For the Pennsylvania Optometric Association (POA), the annual Spring Congress is where optometrists at various stages in their careers—from newly minted graduates to seasoned practitioners—come together to share experiences, learn about the latest advancements and products in vision care and, no less important, have a great time. POA’s most recent congress, held April 3-6 at Kalahari Resorts & Conventions’ Pocono Mountains resort, delivered on all counts.

"We liked the fact that the resort had expanded their meeting space and done some upgrading, plus it offers an accessible location within four hours of where most of our members live—mostly in Pennsylvania, but we also get a few people from New York and New Jersey," says Ilene Sauertieg, POA’s director of education and organizer of the event.

Another plus is that the Kalahari, with its huge waterpark and African theme, appeals to families. "Some of the younger doctors bring their families—and we made a point of giving everyone free time to enjoy the activities in and around the resort," Sauertieg says.

As it happened, the Spring Congress turned out to have the largest family attendance of any POA meeting in history, with about a quarter of the 250 attendees bringing their kids along.

"There had been a downturn in family attendance, as people’s lives have gotten so busy, but this one brought in more kids than we’ve seen in a while," Sauertieg says.

‘A FABULOUS TIME’

With such features as a 220,000-square-foot indoor waterpark; an outdoor adventure complex with zip line; a full-service spa; retail shops; and an interactive arcade with escape rooms, bumper cars, games, motion theater and black-light mini golf, there was no shortage of entertainment choices.

Along with the extensive amenities, Sauertieg was pleased with the layout and amount of meeting space at Kalahari, which had doubled its convention facilities in 2019 to 205,000 square feet, including four ballrooms and 33 meeting rooms.

"We were able to be close together and contained in a manageable space, and yet we had enough room to spread out," she says.

Among the resort’s newest features, Redd’s Piano Bar and Lounge was an especially big hit with the group, according to Sauertieg. Designed with a 1920s speakeasy theme, Redd’s offers signature cocktails, nightly live entertainment and even a secret door connected to the Double Cut Steak House.

"When I walked in there one night, I saw that at least half the people in the room were mine," Sauertieg says. "They were sitting around the piano bar, singing along and having a fabulous time."

Among scheduled events was a social mixer that brought together 40 optometry students from Philadelphia with 25 young association members who had started their practices within the past five years. Held in an atrium with the resort’s signature African-themed décor and a glass wall overlooking the grounds, the event included an ice-breaker bingo game that encouraged people to circulate around the room to claim rewards.

"The students got to meet young optometrists in a kind of mentor-mentee situation," Sauertieg says. "They got to ask them about all the things you don’t learn in a classroom. It also made them feel like part of the association, which is great for us because we want to encourage young people coming into the profession to join us."

Sauertieg was pleased with participation at the meeting’s trade show, which featured 42 exhibitors, including a half-dozen first-time participants. To encourage attendance and circulation, there were prize drawings throughout the show floor, which was also where the meal service took place. Food stations and dining setups were positioned throughout the exhibit area.

"It’s a strategy that really works—we had no trouble drawing people to the exhibit hall at 7:30 a.m.," Sauertieg says. "They wanted to get their breakfast, which was included in their registration."

‘CONSTANTLY CHANGING’

Perhaps the most crucial element of the meeting’s success was a strong partnership between Sauertieg and Lauren Brennan, senior convention services manager for the resort.

"The relationship with your client is important throughout the entire planning process," Brennan says. "We have our guidelines and due dates, and our operations team is prepared on our end. The fact that Ilene was super organized and stayed on top of everything was a huge help."

Sauertieg, who has been a member of MPI’s Middle Pennsylvania Chapter for seven years, says she personally understands the priorities of POA members. Involvement with colleagues in MPI has helped her adapt and keep abreast of changes in the meeting industry, particularly those brought on by the pandemic.

"I joined MPI because so many of my peers were members and so were the hotels that I deal with on a regular basis," she says. "Then with COVID we got pushed into things we had never done before like video chats and meeting in outdoor spaces. So, I realized I needed to grow and that I had a lot to give—to my peers and to the young people coming in. I’ve gotten so much out of those relationships. I feel like I’m still relevant."