THAA 63rd Annual Convention
& Southwest Regional Trade Show

June 3-5, 2010 - InterContinental Houston

Sponsored by

Beltone Miracle Ear Phonak Starkey
Registration is now open for the THAA 63rd Annual Convention & Southwest Regional Trade Show, June 3-5, at the InterContinental Houston, a few blocks from the famous Galleria shopping area in west Houston.
THAA will once again present one of the finest continuing education programs for licensed hearing aid dispensers found anywhere in the country. Top industry speakers will present 15 hours of continuing education programs approved by the Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and BC-HIS for license renewal.
In addition, leading hearing aid manaufactuers and suppliers will be displaying their products and services in the largest two-day trade show in the southwest. Registration instructions and a form are provided in the right column. Register today!
Convention Highlights

>15 hours of continuing education approved for TX, NM, OK, and BC-HIS.

>10 networking functions for dispensers, manufacturers, and suppliers.

>A trade show with the latest hearing aid technology, supplies, and services.

>Update on Sunset Review of licensed dispeners by the Texas Legislature.

>Report on proposed Texas Medicaid reimbursement rate changes.

>Latest news on the Texas state budget crisis and how it affects dispensers.

>State Licensing Committee's enactment of HB 594 & rule review.

>4-star hotel with $109 room rate in exclusive Houston Galleria area.

>World-class restaurants just blocks from the hotel.
Convention Format

The convention opens with the THAA 2010 Annual Membership Meeting on Thursday afternoon, immediately followed by the sponsors’ reception. Friday features eight hours of continuing education and the first session of the Southwest Regional Trade Show. Friday evening is open for registrants to enjoy the many restaurants and shopping opportunities in the Houston Galleria area. Saturday’s program contains seven hours of CE, and the final session of the trade show and silent auction. All events feature food and beverage functions that are included in the registration fee.
THAA Annual Membership Meeting (2 CE hrs.)

During this year’s THAA Annual Membership Meeting on Thursday afternoon, Sen. Glenn Hegar, Chairman of the Sunset Advisory Committee of the Texas Legislature, will address the membership on the goals of his committee in the upcoming sunset review of licensed dispensers and audiologists. We urge all members to attend this important meeting to hear straight from the chairman what to expect from this year's sunset review.
In addition, Rep. Tracy O. King, THAA's Immediate Past President, will provide his insight on the major issues facing the upcoming 82nd Texas Legislature, including the probability of a major budget deficit that could have a dramatic affect on dispensers and the hearing aid industry in Texas.
Also, Ken Haesly, President of the State Committee of Examiners in the Fitting and
Dispensing of Hearing Instruments will present a summary of the rule changes affecting licensed dispensers that are scheduled to be approved by the Committee in May. These include changes prompted by the passage of HB 594 and HB 963 in the 2009 regular session of the Texas Legislature, and changes that may be ordered by the Committee from Government Code, Section 2001.038, which requires state boards and committees to review their rules every four years. 
Plus, the THAA 2010 Dispenser of the Year Award will be given during this meeting. This prestigous award is given each year to the dispenser who practices the highest standard of ethics when serving the hearing impaired of Texas. Members wanting to nominate a candidate for this award are asked to contact a THAA Board member as soon as possible.
Members attending the annual meeting will receive two hours of CE credit (for license renewal in Texas only) and do not have to attend the last CE session on Saturday to complete the full 15 CE hours offered at the convention. To receive CE credit, you must attend the entire meeting. All members are strongly urged to attend this important meeting!
15 Hours Of Continuing Educatiion

THAA is once again presenting one of the finest continuing education programs for licensed hearing aid dispensers found anywhere in the country. Top industry speakers will provide 15 hours of meaningful continuing education with tremendous take-home value for all licensees. Eight hours are offered on Friday, and seven hours on Saturday. Daily registration fees are provided for attendees who do not need the full 15 hours. All of the hours will be approved for license renewal in Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and for BC-HIS. Speakers and presentations are shown here. Dispensers renewing their license in June with the Texas State Licensing Committee can receive their CE certificates at the convention - in time to file their license renewal information with the Licensing Committee before the end of the month.
Sponsors Host Thursday Reception

Join your convention sponsors for one of the best networking opportunities of the convention. This gala opening event is a great way to meet new friends and network with other dispensers and industry manufacturers and suppliers at the beginning of the convention. Our thanks to the following sponsors for hosting this event and all other food and beverage functions throughout the convention:
Sponsored by

Beltone Miracle Ear Phonak Starkey
2010 Southwest Regional Trade Show

This is your once a year opportunity to meet face-to-face with the companies that offer the latest products and services to hearing instrument professionals. This year’s exhibition is a showcase of the latest and most dynamic technology available to improve your success as a licensed dispenser, and it provides an advance look at new resources for your clients and your practice. Stay on the fast track of hearing instrument technology as exhibitors share their knowledge and expertise on the latest digital products and services at the largest hearing aid trade show in the Southwest. Don’t miss this exciting two-day event!
Exhibitors To Date
All American Mold Lab
Audina
Audio Support Products
Beltone
CareCredit
Cochlear Americas
Discovery Warranties & Repair
HITEC Group
Oticon
Nuear
Persona Medical
Phonak
Resound
Rayovac
Rexton
Right Hear Network
Senior News
Siemens
Sonic Innovations
Starkey
Texas State Licensing Committee
Texas Medicaid & Healthcare Partnership
Unitron
Widex
THAA 2010 Silent Auction

This is your chance to make bargain purchases and unbelievable deals on new and popular hearing instruments and supplies from the top manufacturers and suppliers. Take those purchases you will make in your regular course of business and turn them into your best business decision of the year. The resale of your silent auction items can easily pay for all of your expenses to attend the convention. Don’t miss your chance to make money and help THAA at the same time. All proceeds go to the THAA general operating fund.
What’s Included In Your Registration Fee

Full registration fees include all convention events for one person, and the following major items. 
- 15 hours of meaningful CE presentations from top industry speakers approved for license renewal in TX, NM, OK, and BC-HIS.

- Thursday evening’s opening reception.

- Breakfast and luncheon Friday and Saturday.

- Morning and afternoon hospitality breaks Friday and Saturday.

- Free admission to THAA 2010 Southwest Regional Trade Show.

- Access to THAA 2010 Silent Auction.