June 9, 1998
Dear Mr. Caspers, dear colleagues:
Thank you for your important information.
What kind of proof or evidence do you have for the fact that all
manufacturers are being excluded from presenting at the AOPA meeting? Is
there any official answer or reasoning available from AOPA? May I have a
copy please?
Assuming that you have such proof, I would like to propose that
manufacturers do not simply swallow such restriction without a strong
response. I believe the financing of the event is strongly supported, if
not dependent on the presence of the manufacturers.
Why do products and technology, being – next to quality education of the
professionals – one of the keyfactors for functional O&P services, have to
take the backseat? Why is such education related to “hardware” perceived as
“second class information”?
I would like to take this opportunity to ask some additional questions:
Has anyone of the manufacturers side ever done a cost/benefit analysis for
their AOPA participation?
Compared to the resultys of the Academy meeting?
If AOPA does not intend to give manufacturers the chance to present and
report on a new O&P component or device or about a new technology (in a
proper non-sales-pitch presentation) any more – why should a manufacturer
still be interested to support their conferences?
Answers from AOPA and comments from the colleagues as well as the
manufacturers would be greatly appreciated.
Dipl.-Ing. Wieland Kaphingst CPO (D)
Bio-medical Engineer
International Educator and also:
Representant of a Manufacturer
