The 2008 AOPA National Assembly promises to be bigger and better than ever—Make plans now to join us September 10-13 at the Hyatt Regency Chicago. Don’t miss the premier event for orthotic, prosthetic and pedorthic professionals!
The AOPA National Assembly offers professionals 4 days of networking, business and clinical education, and product exhibits. *Earn over 34 CE Credits at this year’s meeting.
Taking the National Assembly to New Heights!
Assembly Program Schedule
Continuing Education Credits
Exhibitors List
Traveling to Chicago
Meeting Location
Hotel Accommodations
Meeting Registration
Chicago Weather
Frequently Asked Questions
Planning Committee
International Attendees
Contact us!
Assembly Program Schedule
Continuing Education Credits
Exhibitors List
Traveling to Chicago
Meeting Location
Hotel Accommodations
Meeting Registration
Chicago Weather
Frequently Asked Questions
Planning Committee
International Attendees
Contact us!
Chicago: Something for Everyone
Chicago is a city of world-class status and unsurpassed beauty, drawing visitors from around the nation and the globe. Located on the shores of Lake Michigan in the heart of the Midwest, Chicago is home to the blues, world-championship sports teams, an internationally acclaimed symphony orchestra, spectacular live theater, celebrated architecture, thousands of restaurants, a galaxy of museums and an array of shopping!
Restaurants
Chicago is also proud to be home to award-winning restaurants and world-famous chefs, as well as home to deep-dish pizza…one of Chicago’s most important contributions to 20th-century culture! When you come to Chicago, come hungry, and always save room for dessert! Go here for a complete list of Chicago Restaurants.
Museums
Chicago is renowned for its diverse collection of museums, which explore a variety of subjects including Chicago history, art, African-American culture, astronomy, natural history and much more. Go here to start exploring!
Attractions
In addition to world-renowned museums, Chicago is home to a variety of spectacular attractions including Navy Pier….the city’s lakefront playground. Other attractions that you won’t want to miss include Buckingham Fountain at Grant Park, the Hancock Observatory, and the Sears Tower Skydeck. Go here for a sneak preview of Chicago attractions!
Shopping
A visit to Chicago would be incomplete without a shopping spree! And that shopping spree must include a visit to the famed “Magnificent Mile,” which runs along Michigan Avenue from Oak Street to the Chicago River. Sprinkled amidst department store giants are hundreds of specialty shops and boutiques offering goods from around the world. Go here to start shopping!
Chicago truly is the great American City….from stunning architecture and world-famous museums to lakefront parks and vibrant ethnic neighborhoods, Chicago offers a range of attractions that keep visitors coming back again and again!
National Assembly Program Schedule
*Earn over 34 Continuing Education Credits!
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Registration 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Exhibitor Setup 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Registration 7:30 AM – 7:30 PM
Thranhardt Golf Classic 8:00 AM
Exhibitor Setup 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Manufacturers’ Workshops 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Manufacturers’ Workshops 1:00 – 5:00 PM
Welcome Reception 6:00 – 7:30 PM
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Registration Open 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Continental Breakfast 7:30 AM
Concurrent Education Programs 8:00 – 10:00 AM
Exhibit Hall Open 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Product Preview Theater 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Lunch in Exhibit Hall 12:30 PM
Award Winning Thranhardt Lecturers 2:00 – 3:30 PM
Clinical Education 2:00 – 5:00 PM
Refreshment Break 3:30 – 4:00 PM
Happy Hour & Registration for 3:30 – 4:00 PM
Annual Membership Meeting
AOPA Annual Membership Meeting 4:00 – 5:30 PM
Friday, September 12, 2008
Registration Open 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Continental Breakfast 7:30 AM
Concurrent Education Programs 8:00 – 10:00 AM
Exhibit Hall Open 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Product Preview Theater 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Lunch in Exhibit Hall 12:30 PM
Concurrent Education Programs 2:00 – 5:00 PM
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Registration Open 7:30 AM - Noon
Exhibit Hall Open 8:00 – Noon
Breakfast in Exhibit Hall 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Product Preview Theater 8:00 AM – 11:20 AM
Concurrent Education Programs 10:00 AM – Noon
Exhibit Breakdown Noon
Concurrent Manufacturers’ Workshops 1:00 – 5:00 PM
Technician Program 1:00 – 5:00 PM
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Post Show Seminar 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Standards, Standards Everwhere!
Continuing Education Credits
AOPA has applied to the American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics, Inc. (ABC) and the Board for Orthotic/Prosthetic Certification (BOC) for continuing education credits. Generally, one credit is awarded per session hour. In order to receive continuing education credits during the Assembly, you must use the badge-swipe system at each session you attend. It is imperative that your certification information is correct on your meeting registration form.
| DAY | *CREDITS |
| Wednesday, September 10 | 8.0 |
| Thursday, September 11 | 8.0 |
| Friday, September 12 | 8.0 |
| Saturday, September 13 | 7.5 |
| Exhibit Hall (Category I CE Credits) | 3.0 |
| Total | 34.5 |
| *Credits Applied for |
Traveling to Chicago
O'Hare International Airport (773-686-2200) handles more passengers than any other airport in the world. For visitors needing information or directions, airport information booths are located on the lower levels of the domestic terminals and on the upper and lower levels of the International Terminal. A foreign currency exchange is located on the lower level of the International Terminal. It's 13 miles from O’Hare to downtown. During rush-hour it can take about an hour. During the middle of the day and evenings it takes around 30 minutes. Taking a taxi to/from the airport ranges from about $30-50 depending on travel time from O’Hare.
Midway Airport (773-838-0600) is located at 5700 Cicero Ave., 20 minutes from downtown Chicago. The one-building airport is divided into three terminals, A, B and C. The main lobby at the airport's center entrance is where the information booth and all vehicle pick-up services are available. It's about 12 miles from Midway to downtown. During rush-hour it can take about 45 minutes to an hour. During the mid-day and evenings it's around 20-30 minutes. Taking a taxi to/from the airport can range from $25–45 depending on travel time from Midway.
Driving Directions
From the North/O'Hare Airport: Take I-90 East (Kennedy Expressway) and exit at Ohio Street. Turn right Michigan Avenue. Proceed a few blocks and go over Chicago River Bridge to Wacker Drive.
From the South: From Indiana via the Skyway, take the Indiana Tollway (I-90) to the Chicago Skyway to the local traffic lanes of I-94 north (Dan Ryan Expressway). Exit onto I-55 (Stevenson Expressway) and follow the signs to Lake Shore Drive north. Exit at Wacker Drive.
From Indiana via I-80/94: Take I-80/94 to the Calumet Expressway to I-94 north (Dan Ryan Expressway). Exit at I-55 north (Stevenson Expressway) and follow the signs to Lake Shore Drive north. Exit at Wacker Drive.
From the Southwest/Midway Airport: Take Cicero Avenue north to get to I-55 north (Stevenson Expressway). Take I-55 to Lake Shore Drive north. Exit at Wacker Drive.
From the West: Take I-290 East (Eisenhower Expressway) into downtown as it turns into Congress Parkway. Turn left on Columbus Avenue. Turn left on Randolph Street. Turn right on Michigan Avenue and proceed a few blocks to Wacker Drive.
Rental Cars
Hertz has been selected as the official rental car agency for the 2008 AOPA National Assembly. Reservations can be made by calling (800) 654-2240 or by clicking the Hertz logo below. When booking reservations through Hertz, please reference convention number CV#022R2179 or identify AOPA National Assembly to receive your discounted rate.
Meeting Location
Hyatt Regency Chicago
On Chicago’s Riverwalk
151 East Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 61601, USA
Phone: 312-565-1234
Fax: 312-239-4414
Website
Hotel Accommodations
The 2008 AOPA National Assembly will be held at the Hyatt Regency Chicago, Hyatt's flagship property, a recipient of numerous awards for excellence in hospitality.
The hotel is ideally located at the top of the "Magnificent Mile" on Chicago's Riverwalk, and is in the heart of the city's shopping and business district. Hyatt offers a perfect location to experience the best Chicago has to offer, just minutes from Chicago's Loop, shopping, entertainment, parks, museums, professional sports stadiums and other cultural attractions.
Complete the ”Hotel Reservations” section of your meeting registration form to secure your hotel reservation at the Hyatt Regency Chicago.
Meeting Registration
Chicago Weather
Average temperatures for September
Normal High 76
Normal Low 57
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should attend?
All O&P professionals, practitioners, physicians, pedorthists, technicians, fitters, students, educational instructors, facility owners, marketing personnel, residents, office managers, billing specialists, manufacturers, distributors and suppliers of O&P products and services. This is your opportunity to earn over 34 continuing education (CE) credits! Don’t miss the show that sets the standard for the profession.
How do I register for the meeting?
Online registration opens May 5, 2008. Visit www.AOPAnet.org often for updates and new information.
When will on-site registration open?
On-site registration opens at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, September 9, 2008 in the Grand Registration area of the Hyatt Regency Chicago.
Registration Hours
Tuesday, September 9 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday, September 10 7:30 AM – 7:30 PM
Thursday, September 11 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday, September 12 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday, September 13 7:30 AM - Noon
When does the meeting begin?
The meeting officially begins on Wednesday, September 10 with Manufacturers Workshops from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Don’t miss the Welcome to Chicago Reception, which will be held at 6:00 PM Wednesday evening.
When will the exhibit hall be open?
The exhibit hall opening ceremony will be held at 6:00 PM on Wednesday, September 10 in conjunction with the Welcome to Chicago Reception.
The Exhibit Hall will be open:
Wednesday, September 10 6:00 – 7:30 PM (Welcome Reception)
Thursday, September 11 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Friday, September 12 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Saturday, September 13 8:00 AM – Noon
Can I earn CE credits by touring the exhibit hall?
ABC- and BOC certificants can receive up to three CE credits for touring the Exhibit Hall. To receive credit, you must submit an application with the required documentation. Applications will be available at the AOPA booth located in the Exhibit Hall.
Continuing Education Credits
AOPA has applied to The American Board for Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics & Pedorthics (ABC) and the Board for Orthotist/Prosthetist Certification (BOC) for a total of 34.25 continuing education (CE) credits for the 2008 AOPA National Assembly. Generally, one credit is awarded per session hour.
The Canadian Board for Certification of Prosthetists and Orthotists (CBCPO) will grant Canadian certifees 6 credit hours for each full day of attendance and 3 credit hours for each half-day of attendance.
Representatives from ABC and BOC will be available during the Assembly to answer your questions.
What is the dress code for the meeting?
AOPA has adopted a policy of business casual attire for the 2008 Assembly.
Can I bring a guest into the Exhibit Hall?
Please do not ask those who are not registered for the Assembly to meet you in the Exhibit Hall. They will not be permitted to enter without a badge. No exceptions will be made. Use the registration area as your meeting point. Spouses and children qualify for reduced registration rates. Please contact Erin Kennedy for additional registration information at ekennedy@AOPAnet.org.
What education sessions will be offered?
A Preliminary Program will be available online in May. The preliminary program will be mailed to all AOPA members, ABC certificants, BOC certificants and previous Assembly attendees. If you do not fall into one of these categories, but would like to be added to our mailing list, contact Erin Kennedy at ekennedy@AOPAnet.org.
Where will the meeting be held?
All meetings and AOPA-hosted events will take place in the Hyatt Regency Chicago.
Hyatt Regency Chicago
On Chicago’s Riverwalk
151 East Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 61601, USA
Phone: 312-565-1234
Fax: 312-239-4414
What is AOPA’s Antitrust Compliance Policy?
AOPA has a policy of strict compliance with federal and state antitrust laws which serve to prohibit agreements, combinations and conspiracies in restraint of trade. Attendees at the AOPA National Assembly should avoid discussing certain subjects when they are together at any formal or informal gathering. The following guidelines are to be adhered to at all times during the Assembly:
• DO NOT discuss prices, fees or rates, or features that can impact prices such as discounts, costs, terms and conditions of sale, warranties, or profit margins.
• DO NOT agree with competitors as to uniform terms of sale, warranties or contract provisions.
• DO NOT exchange data concerning fees, prices, production, sales, bids, costs, customer credit, or other business practices.
• DO NOT agree with competitors to divide up customers, markets or territories.
• DO NOT agree with competitors not to deal with certain suppliers or others.
• DO NOT try to prevent a supplier from selling to your competitor(s).
• DO NOT discuss your customers with your competitors.
• DO leave any meeting (formal or informal) where improper subjects are being discussed. Tell everyone why you are leaving. Any questions about AOPA’s antitrust policy should be directed to AOPA’s Executive Director.
Do I need a badge to participate in the Assembly?
Badges must be worn to all Assembly functions. Your badge is your pass to the Exhibit Hall and the education sessions. It also ensures that you are able to greet and be greeted by name by your colleagues and friends. Unless noted otherwise, optional events require tickets for those without a full-conference registration. Please remember to bring your tickets with you to the event. There will be a $50 fee for the replacement of a lost badge.
Are children permitted in the exhibit hall?
AOPA has created a special registration category at a reduced rate for children ages 11-17. Children under 11 are allowed in the exhibit hall, but must be supervised at all times. There is no registration fee or badge required for children ages 10 and under.
Are meals included with my registration?
Complimentary continental breakfasts, lunches and refreshment breaks will be available for meeting attendees. Your lunch tickets are included with your badge. Be sure to bring your ticket with you each day. Lunch will be served Thursday and Friday in the Exhibit Hall. Continental breakfast will be served outside of the education sessions on Thursday and Friday. Breakfast will be available in the Exhibit Hall on Saturday.
Planning Committee
2008 AOPA National Assembly Advisory Committee Roster
Russell Hornfisher (Chairman)
Becker Orthopedic Appliance
11645 LeHigh Court
Plymouth, MI 48170
Phone: (734) 673-8366
Fax: (734) 414-9460
E-mail: hornfisher@aol.com
William Barringer, CO, FAAOP
University of Oklahoma-O&P
1122 NE 13th St.,
Okalahoma City, OK 73117-1026
Phone: (405) 271-3644
Fax: (405) 271-1907
E-mail: William-barringer@ouhsc.edu
Michael Burton (Exhibits Chair)
Florida Brace Corporation
750 Bridgeview Road
Langhorne, PA 19053
Phone: (215) 752-1402
Fax: (215) 752-5759
E-mail: mburton@flabrace.com
Meghan Eilbeck (Business Education Workgroup)
Freedom Innovations
30 Fairbanks, Suite 114
Irvine, CA 92618
Phone: (949) 672-0032
Fax: (949) 672-0084
E-mail: meilbeck@freedom-innovations.com
Chris Fairman, CPO (Clinical Education Workgroup)
Great Lakes P&O
3075 W. Clark Rd, Suite 100
Ypsilanti, MI 48197-1103
Phone: (734) 528-5200
Fax: (734) 528-5260
E-Mail: cfairman@provide.net
Thomas Gavin, CO (Clinical Education Workgroup)
BioConcepts Inc.
100 Tower Drive, Ste 101
Burr Ridge, IL 60521
Phone: (630) 986-0007
Fax: (630) 986-0151
E-Mail: tomgavin@ix.netcom.com
Michelle Hall, CPO, FAAOP (Symposia Organizer)
Gillette Lifetime
435 Phalen Boulevard
St. Paul, MN 55103
Phone: (651) 638-4735
E-mail: m_jhall@yahoo.com
Dennis Janisse, C.Ped. (Clinical Education Workgroup)
National Pedorthic Services Inc.
Medical College of Wisconsin
7283 W. Appleton Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53216
Phone: (414) 438-1211
Fax: (414) 438-1051
E-mail: Janisse@execpc.com
Tabilyn King
Ossur
27412 Laguna Hills Drive
Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
Phone: (949) 362-3883
Fax: (949) 360-3923
E-Mail: tking@ossur.com
Don Pierson, CO, C.Ped.
Arizona AFO, Inc.
1611 E. Main Street
Mesa, AZ 85203
Phone: (480) 222-1580
Fax: (480) 461-5187
E-Mail: don@arizonaaft.com
Bradley N. Ruhl, AOPA 2008 Presient
Otto Bock Health Care
Two Carlson Parkway, Suite 100
Minneapolis, MN 55447
Phone: (800) 328-4058 X5120
Fax: (800) 926-2549
E-mail: brad.ruhl@ottobock.com
C. Michael Schuch, CPO, FISPO, FAAOP (Clinical Education Workgroup Chairman)
Professional O&P
5300 Atlantic Avenue, #101
Raleigh, NC 27609
Phone: (919) 878-9319
Phone: (800) 818-9168
Fax: (919) 878-9319
E-Mail: schuchm@bellsouth.net
Donald Shurr, CPO
American Prosthetics & Orthotics
01094 JPP University of Iowa, Hosp.
Iowa City, IA 52242
Phone: (319) 356-2420
Fax: (319) 356-2783
E-mail: dons@apoinc.com
Patrick Thomas
Ohio Willow Wood
15441 Scioto Darby Road
Mt Sterling, OH 43143
Phone: 740-869-1164 x 144
Fax: 740-869-4374
E-mail: patt@owwco.com
Fran Varner-Jenkins (Business Education Workgroup)
Fillauer Companies Inc.
2710 Amnicola Hwy
Chattanooga, TN 37406
Phone: (423) 624-0946
Fax: (423) 624-1402
E-mail: fjenkins@fillauer.com
Cathie Welge
Alps South Corporation
2895 42nd Avenue North
St. Petersburg, FL 33714
Phone: (727) 528-8566 ext. 311
Fax: (727) 522-6982
E-mail: cathie@easyliner.com
AOPA Staff Contact:
Tina M. Moran, CMP
Phone: (571) 431-0808
Fax: (571) 431-0899
E-mail: tmoran@AOPAnet.org
International Attendees
AOPA welcomes all international attendees to the 2008 AOPA National Assembly—the oldest and largest meeting for the O&P profession in the United States. The AOPA National Assembly features the largest and most comprehensive trade show of products and services for the orthotic and prosthetic profession. You’ll hear from top notch O&P practitioners, academics and researchers from around the world about the most up to date clinical techniques, component technologies, treatments and procedures. We hope you can attend!
The process for international visitors getting to the United States can be a bit overwhelming. In order to assist International attendees, AOPA has provided some useful information on entering the United States.
• Visa Wavier Program (VWP) -
Citizens of the following countries do not need a U.S. visa for business or tourism visits of less than 90 days, but must have a machine-readable passport. Participating VWP Countries include: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. Click here for more information: travel.state.gov/visa/temp/temp_1305.html
• Request an International Attendee Letter from AOPA to attend the 2008 AOPA National Assembly. E-mail: ekennedy@AOPAnet.org
• How to obtain a U.S. Visa. travel.state.gov/visa/visa_1750.html
• To download multilingual fact sheets and videos click here http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/interapp/editorial/editorial_0435.xml
If you need additional information please contact Erin Kennedy at ekennedy@AOPAnet.org or (571) 431-0876