Aloha spirit: Celebrate, learn, shop, network and vacation
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Posted Sept. 30, 2009 |
By Stacie Crozier Welcome to the American Dental Association's 150th annual session and sesquicentennial celebration.
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Dr. Findley
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"Aloha and welcome to Hawaii and the 150th Annual Session of the American Dental Association," said ADA President John S. Findley. "As we celebrate the ADA's sesquicentennial, we hope you'll take some time to reflect on the incredible successes of our industry—and also look forward to a bright future full of possibilities."
The Opening General Session and Distinguished Speaker Series is set for tonight at the famed Waikiki Shell. The Distinguished Speaker Series has been underwritten in part by the ADA Foundation through a donation from Johnson & Johnson Healthcare Products, Division of McNeil-PPC Inc.
Continuing education courses will be held tomorrow through Sunday, the World Marketplace Exhibition will be open tomorrow through Saturday and the House of Delegates meets Oct. 2-6.
Celebrate the ADA's 150th anniversary and enjoy "An Evening Under the Stars" on Friday at the Waikiki Shell by attending a Polynesian spectacular event created exclusively for annual session attendees.
Nearly 180 continuing education programs offered at annual session are designed to help dentists and staff enhance their clinical skills and learn the latest developments in dentistry.
Attendees can also earn up to 3 hours of CE on the exhibit floor by attending courses at the ADA Live Operatory Center. The LOC features a unique blend of product training and CE featuring 3-D imaging; the new Competition Hub including the Education Exchange Competition (table clinic presentations), the new Adult Preventive Care Practice of the Year competition, and the 2009 Dental Office Design Competition; and a new offering, 150 High Tech Products on One Stage. These great learning opportunities will be open Thursday through Saturday, 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Also returning will be the ADA's Education In The Round series, featuring live patient procedures conducted in a fully functional dental operatory and projected on 60-inch flat-screen monitors.
Annual session goers can also extend their CE opportunities and visit Kauai, Maui or Hawaii's Big Island for one of three post-session CE courses Oct. 6 and 7.
The ADA World Marketplace Exhibition offers attendees a chance to test-drive the latest products and equipment from more than 350 leading providers of dental products and services, find money-saving specials and more. The World Marketplace is open tomorrow through Saturday, 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
The Hawaii Convention Center features open-air areas, a spectacular Hawaiian art collection, a rooftop garden and more. The center is located near the world-famous Waikiki Beach in Honolulu, where many of the ADA official hotels are located. Shuttle buses will provide a quick ride to the convention center from ADA hotels not within walking distance of the center.
Step outside the convention center to experience Hawaii's "aloha spirit"—the combination of the islands' multicultural heritage and a lifestyle that respects nature and culture.
Hawaiian cuisine reflects the fusion of many cultures and culinary styles, incorporating the flavors of Asia and Europe with fresh local ingredients. There is a choice for every palate, from award-winning four-star dining establishments to shrimp shacks and other eateries that serve up local favorites.
From designer fashions and fine art to local arts and crafts and souvenirs, Hawaii offers a wide range of exciting shopping options housed in tiny shops, glitzy malls and open-air markets.
The island of Oahu is famed for its variety of unique experiences from four-star restaurants and high-end shopping in Honolulu to hundreds of peaceful beaches, exciting water activities and attractions like Pearl Harbor and Diamond Head Crater.
More than 30 ADA tours, from ocean activities to sightseeing to dining cruises, showcase the best of Hawaii's pastimes and scenery. Tours are still available. See your Official Guide or visit the Tour Sales Desk in the Hawaii Convention Center, entrance lobby, for descriptions, dates and times and to purchase tickets.
Beyond the beaches of Oahu, other Hawaiian islands await. Those registered for annual session can take advantage of special room rates at ADA official hotels on the islands of Kauai, Maui and Hawaii, in addition to other areas of Oahu, before, during and after annual session. There are several properties to choose from on each island, including those that are host to the ADA's post-session seminars.
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