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Conference Creates Synergy Between Industry and AAE Leaders

Although industry and the specialty have different goals, they share many common interests. The AAE Corporate Community Conference gives the two groups an opportunity to see themselves from a new perspective and to exchange ideas and information. The conference was initiated in 2004, and has evolved into a much anticipated annual event.

This year’s meeting, held on October 1 – 2 at the InterContinental Hotel in Chicago, Ill., was attended by 22 corporate representatives, the AAE Executive and Corporate Relations Committees, and members of the AAE staff. It began with a reception and dinner where guests had the opportunity to network in an informal setting.

At the business meeting, participants joined discussion groups on ethical treatment planning and implants, public relations, practice marketing and industry/specialty communication. The dialogue was enriched by a variety of points of view. Decision-makers at both large and small companies across a broad spectrum of endodontic industry weighed in with their opinions.

“The 2008 Corporate Conference was another success,” said GorgAnna Randolph of PBS Endo. “Each meeting has allowed the specialty and industry to gain a better understanding of their mutual interests and needs. My corporate colleagues view the meeting as an unusual opportunity to discuss important topics; they are pleased that the AAE is listening and some great ideas came out of the discussions. Clearly, there is a strong interest to stay involved, as was evidenced by the request from industry for more frequent communications.”

Several trends emerged as a result of the discussions:

  1. It is clear that there is a desire to collaborate in a number of areas.
  2. The AAE can enhance its relationship with industry by providing regular and consistent communication about the Association’s activities and initiatives.
  3. Corporate representatives have as great a stake in keeping the endodontic specialty healthy and strong as AAE members, and both groups are interested in working together towards that goal.

For more information about the Corporate Community Conference, please contact Debby Rice, assistant executive director for development, at 800/872-3636 (North America) or 312/266-7255 (International), or send an e-mail to drice@aae.org.