SECO Moves 2019 Conference to New Orleans

February 9, 2017

For the first time in 50 years, SECO International will move SECO, the annual conference providing the optometry industry educational opportunities since 1924, out of Atlanta and to New Orleans.

This move marks the first time SECO has held a meeting outside of Atlanta since 1957. SECO 2019 will take place Feb. 20–24 at the New Orleans Ernest Morial Convention Center.

“We’re excited to bring SECO to a new city and believe the move will energize the conference on all fronts, giving us the creative luxury to reimagine the event strategy to ensure the show is meeting the business and education objectives of our industry,” said Lynn Hammonds, O.D., president of SECO International, LLC.

Hammonds added, “New Orleans has a recently remodeled, world-class convention center located right on the Mississippi River that will be a terrific host location for SECO 2019.”

As a result of the move, SECO is looking to recraft the show strategy to ensure that all aspects of the event - education, exhibits and events - are in line with best practices, creating an experience that will guarantee both attendees and exhibitors an opportunity to build new relationships, while strengthening existing ones.

Attendees will not only benefit from show enhancements, but also will have competitive hotel selections and rates, free shuttles from area hotels and affordable travel to this centrally located state.

For SECO exhibitors, this move to New Orleans’ convention center means lower costs and a good location for exhibiting.

“New Orleans is thrilled to welcome the SECO community in 2019,” said Stephen Perry, president and CEO of the New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau.

He added, “Our world-class city, award-winning meeting facilities and rich cultural heritage make New Orleans the ideal setting for eye care professionals from around the world to come together, learn, network and do business. The entire New Orleans hospitality industry is ready to roll out the red carpet for SECO International.”

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