AAO PROFESSIONAL ADVOCACY CONFERENCE
January 23 – 25, 2012, Washington, DC
Download the registration form here.
The AAO’s Professional Advocacy Conference is the best opportunity for AAO members to gather in Washington, DC, in order to promote the legislative agenda of the AAO. It is also an opportunity to network, learn more about the AAO’s government relations activity, and to hear from allied organizations such as the ADA, AAOMS and AAPD. In the past, about 7-10 Members of Congress address attendees at each meeting. Commentators such as Tucker Carlson, Newt Gingrich, Fred Barnes and George Will, among others, have also participated.
Each participant will be reimbursed for roundtrip travel to Washington, DC, necessary lodging, and planned meals. NESO is looking for all who are enthusiastic and care about government affairs to participate.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is it?
Attendees will also receive extensive information from the AAO’s staff and lobbyists about the legislative agenda, including “talking points” and tips on how to effectively communicate with legislators and their staff. Attendees are grouped in teams, made up of members close in geography, to visit Capitol Hill offices. All meetings are scheduled by the AAO in advance of the meeting.
Who is invited?
All AAO members. If you are interested in learning more about the AAO’s advocacy program, please consider attending. We welcome both “veteran” members who have attended previously, as well as those who haven’t.
What hotel?
This year, we are meeting in the historic Renaissance Mayflower, just blocks from the White House.
What is the time commitment?
We respect your time and appreciate the time you must take away from your practice to attend. That’s why t he Conference is concise. It kicks off with a keynote speaker on the night of Monday, January 23, runs all day on Tuesday, January 24, and ends in the early afternoon of Wednesday, January 25. See below for more detailed travel recommendations.
What does the AAO reimburse?
The AAO reimburses the cost of transportation to and from the Conference, required hotel nights, and covers all planned meals. Save receipts for transportation costs, as you will need to submit them with an expense report.
To which airport should I fly?
Reagan National (DCA) is the closest and most convenient. It is approximately 20 minutes from the hotel in average traffic—taxi cost of approximately $20. Baltimore-Washington International (BWI) and Dulles International (IAD) also serve the area, but are less convenient at approximately 1+ hour of travel time in average traffic.
When should I plan to arrive/depart?
Plan to arrive on Monday, January 23 in the afternoon. Dinner will begin at 6 p.m. Most Capitol Hill meetings will conclude by 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 25. Plan to give yourself plenty of time to travel to the airport/train station. The AAO will arrange for the bell stand to store your luggage for Wednesday, so it may be most convenient to check-out of your room prior to breakfast.
Do I need to contact anyone regarding my reservations?
Except for travel arrangements, no. Your hotel reservations at the Renaissance Mayflower will be arranged by the AAO, as will all of your Capitol Hill meetings.
When will I know who is on my “team”.
At the Conference.
When will I know which offices I’ll visit on Capitol Hill?
At the Conference. Many times, meetings will be scheduled, cancelled, and re-scheduled days prior to the Conference. It is not productive, therefore, to distribute meeting lists prior to the Conference.
How do I attend the post-address reception with Monday’s keynote speaker?
If you have given $500 or more to the AAOPAC in the timeframe of 1/24/11-1/25/12, you will be invited to the reception. If you haven’t yet made your contribution by the time of the Conference and would like to attend, you may make a contribution at the reception entrance.
What is the attire for the Conference?
Business attire is appropriate at all functions.