IDOC’s Connection 2027 annual conference for independent optometrists and their practice teams is scheduled for February 11–14, 2027, at the Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center in Aurora, Colorado and has the theme “Stronger Together.” The conference will feature an expanded continuing education program, new peer-to-peer learning opportunities, and sessions that will address clinical care, practice management, leadership, and business growth.
The educational program will include expert-led breakout sessions on artificial intelligence, clinical innovation, leadership, practice management, and business growth and planning. Sessions will be tailored to different roles within independent optometric practices. New facilitated member panels will incorporate practitioner experiences, expert perspectives, and audience participation to examine challenges and opportunities that face independent optometry.
IDOC will also introduce Optician Roundtables in 2027, during which optical staff will discuss common challenges and exchange best practices. The sessions, limited to 30 participants each, will complement the organization's existing roundtables for practice owners and office managers.
The conference's keynote speaker will be Matthew Emerzian, a 4-time bestselling author and founder and CEO of Every Monday Matters. His presentation will draw on his Mattering Mindset framework that focuses on purpose and meaningful impact. Additional featured speakers will include Steve Vargo, OD, MBA (practice management consultant at IDOC); Nathan Hayes (director of financial services at IDOC); Sharon Carter (Optometric Consulting); Joy Gibb (practice manager and consultant at Daynes Eye & Lasik); and Kayla Ashlee (CEO of Spexy).
Attendees will also have access to a Vendor Marketplace that features products, technologies, and practice solutions from IDOC's vendor partners. Social and networking opportunities will include an Alpine Adventure Thursday Night Reception and an '80s Après Ski Saturday Night Closing Party.
Additional information and registration are available at idoc.swoogo.com/connection2027.