The 2020 American Orthotic & Prosthetic Association (AOPA) Virtual National Assembly got underway Tuesday afternoon with an informal session addressing a handful of questions from how to attend sessions, roundtable discussion formats, and workshops to how to access the latest in technologies in the virtual exhibit hall.
Kelly O’Neill, manager of meetings and membership for AOPA, welcomed the audience and addressed concerns and fielded questions.
The National Assembly appears to have gotten off to a rallying start—with more than 1,000 attendees having registered for the first-ever virtual event.
Tuesday’s Zoom session allowed for a more personal look into an attendee’s world as they participated in the event from the comforts of home. Some attendees had their kitchens, living rooms, or home offices on display, others preferred a headshot of themselves as they spoke, while others opted for an even more anonymous approach by opting to show just their printed names. AOPA also offered a backdrop promoting the assembly for attendees.
The Assembly got its official start today with workshops from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET. The general session begins at 6 p.m. ET. Michael Lovdal, PhD, will give the keynote address, “What Has Changed in American Health Care, and How Will the Pandemic Affect the Future?” Lovdal is a healthcare analyst and adjunct professor at the Columbia Business School co-teaching a course on “Innovative Models in Global Healthcare.”
The grand opening virtual welcome reception immediately follows the keynote address with opportunities to network with colleagues, a chance at door prizes, and a firsthand look at the virtual exhibit hall.
