IDOC has opened registration for Connection 2027: Stronger Together, taking place Feb. 11-14, 2027, at the Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center in Colorado. The annual conference for independent optometry practices will feature expanded continuing education (CE), new peer discussions, and sessions addressing clinical and business challenges.
“Independent practices are stronger together, and Connection is where that comes to life,” says IDOC CEO Dave Brown. “Our members practice on their own terms, but with IDOC’s scale, expertise, and community behind them, they never have to do it alone.”
Education and Team Development
IDOC says the 2027 program will offer 50% more CE than the previous year, including credit opportunities across COPE, ABO, NCLE, and CPC. Expert-led breakout sessions will cover practice management, leadership, artificial intelligence, clinical innovation, and business growth and planning. Plus, new facilitated member panels will feature discussions among attendees and industry experts about challenges facing independent practices.
The conference will also introduce optician roundtables, limited to 30 participants each, joining existing roundtables for practice owners and office managers. Roundtable closes Jan. 8, 2027.
Brown says this year’s conference offers more for the entire practice team than ever before, “with an agenda built around the challenges independent practices are facing right now. Every part of it is designed to help members keep changing lives through better sight.”
Speakers and Networking Opportunities
Keynote speaker Matthew Emerzian, a four-time bestselling author and founder and CEO of Every Monday Matters, will discuss finding purpose and making a meaningful impact. Other featured speakers include Steve Vargo, OD, Nathan Hayes, Sharon Carter, Joy Gibb, and Kayla Ashlee.
Also, the event will include an IDOC general session highlighting organizational developments and member successes, along with a vendor marketplace featuring products, technologies, and practice solutions.
Networking opportunities are highlighted by an Alpine Adventure Thursday Night Reception and an ’80s Après Ski Saturday Night Closing Party.
General conference registration and the hotel room block close Jan. 20, 2027. Additional information and registration are available at https://idoc.swoogo.com/connection2027.