2023 OMEA PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE RECAP

If the 2023 PDC had a theme it would have been, “We’re Back!”. Paid registration figures were over 90% of pre-COVID numbers, there was a feeling of excitement and renewal in the air, and there was no blizzard! Sessions and concerts were full to overflowing and IHCP enrollment was the second largest since its inception. The exhibit hall was buzzing while old and new friends paused to greet each other on their way to the next event. The return to Columbus felt somewhat like a homecoming and we are excited to be returning in 2024. This does not mean the everything was perfect. We have several areas of concern and are diligently working on a new plan for next year.

The Hyatt hotel session rooms in the “County Foyer” do not provide much flexibility. The hard walls mean that seating capacity is fixed. This cuts down on sound-bleed but also can lead to full capacity audiences. On one hand this is a “good” problem – with attendance up over 50% from 2022. On the other hand, it deprives some attendees the chance to attend popular clinic sessions. General Music sessions were also overcrowded – especially those needing space for movement and dance. Sound-bleed in the Hyatt ballroom became a concern when a dance/cheer event was scheduled in the ballroom next door, (owned by the convention center). We apologize for any inconvenience or disruption and will do everything within our power to remedy these concerns for 2024.

Planning for the next PDC is well underway. Featured clinicians are being contacted, session rooms reconfigured, and a new proposal portal is being developed. The IHCP and Ashland graduate credit reflections are a great window into the attendee experience. The evaluation option in guidebook, (still available), also provides insight and direction for future events. Please feel free to reach out to me at pd_director@omea-ohio.org if you have specific topics or clinicians to recommend for Columbus next year. Did you know that our Ohio-based clinicians are often among the most popular? YOU just might be the expert we need! The proposal and ensemble application portal will be open April 1 through May 31 on the OMEA website.

Thank you for making the 2023 PDC a great success! Make plans now as we head back to Columbus for the next PDC, February 1-3, 2024.

Mark A. Hensler Director of Professional Development & Conference Management