Adelaide’s Blue Sky optometry conference planned for next month has been postponed until February. It’s hoped the new date will coincide with fewer interstate travel restrictions and allow the program to better align with new CPD requirements.
Optometry Victoria South Australia (OV/SA)’s biennial boutique event – planned to take place at the Adelaide Convention Centre 20-21 November – has been rescheduled to 26-27 February.
With more people expected to attend the new date, fees for face-to-face attendees have been reduced by $100 to $499 (full conference), while those who stream the full event remotely will have access for $150.
OV/SA CEO Mr Pete Haydon said the organisation had listened to delegates who were hesitant about interstate travel and keen to focus on the new CPD registration standard that comes into effect on 1 December.
If OV/SA went through with the original November conference, the new time-based standard would have been introduced just nine days later.
“From a CPD perspective, many members have mentally put the 2019/20 OBA-registration year behind them and are more concerned about the new system,” he said.
“Moving Blue Sky to February means members can start with the new system, with expert help at hand, to ensure they’re CPD compliant by the end of 2021. We can also really easily adapt our program to the new requirements.”
Haydon said approximately 60 people had registered for the in-person November event. That would have increased closer to the date, but they now hope to attract well in excess of 100 physical attendees in February.
“We hope that by the end of February more borders will be open and members from across Victoria, SA and wider Australia are more likely to have increased confidence to enjoy a weekend away,” he said.
“The extra couple of months will also give certainty to businesses and exhibitors to commit. By moving Blue Sky to the end of February, they can anticipate a greater number of face-to-face delegates and have confidence that participation will be worth their while. If borders are open, this delay will also enable interstate exhibitors to be able to attend more easily.”
OV/SA will provide a free crèche on both days, with fees applicable for non-members. The conference theme will be Olympics.
Face-to-face registrants have a choice of rescheduling (refund the difference), a full refund or a credit note. Virtual attendees can also expect a transfer of their registration to the new date, a full refund or a credit note.
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