SECO offers the opportunity to earn more continuing education credits each day–up to 54 continuing education credits over the course of the five-day conference, with 32 continuing education credits available to earn over the weekend sessions. To review please view our at-a-glance education program.

Repeated courses generally offer the same material, but sometimes the courses are led by different lecturers and the content can vary.

Advanced learning courses are Optometrist 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 JCAHPO approved.

You can download course handouts via the SECO2021 APP or at attendseco.com https://attendseco.com/education

50 minutes of class time constitutes one hour of credit. Attendees are allowed a 10-minute break per a one-hour accredited course. If attendees arrive 10 minutes after the course begins or take a break longer than 10 minutes during the course, they will not receive credit. SECO did not create this policy and must following accrediting agencies requirements.

Visit attendseco.com during or after the conference and select Verification of Attendance (VOA). Please allow at least two hours after the completion of the attended course to verify your attendance. You will need your username (attendee badge ID) and password (full last name) to access VOA records via the website. Please allow up to 24 hours for your courses to show on the VOA. If you notice any errors, visit room #307 onsite, or email education@secostaff.com following the show.

If you are licensed in a state that requires CE Broker, the courses noted as eligible for credit will automatically be reported to CE Broker. You must include your CE Broker number during the registration process in order for your credit to be sent to CE Broker.

The Presentation Theater courses located within the exhibit hall (Optometry’s Marketplace) are free and participation is granted on a first come, first served basis. You cannot reserve a spot, but you can receive credit for attending official continuing education courses and your Verification of Attendance will note your participation.

The Presentation Theater courses located within the exhibit hall (Optometry’s Marketplace) are free and participation is granted on a first come, first served basis. You cannot reserve a spot, but you can receive credit for attending official continuing education courses and your Verification of Attendance will note your participation.

The Symposium Series is a set of free, non-accredited courses presented by industry supporters. Free meals are served at each symposium. Pre-registration is required to attend all symposiums. Once registration has reached its maximum, registration will close. A limited amount of open seats may become available onsite on a first come first serve basis. Entrance is not guaranteed but we encourage attendees to stand in the queue outside of each symposium to gain access. Learn more at https://attendseco.com/symposia-series

All credits will be reported to COPE through OE Tracker and Florida through CE Broker within 30 days of the show. Attendance will only be reported for those providing their OE Tracker # (COPE) and/or OPC # (Florida). All other attendance will need to be reported by the attendee using the verification of attendance letter.

All SECO 2021 speakers, including those participating in the Poster Program, are required to disclose relevant financial and non-financial relationships or lack thereof and must, at the beginning of their respective sessions or presentations, include a disclosure statement. The purpose of the disclosure requirement is to promote transparency in the design, development, and presentation of courses offered for SECO CE credit. The requirement provides attendees with a more complete context in which to evaluate speaker’s information. To report a speaker disclosure issue, stop by the Education Office (Georgia World Congress Center, Room 307) or send us an email at info@secostaff.com. All attendees will also be asked to submit feedback from each course via our Verification of Attendance system.

Yes. A room at the Georgia World Congress Center will be designated for speakers to view their presentation. Technicians will be available to assist in preparing materials and can answer questions regarding the operation of audio-visual equipment in the course rooms. All speakers must check in at the Education Office (Room #307) at least 4 hours in advance of their scheduled session.

Attend all five days and earn up to 53 hours of CE, or up to 32 hours over the weekend! Course fees range between $15 – $75 per hour based on the package selected and the number of CE hours taken. Congress, Premium and Summit Packages include a variety of CE hours and select events, details can be found at AttendSECO.com

Attend all five days and earn up to 42 hours of CE, or up to 31 hours over the weekend! Course fees range between $7 – $45 per hour based on the package selected and the number of CE hours taken. The Congress Packages include a variety of CE hours and select events, details can be found at AttendSECO.com.

All CEE/TQ testing for SECO 2021 has moved online! Shortly following SECO 2021, 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 University of Alabama at Birmingham and updated in Florida CE Broker.

In this series of interactive sessions, you’ll master core retail buying strategies and receive formal training in inventory management that will enable you to sell more eyewear and boost your practice’s bottom line. Complete this program and you’ll leave with the tools you need to better plan, promote and manage your optical inventory. Click attendseco.com/specs-buyers-certificate-program for more information.

SECO’s Ophthalmic Professional Certificate Program is the only two-year hands-on certificate testing program available in the optometric profession. It provides a micro-credential that is stackable with other professional accreditations necessary for career advancement. This program is open to all Allied Healthcare Professionals who want to further their careers and demonstrate their commitment to their profession, regardless of their experience level. To register for the OPCP at SECO 2021, select the option during registration. Find the full program details at https://attendseco.com/ophthalmic-professional-certificate-program If you would like to sign up for this program in-progress, or have any questions, please contact Andriana Foster by email at afoster@secostaff.com or visit the SECO education staff in room 307.

See the latest optometric research and case reports from students, residents, faculty, and practicing optometrists at the SECO 2021 Multimedia Poster Program. These posters take advantage of technology to deliver a dynamic presentation that is far beyond the posters of old. Be sure to check them out inside the Optometry’s Marketplaceâ„¢. Presenters will be available for questions. For more infoamtion, visit https://attendseco.com/education-highlights/

The Georgia World Congress Center in Building A at 285 Andrew Young International Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA

Registration for SECO 2021 is now open.

Both the attendee and the association benefit when you book a hotel room through SECO. Here’s how:
SECO 2021 attendees staying at official SECO hotels can use SECO’s convenient shuttle service.
SECO is able to negotiate lower room rates at a range of quality hotels.
SECO hotel contracts protect you, and we can provide assistance if problems arise with your reservation.
If you find a lower rate at a hotel in our block than what we offer, please contact SECO’s housing provider (seco@eventsphere.com). You can book your hotel in the SECO block today! SECO has contracted discounted rates with our headquarter hotel, the Omin Hotel at CNN, and at hotels throughout the city to offer you luxury accommodations at the best possible rates. Reservations must be made through our official housing company, Eventsphere, by February 4 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 (866) 393-0555 or seco@eventsphere.com.

Official Hotels:
AC Hotel- $205 King, $225 double
Aloft- $209 King, $219 double
Atlanta Marriott Marquis- $237 K
Courtyard Atlanta Downtown- $227
Embassy Suites- $238
Hilton Garden Inn- $220
Holiday Inn Express- $174
Hotel Indigo- $205
Omni- $233
Sheraton- $194
The American- $206 King or Double Bedded
The Ritz-Carlton- $236
Westin Peachtree Plaza- $216
Note: Only Official hotels will have shuttle service to the convention center.

Omni Atlanta Hotel at CNN Center
100 CNN Center NW, Atlanta, GA 30303

Yes. SECO will provide a free shuttle buses from our host hotels to the Georgia World Congress Center. For hotels listing serviced by Shuttle bus routes click the following link for details: https://attendseco.com/hotel-travel/

The Georgia World Congress Center provides ample parking for the event. To reserve your space online at https://gwcc.clickandpark.com and search for SECO 2021. Rates for SECO 2021 are $15 per day. Visit SECO’s travel page for MARTA, shuttle and rental car details while in Atlanta. https://attendseco.com/hotel-travel/

Yes. Location of Coat and Baggage check is in the main lobby, Andrew Young International Blvd. Coat & Baggage Check Hours: Wednesday 9:00am – 6:00pm Thursday 6:30am – 5:00pm Friday 6:30am – 5:00pm Saturday 6:30am – 5:00pm Sunday 6:30am – 2:30pm The cost to check a bag is $5 and to check a coat is $3 for SECO 2021.

Yes. Mamava mobile nursing units are provided at the Georgia World Congress Center outside of Room A411. Attendees can download the Mamava app for pricing, instructions and use. Moms also have access to a refrigerator to store items in room 307.

Yes. Children ages 18 and younger may attend SECO 2021 at no charge. SECO verifies the age of attendees registered in this category onsite. Due to space limitations and the potential for disruption in course rooms, as well as safety issues should overcrowding occur, the presence of infants and children may not attend continuing education courses. Child care services are available at http://eleganteventsitters.com/

Yes. Childcare will be available during education hours at the Georgia World Congress Center. Childcare services are available on a first come, first served basis in half and full day increments. Babysitting services in your hotel room will also be available. Advanced registration is required.

Learn more and register today. http://eleganteventsitters.com/

Yes. The Official SECO 2021 mobile app is 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. To download, www.attendseco.com/download

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 25, 2021, 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.

Yes. Lost and Found is in Room 307 at the Georgia World Congress Center. SECO is not responsible for items lost during the event.

SECO offers curated continuing education for Optometrists, Opticians, Ophthalmic Technicians, Paraoptometrics, Practice Administrators.

If you need assistance with Airline tickets contact Frosch Travel at 877-685-3715* or email seco@frosch.com. Delta is pleased to offer special discounts, please click HERE to book your flights. 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 NY2X2. *Please note there is not a service fee for reservations booked and ticketed via our reservation 800 number.

Thursday, April 29; 10:00AM-5:00PM
Friday, April 30 10:00AM-5:00PM
Saturday, May 1; 10:00AM-4:00PM

Visit the SECO 2021 exhibitors before, during, and after the event! Check out the companies/organizations that are exhibiting at this year’s SECO 2021 event in Atlanta, Georgia. Use the Virtual Expo to view the exhibit hall floor plan. This interactive online tool is can help you plan your time in the exhibit hall in advance.

You can register https://attendseco.com/register/

Yes. E-mail: SECO@compusystems.com Mail: COMPUSYSTEMS, 2651 Warrenville Rd, Suite 400, Downers Grove, IL 60515 Fax: 708.344.4444

To make changes to your registration you can:

• Access your registration dashboard via the SECO 2021 APP
• Visit the Registration Desk (located on level 4 of the Georgia World Congress Center)
• Visit SECO’s online registration

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.

If you did not receive a confirmation email, please call SECO Customer Service at (224) 563-3757 or email SECO@compusystems.com to request a confirmation letter

You can reach out to our Customer Service Center at (844) 353-2916 or via email seco@compusystems.com.

Residents and Students will need to provide appropriate credentials in order to gain entry to the Show floor and affiliated sessions at SECO 2021. 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 on your ConnectME Dashboard.

Please contact info@secostaff.com for an official SECO 2021 VISA letter.

There are many ways to save on your registration!
Doctor’s Registration
Course fees range between $15 – $75 per hour based on the package selected and the number of CE hours taken. Congress, Premium and Summit Packages include a variety of CE hours and select events, details can be found at AttendSECO.com. Attend all five days and earn up to 53 hours of CE, or up to 32 hours over the weekend!

Allied Healthcare Professionals, Opticians, Paraoptometrics, Technicians and Practice Administrators Registration
Course fees range between $7 – $45 per hour based on the package selected and the number of CE hours taken. The Congress Packages includes a variety of CE hours and select events, details can be found at AttendSECO.com. Attend all five days and earn up to 42 hours of CE, or up to 31 hours over the weekend!

To qualify for the Faculty registration discount attendee must be a full-time faculty member at an accredited Optometric University or College. An ID or proof is required to process registration. What are the requirements to register as an Optometrist or Optician Student? Students may attend SECO 2021 at no charge. To qualify, students must be enrolled at an accredited University or College. An ID or proof is required to process registration.

If you register for the Premium or Summit Package, a spouse/guest registration is included. The Build-A-Package and Congress package has the option to purchase a Spouse/Guest package ($100) and gives access to SECO sponsored event(s) and the exhibit hall. Guests are not eligible to earn continuing education credits. Children ages 18 and younger may attend SECO 2021 at no charge. SECO verifies the ages of attendees registered in this category on-site. Children may not attend continuing education courses. Childcare services are offered at SECO 2021.

Badges are required to access every part of SECO 2021 (including special events, education courses, and the exhibit hall). Badges can be picked up at the Registration Desk located on Level 4, A Building at the Georgia World Congress Center.

All cancellation requests must be made in writing by February 1, 2021, by completing the Cancellation Request Form. All cancellation requests will be processed after SECO 2021 in the form of a credit rollover. If approved, you will receive notification of your credit rollover within 60 days of processing. Credit rollovers are valid for SECO 2022 continuing education only. Please note that refunds will not be issued. SECO regrets that refunds will not be given for no shows. Credit rollovers will not be granted for unused hours. Credit rollovers can be transferred to another person from the same company. Continuing Education credit is not awarded if a credit rollover is issued. Credit rollover will expire if not used by SECO 2022. Send Cancellation Request Forms via email to info@secostaff.com, via fax to 770-451-3156 or mail to: SECO International, LLC – Cancellation Request c/o SECO Registration 4661 North Shallowford Rd Atlanta, GA 30338

Use the mobile app to search for people you know by name or organization. (Note: This option in the mobile app is opt-in only and includes only those who indicated that they wished to be listed as an attendee when registering.)

Students may attend SECO 2021 at no charge. To qualify, students must be enrolled at an accredited University or College. An ID or proof is required to process registration.

The leading companies in the optometric industry supports SECO international year-round by sponsoring, partnering and exhibiting. Their goal is to provide optometric professionals with the tools to achieve the highest levels of clinical knowledge and performance.

As the owners and producers of SECO 2021, 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 (770) 451-8206 or exhibits@secostaff.com. If you observe this activity during SECO 2021, please inform any of the SECO volunteers or visit the show office (room 307).

SECO 2022:
March 9-13, 2022 in New Orleans, LA

SECO 2023:
March 1-5, 2023 in Atlanta, GA

SECO is committed to partnering with our member State Associations to provide value to association members and promote the profession of optometry. SECO International has formal relationships with 13 state optometric associations and five schools of optometry. We work together on issues, concerns, and opportunities relating to optometric education. Within our 13 member states, SECO provides annual optometrist and paraoptometric grants totaling more than $45,000. Any practicing optometrist that is a member of the state association of any of these 13-member states is considered a member of the Southern Council of Optometrists and receives a $50 discount (Congress, Premium or Summit Packages) when attending the annual SECO Congress.

SECO is also proud to include the following Associate members: 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.

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. Stay on the line; calls are recorded. An officer will answer immediately. Be prepared to report the location of the emergency by building, level/floor, hall, meeting room or lobby/common area.

Looking for free lunch or dinner?
The SECO Symposium Series offers several opportunities (*Symposiums are not for credit):

Wednesday, April 28
FREE OD Lunch Symposium*- 12pm – 1pm
FREE Optometrist, Opticians, Technicians, Administrators Dinner Symposium* – 5pm – 6pm

Thursday, April 29
FREE Opticians, Technicians, Administrators Lunch Symposium* – 12pm – 1pm
FREE OD Lunch Symposium* – 12pm – 1pm

Friday, April 30 
FREE AHP – Opticians, Paraoptometrics, Technicians, Administrators Lunch Symposium* – 12pm – 1pm
FREE OD Lunch Symposium* – 12pm – 1pm

Saturday, May 1
FREE OD Lunch Symposium* – 12pm – 1pm
FREE Student Symposium* 12pm – 1:15pm

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. Alunmi receptions will be held April 29 at the Omni Hotel, 7pm to 11pm.

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 e-mail. Internet access is not available in the session rooms.

Follow:

@SECO_Intl on Twitter

@seco_intl on Instagram

Use #SECO2021 to connect with fellow attendees and SECO social media staff in Atlanta, to receive important event updates, and to learn about other social media activities taking place during the meeting.

SECO encourages the use of social media and blogging at the SECO Convention as a way for attendees to summarize, highlight, and promote presentations, or to share their experience in general, provided that presentation content and materials are not shared in full, and authors or presenters are referenced and cited where appropriate. Please keep in mind that presenters hold the intellectual property rights and copyrights to their materials.

Charging stations for mobile devices will be available in the common areas and throughout Optometry’s Marketplace. Please be mindful of sharing the charging stations. Do not leave your devices unattended. SECO is not responsible for lost or stolen belongings.

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 SECOstaff or security immediately. The Association shall have no liability whatsoever arising out of its interpretation and enforcement of the Code of Conduct.

Recording or live streaming content delivered in the education courses at SECO 2021 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.