"Independent practices are stronger together, and Connection is where that comes to life," said 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. That's why 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. The future of optometry isn't built in isolation. It's built together."
2027 Event Highlights
IDOC General Session
From exciting developments on the horizon to inspiring examples of member success, the IDOC General Session will send attendees home with fresh ideas, renewed confidence, and a deeper appreciation of what's possible together.
New Facilitated Member Panels
Facilitated, discussion-led panels will combine real member experiences, expert perspectives, and audience participation to explore the opportunities and challenges facing independent optometry today. The focus will be on conversation rather than presentations, with attendees hearing directly from peers and industry experts. At the heart of each discussion is one question: What can we learn from one another to build stronger practices, stronger teams, and stronger futures?
Dynamic Expert-Led Breakout Sessions
From the exam lane to the front desk to the bottom line, expert-led breakout sessions are built to help independent practices compete and grow. Sessions will cover practice management, leadership, AI, clinical innovation, and business growth and planning, with content tailored to each role in the independent practice.
50% More Continuing Education
Connection 2027 offers an expanded program designed to support both clinical excellence and business growth, with 50% more continuing education than last year. Courses offer credit across COPE for optometrists and ABO, NCLE, and CPC for staff, giving entire practice teams the chance to earn the credits they need, all in one place.
Expanded Team Development: Peer Roundtables
New for 2027, IDOC is introducing Optician Roundtables, giving optical teams their own space to connect, solve problems, and exchange best practices with peers. The new sessions, limited to 30 attendees, join IDOC's popular peer-to-peer roundtables for practice owners and office managers. Roundtables consistently fill early each year, so attendees are encouraged to secure their spot before registration closes on Jan. 8, 2027.
Visionary Keynote Session and Featured Speakers
The conference will feature keynote speaker Matthew Emerzian, a four-time bestselling author and founder and CEO of Every Monday Matters. After a successful music industry career working with artists like U2 and Coldplay, Emerzian has spent nearly two decades helping people and organizations understand how much and why they matter. Drawing on his Mattering Mindset™ framework, Emerzian will share an inspiring perspective on finding purpose and creating meaningful impact. Attendees will also hear from featured speakers, including Dr. Steve Vargo, Nathan Hayes, Sharon Carter, Joy Gibb, and Kayla Ashlee.
Vendor Marketplace, Networking, and Social Events
Some of the conference's biggest takeaways happen outside of sessions, through relationships built with fellow members, IDOC's team, and strategic vendor partners. In the Vendor Marketplace, attendees can meet IDOC's vendor partners face-to-face and explore the latest products, technologies, and practice solutions. Social events keep the conversations going, including the Alpine Adventure Thursday Night Reception and the '80s Après Ski Saturday Night Closing Party.
Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center
The Gaylord Rockies offers attendees eight restaurants and bars, the Relâche Spa, daily yoga, outdoor firepits with sweeping views of the Rocky Mountains, a year-round indoor pool, a heated outdoor pool, and a Topgolf Swing Suite, giving members plenty of ways to enjoy their time between sessions.
Registration for Connection 2027 and the hotel room block close on Jan. 20, 2027. To learn more and register, visit idoc.swoogo.com/connection2027.
About IDOC
IDOC empowers independent business owners to change lives through better sight by making independent ownership easier. IDOC is part of a global community of more than 7,000 optometrist owners caring for over 50 million patients, dispensing over 25 million pairs of glasses, and supplying over 1 billion contact lenses every year.
Built exclusively for independent optometrists, IDOC does not own retail stores or chains, operate a vision-benefits plan, or supply products sold through competing optical practices. IDOC delivers the benefits of scale through access to the world's largest vertically integrated optical supply chain, alongside world-class strategic and operational support dedicated exclusively to independent practices. As the leading independent alliance in the U.S., IDOC provides the highest quality products at affordable prices to empower independent business owners to care for more patients, grow profitability, and compete with confidence. For more information, visit idoc.net.
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