WFO to convene for second meeting, WFO Council to meet for first time in April 2000 in Chicago

CHICAGO, IL, USA - Chicago, known for its Magnificent Mile, will be an important destination in the year 2000 for the world’s orthodontists who create mankind’s magnificent smiles.

Three historic orthodontic meetings will converge to form the most comprehensive orthodontic program ever assembled:

• the 100^th AAO Annual Session,
• the 5^th International Orthodontic Congress (IOC), and
• the 2^nd Meeting of the World Federation of Orthodontists (WFO).

The 100^th Annual Session and the 5^th IOC will mark the beginning of the yearlong celebration of the AAO’s 100^th anniversary. The meeting will take place from April 28 to May 3, 2000. The Opening Ceremonies on Saturday, April 29 will officially commence this monumental celebration.

The 5^th IOC will lend an international flair to the already extensive Annual Session Scientific Program and will promote the exchange of ideas among orthodontic colleagues from around the world. Dr. Lee Graber, co-chair of the Annual Session Doctors’ Scientific Program and vice-president of the WFO, said that all areas of clinical orthodontics will be part of the 100^th AAO Annual Session and 5^th IOC program. He noted that orthodontists who usually only read what is published in their own journals will have the opportunity to learn what colleagues abroad are doing. The Scientific Program will feature more table clinic displays and more scientific posterboard exhibits than ever before, and, to facilitate communication among colleagues, lecturers will participate in the roundtable discussion breakfast program.

A seminar on the worldwide status of orthodontics on Wednesday, May 3, 2000, will help orthodontic colleagues understand the specialty’s global successes and challenges.

In addition to the numerous and varied scientific lectures, doctors and staff members will find the exhibit hall brimming with the greatest array of orthodontic products and services ever assembled. Alumni and international orthodontic society receptions will welcome guests on Saturday evening, April 29, 2000.

The AAO’s 100^th Birthday Celebration will be held on Monday, May 1, 2000, at the United Center (home of the Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks). This must-attend event will require tickets for admittance, but will be open to all who attend the 100^th Annual Session and 5^th IOC.

The WFO will convene for the second time during the 100^th Annual Session and 5^th IOC. As part of this meeting, the WFO Council will meet for the first time and will elect the new members of the WFO Executive Committee.

"The WFO Council meeting will provide 110 people with the opportunity to become more acquainted with the inner workings of the WFO," said Dr. William DeKock, president of the WFO. "They will see how the WFO can help the specialty develop globally."

Of special note are the WFO Fellows Honorary Lecture and the International Gala Reception on Sunday, April 30, 2000. The lecture will be held at the world-renowned Arie Crown Theater in the McCormick Place Convention Center. The reception will be at the Art Institute of Chicago.

Be part of orthodontic history. Plan to attend these milestone meetings: the 100^th AAO Annual Session, the 5^th IOC and the 2^nd Meeting of the WFO April 28 through May 3, 2000, in Chicago. Registration materials and full program information will be available in the Annual Session Preview Program, which will be mailed in November 1999.