By Sarah Jacobs, SAA Programs Subcommittee member--Northeast Ohio Audiology Consortium (NOAC)
AudiologyNOW! will be held March 28-31, 2012, in Boston, MA. Do you want a sneak peek at what the SAA Programs Subcommittee has been working on this fall? Get ready for some new and improved events and a fun-filled week of learning and networking opportunities.
Get set by attending either the Undergraduate Student Information Session or the Students Only! First-Time Attendee Orientation on Wednesday. We will provide you with information on how to make the most of your time at the conference, while giving you an opportunity to meet your fellow students. These orientations offer tips on finding sessions and events that interest you most. You can also get set by checking out the AudiologyNOW! Web site and viewing the student schedule, available here. We have just finished reviewing this year’s Student Educational Sessions, and we know you will really enjoy them! They cover a variety of topics, so there’s something for everyone.
After the orientation, join us for the SAA Mix & Mingle. We have taken your suggestions from last year, and made this year’s mixer even better. More food and drink stations, fewer lines, and some fun social games will have you mixing and mingling all night! Play along for a chance to win some awesome prizes. Immediately following the SAA Mix & Mingle, jump on over to Celebrate Audiology with thousands of other audiologists to celebrate our amazing profession. After Celebrate Audiology, join the Student Academy of Audiology and American Academy of Audiology Foundation at the Harpoon Brewery for Cheers for Ears ($25 ticket), an event benefiting student initiatives and scholarships. You can support future student programs while enjoying beer and appetizers. These events are a “must-do” for your “to-do” list. Don’t miss out on the fun!
But it doesn’t stop there! We have events planned to keep you moving all week long. Head over to SAA Central to check out some of our exciting activities and learn about what other local SAA chapters are doing. We have an excellent line-up of luminaries for the Office Hours event, which allows students to talk to some of audiology’s most inspiring professionals in a casual environment. These are audiology stars you’ll definitely want to meet! If you want even more opportunities to connect with influential professionals in our field, come to Audiology Unplugged on Saturday. Want to know who’s going to be there? Join us in Boston to find out!
If you have questions about graduate school or externships, join us for our 4th Year Extern Panel featuring several 4th year students from various programs and workplaces. If you are looking to earn your PhD make sure to stop by the PhD Programs Fair or network with others at the PhD Breakfast. If you are interested in research, come take a look at student research posters or attend the Student Research Forum. It’s a great opportunity to meet and talk with the Student Research Award winners.
Are you proud of your school? Make sure to check out the posters and slideshows created by other local SAA chapters. Then, make sure to visit SAA Central to vote for your favorite poster. Information about both of these competitions will be distributed to your chapter soon. Get your classmates together to participate in this year’s Scavenger Hunt or Educational Challenge. These activities are a great way to learn new things about audiology while spending time with your friends and meeting students from other schools.
Are you getting excited about attending the world’s largest audiology conference? Are you ready to meet new students and professionals? Are you ready to learn new things about graduate school and various fields of audiology? Are you ready to have fun? Well, then, if you haven’t already, you need to get registered! Registration opened November 1st so make sure to sign up as a national SAA member or renew your membership. If you did not get a volunteer spot, please e-mail us to get your name on the waiting list. As always, if you have any questions or ideas about student events, feel free to e-mail Andrea Fowler, the SAA Programs Subcommittee Chair. Start planning your trip today and we will see you in Boston!
Click here to register and to view more information about hotels, travel, a Boston city guide and all of the amazing student events.