November 2008

DTA CEO Update

• The Economy
• ADA Meeting in San Antonio
• DTA Work Group Updates from ADA Annual Session
• Events in New York
• Mini Dental School
• DTA Housekeeping

The Economy
The state of the economy is of concern to all of us. We are looking forward to data reports for the third quarter, but anecdotally it seems that the dental industry is holding forth substantially better than most other sectors of our economy. That being said, DTA members are "wary" of what the coming year might bring.

The problems and challenges can become opportunities and now is the best time for you to be more active in the DTA. Our programs are developed to help your business and now the need is greater than ever. We are listening to you to determine how to best help you. Our workshops help you make the most of your selling opportunities. Our market data is important to help you navigate our troubled economy.

One of the areas for which you have asked for more assistance is exports. Our Exports Work Group is working hard to expand your opportunities. The IDS is coming up in March and the committee has planned three separate events designed for you to meet representatives of fertile markets around the globe. These events will be held immediately after show hours at the IDS. More info is coming soon. And don't forget the DTA Preview Show prior to the Chicago Mid-winter meeting. Last year we set a record for attendance by foreign distributors and substantially increased US distributor attendance. Don't miss this chance to expand to other markets.

Let us hear from you. We're interested in how your business is doing and what we can do to help you.

ADA Meeting in San Antonio
DTA members report mixed results from the ADA show in San Antonio. Final total attendance was 29,148, with 8,382 dentists registered. The configuration of the exhibit hall drew the largest number of complaints about the show. The organization of the floor "cut off" some aisles and made traffic patterns for customers very difficult. This show will be our second beta test of our new Dental Meeting Evaluation Report. We hope to launch the fully tested product in January.

The Dental Meeting Evaluation Report will include available statistics on each show, as well as qualitative ratings in several categories. These ratings will be compiled from surveys of exhibitors. The goal is to provide you with information to better make decisions about the level of your show participation.

As you may be aware, the ADA and the Greater New York Dental Meeting will NOT hold a joint meeting in October 2010. GNYDM has moved back to its usual Thanksgiving dates, and ADA has chosen Orlando for its October 2010 meeting. Unfortunately, we have learned that in moving the meeting the ADA has taken dates that put the exhibition on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. Our Exhibits Work Group has lodged our strong objections to this schedule, and asked that ADA find some way to change the dates to a preferred Thursday, Friday and Saturday exhibition.

It appears that the following dates are set for future ADA sessions.

DTA Work Group Updates from ADA Annual Session
DTA Work Groups met during the ADA Annual Session in San Antonio in mid-October. They included the Exhibits, Export and Membership Work Groups. Additionally, the Market Data and Educational Programs Work Groups hosted a filled-to-capacity Market Data Workshop.

Export Work Group: Chairman John Scott hosted the new Export Work Group Meeting on Thursday, October 16^th. Board Chairman Carey Lyons welcomed the group. A draft of the IDS Handbook was reviewed. The project should be completed in early December. The group saw a presentation by German publisher Fakten Schmied. Previously, DTA members were notified of the European market data they are making available.

Plans were discussed for additional promotional activities at the 2009 IDS Meeting. Carey Lyons encouraged the group to increase the scope of its activities and be the association's international outreach arm. A follow-up meeting is planned for December 1^st in New York.

Exhibits Work Group: Steve Merrick, the new Exhibits Work Group chair, held a busy Exhibits meeting at the Grand Hyatt. Marissa Goldberg from ADA gave an update on the 2008 Annual Session. Marty Smith showed a video montage and answered questions about attendee behavior on the show floor. Plans were completed to launch the DTA Trade Show Evaluation Survey starting with the ADA Annual Session. Gary Price provided an update on the discussion with the Council on Dental Meetings.

Membership Committee: The Membership Committee hosted a reception for orthodontic manufacturers. Ten companies visited with DTA and discussed membership benefits with Carey Lyons, DTA Board Chairman; Gary Price, Chief Executive Officer; Fred Freedman, Director of Marketing and Don Hobbs, Membership Committee Chairman. A follow-up meeting is scheduled at the Orthodontic Association Meeting in St. Louis.

Events in New York
Dec 1 - The Top Challenges Facing Dentistry:
The Fall Speakers Series will be held on Monday, December 1^st. Dr. Charles N. Bertolami, Dean of the NYU College of Dentistry will give a presentation on "The Top Challenges Facing Dentistry." The reception begins at 5:30 pm. Dr. Bertolami will begin at 6:00. Enjoy cocktails and hors d'oeuvres until 7:30. The session will be held at the New York Marriott Marquis Hotel on Times Square.

Dec 2 - Beer and Food Pairings:
DTA's Young Leadership Work Group presents an evening with Michael Augins, President of Sirona Dental Systems, LLC, USA, as he discusses leadership and his experiences in and out of the dental industry.

The staff of the Heartland Brewery Chophouse will provide instruction on beer and food pairings. The cost for food, beverages and gratuities is $58 per person and is open to DTA Members. The Young Leadership Work Group offers a variety of innovative programs for young dental executives. Encourage junior executives (40 & younger) in your organization to network and learn new skills as they transition to senior positions.

Register now for these two activities, plus the "Know Your Customer - Today and Tomorrow's Dentist" session on Jan 28, 2009, lead by Dr. Craig Yarborough. .

Mini Dental School
We recently held a two-day intensive program where members were able to share valuable information, including participating in hands-on segments with other program participants. Although our group was smaller this time, participants were overwhelming enthusiastic about their 2-day experience.

DTA House Keeping
Key contacts have been asked to update their sales category for the purpose of determining dues for 2009. If you haven't responded, please contact us as soon as possible. Dues invoices will be mailed the first week of December since quite a few members prefer to pay their dues in 2008.