for the OD community received a tremendous response at The Connection 2022 and in the months that followed, with many early adopters partnering with IDOC to lighten their workload and gain back their time, the announcement noted. IDOC said it will continue to expand service offerings, “helping alleviate the business burdens owners face every day, and bring new innovation to next year’s event.”

Both IDOC members and non-members are encouraged to bring their whole practice and attend The Connection 2023 as a team, as the event will include a full agenda of employee role-based tracks designed to inform, guide and inspire IDOC members and hone their focus on the goals and challenges of independent optometry practices.

Headquartered at the Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld, The Connection 2023 is designed to be a family-friendly event. World-famous theme parks and area attractions are located nearby, and childcare will be provided free of charge to registered attendees.

In addition, IDOC has issued a call for guest speakers to join the event roster, an opportunity for qualified professionals to showcase their industry expertise and provide attendees with educational content focused on staff training, practice management, wellness initiatives, medical and specialty courses, marketing strategies, and more.

The deadline for speaker submissions is June 30, 2022. Submissions can be sent here. Additional details about the event will be forthcoming, including the event theme, keynote speakers, agenda and other details. Sign up here to be notified about The Connection 2023 updates.