Spotlight On…
The July 2017 Annual Meeting
The WSOMS Annual Meeting convened at the gorgeous Montage Resort in picturesque Deer Valley, Utah. Upon arrival it was clear this was no “ordinary” resort. At 8000 feet above sea level, the exterior of the building looked like a cross between a castle and a ski chalet surrounded by stunning countryside forest. The interior was no less spectacular with a huge divided staircase greeting all new arrivals.
Not your mother’s resort. WHOA BABY.
What did folks do the first day?
Executive Director Dr. Chuck Walter and his wife, Elsie, arrived early and hit the ground running. Between meeting with event coordinators, setting up registration tables, organizing a special kids’ table, checking on venue amenities for speakers as well as participants, and directing vendor traffic to and from the vendor display ball room, they had their work cut out for them.
The first evening was the President’s Reception — a meet-and-greet buffet with elegant round tables set on the Vista Terrace looking west toward the valley. The weather was quite warm, graced with a fresh evening breeze and a Utah sunset.
The buffet featured a variety of signature entrees alongside fresh vegetable dishes and an array of creative desserts. Dishes were elegantly displayed and labeled along buffet tables just inside the patio, making it simple for folks to indulge in seconds and thirds. The big circular tables facilitated easy conversation among old and new friends alike. Vendors were welcomed along with conference participants.
If you’d like to check out the program & agenda, click here.
Once everyone was settled, WSOMS Board President Gabe Kennedy issued a friendly greeting with some last minute announcements. Everyone enjoyed the casual elegance of the experience and remained to chat long into the evening.
Was there anything special for the Fourth of July?
During the initial setup of the conference in January, the Walters learned that Park City is known for it’s spectacular fourth of July activities. They avoided scheduling conference events on the afternoon of the 4th specifically so people could swim in the pool, hike, shop, and head into town for the annual parade extravaganza that typifies Deer Valley celebrations. Let me just say, it was SO MUCH FUN.
Amenities! TWO pools and a big jacuzzi, cocktails served on two terraces, lovely in-house eateries and a deli, a spa to die for, and high-end boutiques for folks not averse to spending $$$$.
How were the featured speakers?
WSOMS was lucky to secure two presenters so highly regarded in their specialties.
Stuart Lieblich, DMD, Clinical Prof, U of Connecticut, Avon Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery;
“Ambulatory Anesthesia: Case -Based Focused Review of Techniques and Complications”
Dr Lieblich was an engaging speaker, well versed in the complexities of his topic area and skilled in exploring concepts, concerns, and solutions. He was well received by the audience and fielded many questions when he presentation concluded.
Daniel Petrisor, DMD, MD, FACS, Director of Head & Neck Oncologic and Microvascular Reconstructive Surgery, Oregon Health & Science U;
“Smile Again: Definitive Implant Reconstruction in the post-Ablative Patient”
“Contemporary Management of Nerve Injuries in OMFS”
Dr. Petrisor shared much more than his impressive surgical acumen and skill. It was clear throughout the presentation that he felt sincere concern for the patients he discussed. His work was as much a meaningful way to make a difference in people’s lives as it was a professional calling. He, too, was well received and stayed long after to talk with colleagues.
Was there a good vendor display area?
Vendor representatives arrived early, spreading out caches of banners, appliances, and services media along the perimeter of the conference’s adjacent ballroom. Many reps were old friends of WSOMS, fielding professional inquiries along with hails of “great-to-see-you-again!” The presence of several cocktail tables and a daily buffet of fresh signature snacks facilitated plenty of back and forth between rooms. At any point you could find conference attendees with children in tow enjoying the fun party atmosphere.
What about the barbecue?
Ah, the barbecue. Well, that morning was filled with the usual meetings, speakers, and canoodling. No organized plans were set for the afternoon so folks could enjoy ample time to play and prep.
The evening barbecue, a long-time tradition at WSOMS conferences, was served on the Vista Terrace complete with cowboy hats, no-host cocktails, a country-western DJ, an amazing themed buffet (no surprise there), and the board president’s concluding remarks. Accolades went to WSOMS officers and a special round of applause was dedicated to event organizers Chuck and Elsie Walter. Vendors along with conference attendees relished a final Utah sunset while toasting another successful annual meeting.
Cocktails, music, BBQ, and beer on the terrace: good times and great memories.
When is the next Annual Meeting?
Attendance for the Park City meeting was disappointingly low. A lot of people missed a truly spectacular experience. Dr. Chuck Walter brought up his concerns during the board meeting and caucus in August. After considerable input from the membership regarding travel availability, the board to decided to move the traditional summer booking into spring. The next annual meeting will be in March of 2019, in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Cool!