Thursday, February 11^th, 2:30pm – 6:30pm

Roundtables are back — and NEW for 2027!

Roundtables are back for Connection 2027, with a new opportunity designed specifically for Opticians.

These dynamic, conversation-driven sessions put you in the room with peers facing many of the same decisions, challenges, and opportunities. Share what’s working. Learn from someone else’s hard-earned lesson. Leave with new ideas for moving your practice forward.

NEW for 2027: Optician Roundtables
For the first time, Opticians will have their own dedicated Roundtable group, creating a space to connect, share ideas, and learn from others who understand the unique role they play in the practice.

Reserve your spot when you register for Connection 2027. Deadline to register is January 8th, 2027!

Available for Practice Owner ODs, Non-OD Owners, Office Managers and Opticians. Office Managers and Opticians will be in their own groups. $100 refundable deposit is required at registration.

 

Friday, February 12th – Saturday, February 13th 

50% more CE. More ways to move forward. 

At Connection 2027, you’ll find 50% more continuing education than in 2026. That means more ways to elevate patient care, strengthen your team, and keep your practice ready for what’s next. 

Choose from targeted sessions across clinical care, contact lenses, optical and retail, business growth and planning, and team culture and leadership. Whatever challenges are on your mind, you’ll hear fresh perspectives from experts who can help you tackle them. 

All CE options are listed on the agenda page. 

 

Thursday, February 11^th, 7:00pm – 9:00pm

We’re kicking off Connection 2027 with an alpine adventure! 

Join us for an opening-night reception with local beer tastings, specialty drinks, great food, and live music. Catch up with your peers, meet new members, connect with our vendor partners.

It’s the perfect way to settle in, find your people, and start the week with your community behind you.

 

Friday, February 12th, 2:00pm - 2:45pm 

Real stories. Honest conversation. Ideas you can use. These facilitated, discussion-led panels bring the Stronger Together theme to life with members, industry experts, and IDOC specialists sharing what’s working in practices like yours. 

Choose from three 45-minute concurrent sessions on finding the right products for every patient, putting clinical excellence into action, and leading teams that build strong practices. At the heart of every discussion: What can we learn from one another to build stronger practices, stronger teams, and stronger futures? 

Bring your questions, hear how others are solving the same challenges, and take home ideas you can put to work in your practice. 

 

Saturday, February 13th, 9:30am - 11:00am

Independent practice was never meant to be done alone. Behind every great practice are people going the extra mile for their patients, building up their teams, trying new ideas, and giving back to their neighborhoods, often with a peer’s advice or encouragement along the way. That’s what makes us stronger together. 

New for 2027, the Member Recognition Awards ceremony honors members and teams for the difference they make every day. Winners are selected from member nominations, so any member can put someone in the spotlight. 

Nomination sentence options: 

• With self-nomination as an option: Nominate a peer whose work inspires you, or tell us your own story.

• Without self-nomination: Know someone who inspires you? Nominate them. 

Nominate Now! IDOC Member Recognition Awards 2027

Nominations due January 5th, 2027. 

Saturday, February 13th, 6:00pm - 10:00pm

Break out the leg warmers. We're closing out Connection 2027 with an 80s Après Ski celebration in the Mountain View Pavilion, the on-site special event space at the Gaylord Rockies.  

Come dressed to impress, kick back with good food, and dance the night away to live music.  

Guests Welcome: Non-attendees are welcome to join the fun! No children are allowed.