Frequently Asked Questions
Education
In-Person Education
Select courses for this live activity are COPE-accredited. This activity will be accredited by COPE for continuing education for optometrists. The COPE activity number will be updated closer to the event.
If you are licensed in a state that requires CE Broker such as FL, SC, or TX, the courses noted as eligible for credit will automatically be reported to CE Broker. You must include your Florida, South Carolina, or Texas license number during the registration process in order for your credit to be reported to CE Broker.
All CEE/TQ testing for SECO 2025 will be held online! Shortly following SECO 2025, you will receive an email with a link to complete the CEE/TQ test online. If you do not receive this email, please contact education@secostaff.com. The fee for each test will be $26.00 to be paid by debit or credit card. All passing scores of 70% or higher will be reported to the University of Alabama at Birmingham and updated with Florida CE Broker.
Visit attendseco.com during or after the conference and select verification of attendance (VOA). You will need your Reg ID # OR last name and email to access the verification of attendance (VOA) records. Please allow up to 24 hours for your courses to show on the verification of attendance (VOA). If you notice any errors, visit the Education Office in A307 during SECO, or email education@secostaff.com following the show.
Advanced learning courses are Optometrist COPE-approved courses open to all attendees. It is important to note that not all courses are accredited for EVERY group. For example, not all courses are ABO/NCLE, AOA PARA, or state board approved. Please verify approvals before registering and attending.¬â€
All CEE/TQ testing for SECO 2025 will be held online! Check back soon for more information.
What are the best days to attend as an Allied Healthcare Professional (AHP) to get the maximum CE?
Attend all five days and earn up to 33 hours of CE, or up to 21 hours over the weekend! The Congress Packages include a variety of CE hours and select events, details can be found here.
Attend all five days and earn up to 42 hours of CE, or up to 24 hours over the weekend! Congress Packages include all CE hours and select events, details can be found here.
One hour of credit at SECO is equivalent to 50 minutes of actual class time. Additionally, attendees are permitted a 10-minute break during a one-hour accredited course. Please note, punctuality is crucial. If attendees join a course more than 10 minutes after it starts or exceed the allocated 10-minute break, they won’t be eligible for that course’s credit. This is not a SECO-specific rule, but a policy mandated by accrediting agencies, which we strictly adhere to ensure the credibility and quality of our education.
SECO’s special sessions have earned a reputation as a must-attend part of our conference, showcasing the industry’s most respected and influential thought leaders. These sessions, exclusive to SECO, offer an experience you won’t find at any other optometry gathering.nnThese extraordinary sessions cover a diverse range of topics and provide unique insights and cutting-edge discussions to enrich your understanding and expertise. The specifics of each session, including their unique topics, will be shared in due course.nnDon’t miss out on these iconic special sessions. More detailed information, including times and dates, will be made available soon. Join us at SECO 2025 for these enlightening experiences that will invigorate your professional journey.
The Symposium Series comprises complimentary, non-accredited sessions generously sponsored by industry partners. Each of these informative symposia is accompanied by a free meal for attendees. Remember to pre-register, as spots fill up quickly and once capacity is reached, registration will close.nnWhile pre-registration ensures your spot, on-the-day entries may be possible based on availability. We can’t guarantee entry for these walk-ins, but we do suggest attendees to join the standby line outside each symposium. This provides the opportunity for unreserved seats to be filled on a first-come, first-served basis, offering potential access to these insightful presentations.
The following course will be submitted to the Pennsylvania State Board of Optometry to meet additional license requirements: #145 Prescribing Opiates to Manage Ocular Pain
All live OD courses have been approved by the Illinois Board of Optometry. The Department recognizes that SECO International, LLC has complied with the provisions of the Illinois statutes and or rules and regulation and is hereby authorized to engage in the activity of: Licensed Optometry CE Sponsor, expiration date of March 31, 2026, license number 138.000093.
All applicable courses have been submitted to the SC board of optometry through CE Broker for approval. Please see the South Carolina Optometry approvals for updates.
The full SECO 2025 Optometric educational program will be submitted to the Texas Board of Optometry through CE Broker for approval.
Events
You must be registered to attend SECO and have a SECO badge to enter all events during the SECO Congress. For tickets for the Saturday Night Party, you must register in advance.
SECO 2025 features several exciting social events, including the Alumni and Affiliated receptions, SECO Saturday Presidents Reception, the SECO Friday Night Eye Tunes Battle of the Bands event.
The SECO Friday Night Party, Eye Tunes – Battle of the Bands is scheduled for February 28th at the Omni Hotel, Grand Ballroom from 9pm – midnight featuring Bad Habits, The EyeDocs of Rock and Rose Bengals. Everyone is welcome to attend.
The SECO Saturday President’s Celebration is scheduled for March 1st at the Tabernacle Atlanta. Registration is required for this event.
Exhibit Hall
In our continuing effort to save you time and money, we are pleased to offer an exhibitor service that allows you to register your exhibitor booth personnel via the Internet 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The system is quick and easy to use. Just follow these simple steps:
- 1.Please click on the exhibitor registration link below: https://www.compusystems.com/servlet/AttendeeRegLoginServlet?evt_uid=291&site=EXH
- You will be asked to enter your company’s assigned username and password.
- Follow the instructions on each screen and complete the required information. Important: Do not distribute your password. It will allow anyone to change or cancel your registration!
Please note the following:
- All registrations must be completed online or onsite in Atlanta, GA.
- Any changes or additions can be completed online throughout the meeting or onsite during exhibitor registration hours.
- Each exhibiting company is allotted five (5) complimentary exhibit hall-only badges per 100 square feet of booth space rented. If the number of complimentary badges is exceeded, there will be a $10 per additional badge fee charged.
- Exhibitor badges with education will be counted toward the allotment but will not incur the over-allotment fee.
You can use this site to add a new exhibitor registration, as well as check to see who is already registered, and if needed you can cancel a registration. If you have any questions or problems accessing this site, please contact Registration Customer service at (844) 353-2916 or email seco@csreg.zohodesk.com.
The leading companies in the optometric industry support SECO international year-round by sponsoring, partnering and exhibiting and their support helps to keep costs to attend and obtain CE low. Their goal is to provide optometric professionals with the tools to achieve the highest levels of clinical knowledge and performance.
Friday, March 1; 9:30AM-5:00PM & Saturday, March 2; 9:30AM-4:00PM
General
Delta Air Lines is pleased to offer special discounts for SECO 2025. You may also call Delta Meeting Network at 1.800.328.1111* Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. (CT) and refer to Meeting Event Code NY36W. *Please note there is not a service fee for reservations booked and ticketed via our reservation 800 number.
Absolutely. Children who are 18 years or younger can attend SECO 2025 without any registration fee. However, we do confirm the age of the attendees in this category at the venue. It’s important to note that due to concerns about space, potential disruptions, and safety in case of overcrowding, infants and children aren’t allowed in the continuing education courses. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation. Looking for childcare? We have a FAQ covering this information.
Yes. Lost and Found is in Room 307A at the Georgia World Congress Center. SECO is not responsible for items lost during the event
Yes. The Official SECO 2025 mobile app will be available on both iOS and Android. The app is a great resource to use before, during, and after the conference. Use the app to pre-plan your experience, stay up to date, and refer back to information.
Mamava mobile nursing units will be located outside room 411 (level 4) at the Georgia World Congress Center for SECO 2025. The nursing room pods are controlled by the app on the website, https://www.mamava.com/all-products/original-mamava-lactation-pod. The pods are open 24 hrs around the clock.
SECO is committed to providing an outstanding experience for all participants at its live events. We strive for full access to the activities of these events based on an awareness of participants, needs and appropriate planning. We ask that requests for reasonable accommodations at our live events be made no later than February 27, 2025, so we may best accommodate individual needs and requirements. Onsite requests will be accommodated to the best of our ability; however, available resources may be limited. For questions or concerns about accessibility at SECO’s live events, please contact info@secostaff.com. To make accommodations for your hotel stay, please contact our housing partner, EventSphere, at seco@eventsphere.com. For flight assistance, the TSA Cares program can simplify travel for attendees requiring special accommodations.
Beware of false and fraudulent housing claims. Eventsphere is the only housing provider for the SECO 2025 Congress. Fraudulent companies will present themselves as official partners of SECO and offer you a room that might not be available or guaranteed. We encourage you to use only the link from the attendseco.com website. SECO has contracted discounted rates with the Omni Hotel, the headquarter hotel, and hotels throughout the city to offer you luxury accommodations at the best possible rates. Reservations must be made through our official housing company, Eventsphere, in order to reserve rooms at the discounted rates. Hotels sell out quickly, so we recommend booking your room today. If you have any questions or need assistance with your hotel needs, contact Eventsphere at (864) 208-2927.
Official Hotels:
AC HOTEL ATLANTA DOWNTOWN
101 Andrew Young International Blvd. NW, Atlanta, GA 30303
Rate $229/night
EMBASSY SUITES ATLANTA CENTENNIAL PARK
267 Marietta Street, Atlanta, GA 30313
Rate $257/night
GLENN HOTEL – A MARRIOTT AUTOGRAPH COLLECTION
110 Marietta Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30303
Rate $250/night
HILTON GARDEN INN ATLANTA DOWNTOWN
275 Baker Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30313
Rate $237/night
HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS & SUITES ATLANTA DOWNTOWN
111 Cone Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30303
Rate $209/night
OMNI ATLANTA HOTEL AT CENTENNIAL PARK
100 CNN Center, Atlanta, GA 30303
Rate $239/night
THE RITZ CARLTON ATLANTA
181 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30303
Rate $279/night
ATLANTA MARRIOTT MARQUIS
265 Peachtree Center Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30303
Rate $257/night
WESTIN PEACHTREE PLAZA
210 Peachtree Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30303
Rate $257/night
The Georgia World Congress Center provides ample parking for the event. Reserve your space online at https://gwcc.parkingguide.com –
Visit SECO’s travel page for MARTA and rental car details while in Atlanta – https://attendseco.com/hotel-travel
I would state Registration for SECO 2025 has been open since the SECO 2024 Congress.
SECO 2025 will be held in Building A at the prestigious Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC), located at 285 Andrew Young International Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA. The GWCC is a premier, globally recognized convention center that offers a dynamic space, perfectly suited for both our educational sessions and enriching networking events. We eagerly await the opportunity to host you at this outstanding location in the heart of Atlanta!
Omni Atlanta Hotel at CNN Center – 100 CNN Center NW, Atlanta, GA 30303
SECO offers curated continuing education for Optometrists, Opticians, Ophthalmic Technicians, Paraoptometrics, Practice Administrators, and the entire team. In addition, we have Residents, Students, and leading industry company representatives in attendance.
Absolutely, we understand that balancing professional commitments with family life can be challenging, and we’re here to support you. That’s why we’re delighted to confirm that childcare services will be available during SECO 2025. This allows attendees to focus on the conference knowing their children are in safe and professional hands.
Please make sure to plan ahead – reservations must be made no later than 72 hours in advance. The cost is $20 per hour per child, with a minimum of 3 consecutive hours. You may book your reservation at https://eleganteventsitters.com/event/seco-2025/.
Should you require more detailed information or have specific questions, our team is happy to assist. Feel free to contact us at info@secostaff.com. Our goal is to ensure that your SECO 2025 experience is both enjoyable and rewarding. We’re excited to welcome you and your family to SECO 2025!
There will not be any shuttle bus services offered at SECO 2025. We recommend staying at one of the hotels within walking distance of the Georgia World Congress Center. Please visit https://attendseco.com/hotel-travel for additional information.
Online Education
SECO University serves as our central hub for online education, offering a wide range of informative courses and resources. To explore the diverse selection of online education options available, simply visit secouniversity.com. Discover the wealth of knowledge and educational opportunities that await you at SECO University’s online platform.
Other
SECO International is dedicated to working hand-in-hand with our affiliated state optometric associations and optometry schools to offer unparalleled value to members. Currently, we have established relationships with 13 state optometric associations and five optometry schools, collaborating to address concerns and opportunities within the realm of optometric education.
Membership to SECO is extended to any practicing optometrist who is an active member of any of our 13 partner state associations. As a member of these associations, you are inherently a member of the Southern Council of Optometrists. This membership qualifies you for a $50 discount for the annual SECO Congress.
We’re also proud to include Associate members from various international optometry organizations, such as the Armed Forces Optometric Society, Association of Optometrists (UK), Colegio de Optometristas de Costa Rica, Federacion Colombiana de Optometras (FEDOPTO), South African Optometric Association, and the Trinidad & Tobago Optometrists Association.
In a nutshell, to become a member of SECO, you need to first become a member of one of our partner state associations.
At SECO 2025, we have ensured there are plenty of food and beverage options for our attendees. Check back soon to see which sessions will include food. The venue, Georgia World Congress Center, has a number of dining options available within the facility. From quick snacks to full meals, you’ll find a variety of choices to suit your needs. Additionally, there are numerous restaurants and eateries just a short walk away from the center.
Please note, specific options and operating hours may vary, and we recommend checking the individual outlets for their current offerings and timings. Stay hydrated and well-fed as you enjoy the conference!
SECO 2026: February 25-March 1, 2025 in Atlanta, GA
SECO’s alumni receptions bring you together with your classmates-turned-colleagues, so you can reminisce about those days spent hitting the books, share family stories, and get up to date on your recent adventures. Alumni receptions will be held Friday, March 3 at the Omni Hotel, 7PM to 11PM. For a full list of alumni receptions, please visit www.attendseco.com
As the owners and producers of SECO 2025, we work diligently to protect our exhibitor’s commitment to and investment in both the trade show and the industry by taking a firm stance against outboarding. Outboarding is when any non-exhibitor hosts an unofficial event anywhere in the city that attracts SECO attendees. SECO is organized so that companies in the optometry industry can showcase and demonstrate their latest products and services, meet with industry partners and customers and examine market trends and opportunities, while participation dollars provide SECO with the funds to host this event and invest back into the industry. The integrity of the show is diminished, and the value becomes diluted when companies seek in an unofficial capacity to capitalize on SECO attendees. If you hear of an outboarding event, please contact management at exhibits@secostaff.com. If you observe this activity during SECO 2025, please inform any of the SECO volunteers or visit the show management office (Room 307).
First aid services will be available should an attendee need medical assistance. Location will be to the right of the entrance to the Exhibit hall. For non-emergencies, dial ext. 4911 from any RED house phone to reach First Aid services or you can reach the First Aid office at 404-222-6282. If an emergency occurs, please call 911 and then call the Security Command Center by dialing ext. 4911 from any RED house phone or call 404-223-4922.
At SECO, we believe that social media and blogging are excellent tools for attendees to share insights, experiences, and highlight key aspects of presentations during the convention. We kindly ask that you respect the intellectual property rights and copyrights of presenters by not sharing their materials in full, and by giving appropriate citations and references when necessary. Dive into the conversation using our official hashtag, #SECO2025, and contribute to the dynamic dialogue surrounding the event. For detailed information on SECO2025’s policies, visit our Terms and Conditions page at https://attendseco.com/terms-and-conditions.
As a professional organization, the Southern Council of Optometrists, Inc./SECO International, LLC is dedicated to providing a safe, harassment-free, and inclusive experience for all participants at all Association-organized events and has a zero-tolerance policy for harassment of participants in any form. Participants include but are not limited to Association employees, volunteers, members, attendees, guests, staff, speakers, sponsors, exhibitors, vendors, etc. An Association-organized event includes business at the Association office, SECO International Annual Congress Meeting, official social events such as receptions, membership meetings, board meetings, committee meetings, and any other event for which participants are asked to RSVP or register through the Association. Please report any incidents in which an attendee is abusive, insulting, intimidating, bothersome, or acting in an unsafe or illegal manner to SECO staff or security immediately. The Association shall have no liability whatsoever arising out of its interpretation and enforcement of the Code of Conduct. Please visit https://attendseco.com/terms-and-conditions for further information on SECO 2025 policies.
Recording or live streaming content delivered in the education courses at SECO 2025 is prohibited. If there is a violation of this policy, the individual will be removed from the event and no education credit or refund will be provided (if applicable). Participants are not permitted to take photos or shoot video where it is unsafe or disruptive, such as in doorways, escalators, fire exits, expo floor aisles, hallways, sidewalks, etc. Not complying with a request to move or stop capturing content could result in participant’s removal. SECO International may take pictures or record videos during the conference. In registering for the event, you grant SECO the freedom to photograph you during the meeting, and you acknowledge and agree that we may include images of yourself, intact or in part, for conference promotional activities or other related endeavors. This material may also appear on the conference website, print and digital collateral or associated social media outlets.
Complimentary basic wireless Internet service is offered in lobby areas of the Georgia World Congress Center. Basic service allows attendees to perform low-bandwidth functions, such as checking email. Complimentary internet access is not available in the session rooms or exhibit hall; however, can be purchased for a daily fee.
Registration
Residents and Students will need to provide appropriate credentials in order to gain entry to the Show floor and affiliated sessions at SECO 2025. Residents can provide a letter from their Resident Director. Students can provide a copy of their Student ID or an acceptance letter for their school. These items can be uploaded during the process of registration, and you can log into your registration at anytime and upload via the ConnectME Dashboard.
SECO will continue to offer the option to download your badge, print-at-home or print on-site. An email will be sent to all registrants 72 hours prior to the Congress with badge details.
We’re always looking to provide our attendees with the best value possible. For SECO 2025, you can enjoy savings on your registration in a number of ways. One effective strategy is to register early as we often have early bird discounts available. Furthermore, consider becoming a member of one of our partner state associations. Members receive special discounts on conference registration. Make sure to keep an eye on our website and email communications for promotional offers and discount codes. Remember, investing in your professional development is always money well spent!
SECO International, LLC is dedicated to providing continuing education for optometrists and eye care professionals. It is the responsibility of the attendee to obtain any travel documentation needed to attend the Congress. To that end, SECO will provide an introduction letter and a confirmation letter upon request to aid in obtaining the necessary paperwork to travel to the United States. The introduction letter outlines the dates and important information related to registering for the Congress. The confirmation letter states the attendee has registered to attend the Congress. Only registrants may request a confirmation letter, and they must provide the contact information of the agency issuing the travel documents. SECO will release information letters directly to the government agency issuing the travel documents. SECO International will provide updated information concerning the registrant to the agency upon request. To request an introduction letter and confirmation, please email info@secostaff.com
In order to receive your $50 discount, you must select both your member state association and the Congress Package in your registration process. The fee will automatically be deducted from your Congress Package price – no promotional code is required.
To make changes to your registration you can: Access your registration anytime online to add or change a course – please use the LOGIN button that was in your registration confirmation email and it will take you directly to your dashboard. Visit the Registration Desk located just outside the Sydney Marcus Ballroom of the Georgia World Congress Center.
When you register online, you will be given the option to ‘Add Another’ or ‘Finish’. Click on ‘Add Another’ and repeat the registration process for the new registrant(s). When you are finished entering the registration(s), click on ‘Finish’ to continue to the payment page and complete your session.
You may register online today for SECO 2025 by visiting our website at https://attendseco.com/register/. If you prefer to register using a hard copy registration form, please reach out to info@secostaff.com and we will be pleased to provide you a form to complete. We are looking forward to your participation!
In our continuing effort to save you time and money, we are pleased to offer an exhibitor service that allows you to register your exhibitor booth personnel via the Internet 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The system is quick and easy to use. Just follow these simple steps:
- 1.Please click on the exhibitor registration link below: https://www.compusystems.com/servlet/AttendeeRegLoginServlet?evt_uid=291&site=EXH
- You will be asked to enter your company’s assigned username and password.
- Follow the instructions on each screen and complete the required information. Important: Do not distribute your password. It will allow anyone to change or cancel your registration!
Please note the following:
- All registrations must be completed online or onsite in Atlanta, GA.
- Any changes or additions can be completed online throughout the meeting or onsite during exhibitor registration hours.
- Each exhibiting company is allotted five (5) complimentary exhibit hall-only badges per 100 square feet of booth space rented. If the number of complimentary badges is exceeded, there will be a $10 per additional badge fee charged.
- Exhibitor badges with education will be counted toward the allotment but will not incur the over-allotment fee.
You can use this site to add a new exhibitor registration, as well as check to see who is already registered, and if needed you can cancel a registration. If you have any questions or problems accessing this site, please contact Registration Customer service at (844) 353-2916 or email seco@csreg.zohodesk.com.
If you did not receive a confirmation email, please call (844) 353-2916 or email seco@csreg.zohodesk.com to request a confirmation letter.
You can reach out to our Registration Customer Service Center at (844) 353-2916 or email seco@csreg.zohodesk.com.
When you attend SECO 2025, you are investing in your profession, your practice, your patients and your future. Choose from registration options designed for a variety of budgets and access special group discounts when you bring your team. For a full list of registration categories and prices, please visit https://attendseco.com/register
Please visit our website at https://attendseco.com/register/ to view all registration options, pricing, and deadlines. Make sure you don’t miss out!
The Build-A-Package and Congress packages have the option to add a Spouse/Guest package and allows access to the SECO’s Optometry Marketplace and all SECO events. Guests are not eligible to earn continuing education credits. Children age 18 and younger may attend SECO 2025 at no charge. SECO verifies the ages of attendees registered in this category on-site. Children may not attend continuing education courses.
We are excited to welcome students to SECO 2025 and pleased to offer complimentary attendance. If you are a student currently enrolled in an accredited university or college, you are eligible to attend SECO 2025 without any registration costs.
We believe in fostering the growth and development of future optometric professionals, and this is one of our ways of showing commitment to the next generation of eye care specialists. SECO 2025 provides an invaluable platform to engage with leading professionals in the field, gain insights, and stay updated with current industry trends.
To process your free registration, we request proof of your current student status. This could be your student ID card or any official document from your university confirming your enrollment. Once this is provided and verified, you will be ready to experience the richness and diversity of SECO 2025’s offerings. Join us as we shape the future of eye care together.
To qualify for the Faculty registration discount rate, an attendee must be a full-time faculty member at an accredited Optometric University or College. An ID for proof is required to process registration.
The cancellation policy for SECO 2025 is as follows:
•All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing by February 15, 2025, to info@secostaff.com.
•All approved cancellation requests will be processed after SECO 2025 in the form of a credit rollover. You will receive notification of your credit rollover within 60 days of processing.
•Credit rollovers are valid for SECO 2026 continuing education only.
•Credit rollovers will expire if not used by SECO 2026.
•Credit rollovers will not be granted for unused hours.
•Credit rollovers can be transferred to another person from the same company.
•No refunds will be given if the credit rollover is not used in full.
•Refunds will not be issued for cancellation requests.
•Refunds will not be issued for no-shows.
SECO is pleased to offer a new continuing education Laser Certification Program for an additional cost when registering for SECO 2025. This program includes 11 laser-specific certification continuing education courses, including the final exam. You may register for this option today at https://attendseco.com/register/.
SECO is pleased to offer a new registration category for all JCAHPO Technicians who wish to attend only JCAHPO specialized courses and have access to SECO’s Optometry’s Marketplace. You may register for this option today at https://attendseco.com/register/.