"The Ongoing Voyage: A New Journey for an Ancient Vessel" is the theme for the upcoming Annual Conference and Exposition of the Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Alliance. The event, scheduled for May 6-10, 2005, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel & Spa in Newport, Rhode Island, promises a unique blend of traditional ingredients and innovations that should make this year's meeting one to remember. In addition to the usual elements of educational seminars, business meetings and product exhibits, the Alliance has added new features and emphases intended to enhance the conference experience for everyone. Some of the new elements include a "Wellness Day" on Sunday, May 8; evening social gatherings for all participants; and the introduction of the Product & Services Center in place of a traditional exhibit hall.
Rich Academic Content This year's conference features an expanded line-up of outstanding presenters and provocative sessions. Headlining the list of seminars are three intensive workshops with outstanding leaders in the field. The pre-conference workshop convenes on Thursday, May 5 and features Jeff Nagel presenting an all-day seminar entitled "Eight Extra Meridians & Taoist I-Ching Medicine: Chi Kung Hand Mudras & Healing Mandalas." Richard Tan presents his day-long seminar on Saturday, May 7: "Basics of the Balance Method - A Revolutionary Strategy for Instant Results." Dr. Tran Viet Dzung returns to the AOM Alliance Conference for a three-day intensive seminar that runs from Sunday, May 8 through Tuesday, May 10, titled "Refine Your Diagnostic and Treatment Skills by Knowing the Internal Branches." Registration for any of the intensive seminars is included in the daily registration rate. The conference registration form includes separate seat reservations to confirm your place in one or more of these outstanding seminars.
The program also contains a strong array of traditional courses and seminars ranging from one to four hours in length. With more than 30 seminars planned, variety is the key, with topics ranging from herbal medicine to practice building techniques, from facial acupuncture to fertility/infertility issues. The extensive list of speakers includes highly recognized figures such as David Ford, Matt Bauer, Michael Gaeta, Peter Holmes, and Bong Dal Kim, as well as several folks new to the Alliance scene. "Wellness Day" on Sunday, May 8 includes a number of traditional seminars, as well as a special track of programs intended to inform the general public. On that day, the conference throws open the doors of these sessions with free admission to patients, prospective patients, and even the curious. Special lectures and demonstrations will make this outreach an exciting new part of our annual gathering. The complete schedule is now published on the Alliance Web site and elsewhere.
Special Events The Alliance is planning an array of special community-building events to fill the corners of our days with exciting activities. From our traditional morning tai chi session to book signings by emerging authors, there will be special happenings each day. Key to the program are such events as the Annual Banquet, with an outstanding program of awards and entertainment, to the special Sunday brunch, and the new evening Director's Receptions.
In addition to the social and networking events, participants can expect a full array of business and other meetings. Several national organizations will be holding meetings and public hearings. The Alliance business meeting will address a number of substantive questions about the organization's direction. There will even be an open panel discussion about the new CPT codes.
Unique Venue These momentous events are all the more enticing because of the special setting. The conference hotel, the Newport Hyatt Regency Hotel & Spa, is set on picturesque Goat Island in Newport Harbor. This readily accessible venue offers an elegant and tranquil retreat for the meetings, far from urban bustle or noisy crowds. At the same time, Newport provides the ideal shopping and recreational facilities, as well as historical sites, which make it appropriate to bring the whole family. The Alliance invites everyone to come and join the excitement!
For more information on the AOM Alliance's 12 th Annual Conference & Expo, visit www.aomalliance.org.
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