Will the good times roll in New Orleans?

In this exclusive interview, the ADA talks about what they have planned in the Big Easy

Story and Photo By Kevin Henry, editor

I recently had the chance to talk to Dr. Michael Blicher, the chair of the ADA Council on ADA Sessions. Dr. Blicher will oversee the ADA Annual Session later this year in New Orleans.

Kevin Henry: Is there an update on New Orleans (including numbers) that you could share with our readers?

Dr. Blicher: It's very early, but we are seeing very strong registration numbers. Registration has only been open since May 1, so it's hard for me to give any exact numbers. Comparatively speaking in regards to our last time in New Orleans (2002), our registration is doing well. Last time we were in New Orleans, we had more than 30,000 people in attendance, and we are hoping to have those same kinds of numbers this year.

Henry: How do this year's numbers compare to last year in San Francisco?

Dr. Blicher: It's too early to tell, but San Francisco is really a unique situation. The California Dental Association generally has their Northern California meeting in the fall, and when the ADA comes to San Francisco, they forego their meeting to support ours. That causes a boost in attendance because people are used to attending the meeting during that time of year. Anytime we go to San Francisco, we typically have higher attendance than when we go anywhere else.

"For those who are interested in partying on Halloween, there's no better place than New Orleans. For those who are interested in going to Bourbon Street, there is no place that is more memorable for partying than New Orleans."

Henry: What effect (if any) is ADA expecting the Halloween holiday to have on the meeting?

Dr. Blicher: In terms of effect, we really haven't heard much. For those who are interested in partying on Halloween, there's no better place than New Orleans. For those who are interested in going to Bourbon Street, there is no place that is more memorable for partying than New Orleans. We also know that, in the exhibit hall, some exhibitors will be dressing up their booths for Halloween to get in the spirit of the holiday. In addition, any of our attendees who don't want to partake in Halloween activities will have no trouble finding a place to have a quiet dinner, listen to music, or even visit a casino. There is something for everyone.

We haven't been in New Orleans since 2002 and a lot has changed in the city since then, in part due to Hurricane Katrina. There are new venues and new restaurants, and there has been a lot of renovation, including the Convention Center. A lot of people haven't been to New Orleans since Katrina hit, and we are inviting people to come to this city and see the comeback it has made.

Henry: So you haven't heard much from dental professionals being concerned about Halloween and being away from their young children?

Dr. Blicher: Not really. There will be a lot of family-oriented things to do in New Orleans for Halloween. Lots of tours are available, such as the ghost tour or the cemetery tour.

Henry: What changes will exhibitors see from last year's meeting in San Francisco to this year's gathering in New Orleans?

Dr. Blicher: If you remember the layout of the Moscone Center, you'll remember the exhibit hall was divided between two halls with a big area in between. In New Orleans, we will be in one hall again and I know exhibitors will be happy about that. We have done a lot of work with the Dental Trade Alliance and our own Exhibitor Advisory Committee, and we've had good discussions with both. We have been and will keep working on how we can work best together and what we can do together.

Henry: What are some of the ways the ADA will be working with exhibitors to drive traffic to the exhibit hall?

Dr. Blicher: On Saturday morning during regular exhibit hall hours, there will be no lectures other than within or adjacent to the exhibit hall. Around the exhibit hall, we have spaced CE opportunities with shorter lectures. We want to bring all attendees into the exhibit hall for their CE. With opportunities on the exhibit hall floor such as the dental office design center, the Pride Institute Technology Expo's Best of Class pavilion, and other pavilions featuring things such as CAD/CAM and implants, we want to find that mix of topics that will bring dentists into the exhibit hall and be a win-win for our attendees and exhibitors.

We are also offering food court vouchers to attendees so they will stay in the exhibit hall and eat rather than leave the convention center.

In addition, former president Bill Clinton is speaking as part of our Distinguished Speaker Series, which will take place in a big room adjacent to the exhibit hall. When he finishes speaking, those doors will open and the attendees will flow into the exhibit hall.

Henry: Talk a little about the Mission of Mercy that will take place in New Orleans.

Dr. Blicher: The ADA Mission of Mercy is going to be the first time a MOM has taken place on such a national level. Volunteers are coming in to take part in this from all over the country. Temporary licenses have been secured for anyone who wants to take part in the MOM. We are hoping to treat more than 1,000 people during the MOM, and that couldn't happen without all of the volunteers who are giving their time to make a difference.