Pre-pandemic, ABDO used to hold an annual Consultation Day on a week day in London or Birmingham. We met face-to-face, networked, caught up with colleagues and friends, while at the same time keeping abreast of all ABDO activities.
Last November, we held our Consultation Day on a Sunday via a webinar. Although I missed the physical interaction with members, having the meeting in this way meant we could communicate with everyone at a time when we all needed contact. The benefit of this virtual offer – with no travel, no need to take a day off work and no childcare issues – was obvious. For those who couldn’t join us at that time, the session was recorded.
This was ABDO’s first virtual Consultation Day. We had more members attend than ever before and while we moved to online consultation due to the pandemic, this way of engaging with more members was a win.
At the very beginning of last year’s session, sitting in front of my computer, linked up with my headphones, looking at just myself, Tony Garret and the information slide, was the weirdest experience. Everything was really quiet, Antonia Chitty said, “Three, two, one…Go!”, and then…total silence. There was no atmosphere from being with other people in a room; it was so strange. For a moment, I felt like I was talking to myself.
On Sunday 21 November, we will offer members the best of both worlds with a hybrid Consultation Day. We’ll be following the latest Covid-19 restrictions at our National Resource Centre in Birmingham, where members can attend in person and enjoy the buzz of socialising – current restrictions permitting. We will also be broadcasting the event online for those unable to attend. So when I start my talk this year, I’ll know I’m not just speaking to people in the room, but to members across the UK and worldwide.
We would urge members to join us virtually or face-to-face. We want to hear your opinions and we always welcome new ideas. Please make a note of the date and join us in the way that suits you best. See you there.
Register for the ABDO Consultation Day on Sunday 21 November here.
This article first appeared in the November 2021 issue of Dispensing Optics magazine.