BOCA RATON, Fla.—Professional Eye Care Associates of America (PECAA) has announced that registration is now open for the 2024 PECAA Annual Meeting taking place on April 29–May 1, 2024 at the Virgin Hotels in Las Vegas. It will mark the 15th occurrence of this signature event, exclusive to PECAA Max members, which brings together independent eyecare professionals, strategic vendor partners and industry leaders for a high-energy, high-impact experience designed to help practices take their business to the next level, according to the company.

As one of the most anticipated annual events in the eyecare industry, last year’s PECAA Annual Meeting hosted nearly 800 attendees.

The three-day event is the largest and most robust opportunity within the PECAA community for camaraderie and idea exchange in a single location, reflecting PECAA’s commitment to renowned peer networking where independent ECPs can share openly, collaborate and celebrate peer successes. Doctors are also encouraged to bring members of their team to engage in educational sessions relevant for every practice role.

“We’re especially excited to gather members for what promises to be PECAA’s most engaging annual meeting yet in a city like Las Vegas that inspires possibilities,” said PECAA president Jonathan Worrall. “Attendees can expect a spectacular event with unique and exclusive opportunities for meaningful connection and learning that will not only empower long-term success but also provide members with actionable ideas that can be immediately implemented in their practices.”

The annual meeting experience features PECAA’s acclaimed Member Appreciation event, held in a fun-filled atmosphere. In addition, the event includes three keynotes, multiple educational sessions, and connection building with PECAA’s product and service partners.

“I’m fascinated with people’s models for success, and the benefit of attending the PECAA Annual Meeting is the opportunity to connect with practices different from your own,” said PECAA Max member Keshav Bhat, OD, of Union Family Eye Associates in Matthews, N.C. “I may meet a doctor whose practice is in a town with a population of 3,000 people or one who has four practices spanning 250 miles. Additionally, I can have a conversation with a vendor and come back the next day and the representative will have thought through my situation and have a customized plan for me. Going to the PECAA Annual Meeting encourages people to be a part of the family. The larger and stronger we are, the more successful we can be.”

The 2024 PECAA Annual Meeting will include:

Keynote addresses from:
Jim Abbott – Former Major League Baseball pitcher, Olympic gold medalist and AAU Sullivan Award winner. Born without a right hand, Abbott went on to play a total of 10 seasons in the big leagues and continues to inspire as a motivational speaker.

Lynn E. Lawrence – CMSgt, USAF (ret), MSOL, CPOT, ABOC, COA, OSC - 30-year decorated Air Force veteran, nationally recognized ophthalmic technician and COPE-approved speaker. Prior to becoming a national lecturer on the eyecare industry, Lawrence was appointed ophthalmic career field manager in the Air Force for 540 optometry and ophthalmology technicians at 90 locations and oversaw quality control for 133 optical locations worldwide.

Kristen Hadeed – Entrepreneur, two-time TEDx speaker and author of "Permission to Screw Up," Hadeed has worked with leaders and organizations in nearly every industry with a purpose to build a better world through courageous, compassionate leadership stemming from her experience creating a small cleaning company at 19 years of age that eventually grew to a globally recognized enterprise.

PECAA’s Annual Member Choice Awards – a unique and engaging way for attendees to learn about vendor offerings exclusive to PECAA Max members.

The Partner Pavilion featuring nearly 60 vendors showcasing the industry’s newest products and services.

Industry-leading education sessions on best practices and industry trends presented in customized formats, including enhanced tracks, round-robin and breakout sessions, and with continuing education and certification courses that support both doctors and staff.

In keeping with the tradition to enable positive change in the communities that host the PECAA Annual Meeting each year, through PECAA Gives, attendees will have the opportunity to support a local nonprofit during the course of the event. This year’s beneficiary is Goodie Two Shoes Foundation, an organization that provides disadvantaged children and children in crisis with new shoes, socks, and other essential items for positive development.

To register for the annual meeting as a PECAA Max member and view the complete event schedule, keynote speaker bios and more, or to learn about the benefits of PECAA Max membership, click here.

PECAA, which was acquired by VSP Vision in 2022 and operates independently, is the nation’s largest community of independent eyecare professionals delivering "The Power of Independence" by providing members access to more than 200 vendor partner programs, a customizable suite of industry-leading business advisory services, and strong connection to a community of growth-minded peers offering a network of support.