Vincent G. Kokich, Sr., DDS, MSD, past president of the American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry and General Chair of the 2009 IFED Meeting, takes time out to offers his take on the upcoming IFED Meeting.

Why did the committee decide to host the IFED meeting in Las Vegas opposed to another location? What makes Las Vegas special?

Las Vegas was chosen as the venue for this meeting, because it is easy to get to for both domestic and international travelers, the hotel has extensive conference facilities and hotel rooms to house the attendees, the city has an exciting night-life which the attendees can enjoy in the evening, the weather is warm, dry, and beautiful during the day, with mild evenings, and the price of the hotel rooms is very reasonable for the attendees.

What is your role as program chair in planning the conference?

My role as the general chairman is to direct the committee in creating a high quality scientific program, work through the many issues that arise in the planning of the logistics of this meeting, as well as chairing the monthly conference calls that we have had to plan this major event.

Tell us about the scientific program.

I am very proud of this scientific program.  First of all, it will feature experts from all over the world in the area of esthetics.  Second, the topics are divided into various categories including Controversies, Point/Counterpoint, State of the Art, Panel Discussion, Interdisciplinary Esthetics, as well as extensive clinical documentation of the wonderful treatments that dentists and specialists from many different disciplines can offer in order to enhance dentofacial esthetics.  Since the lecturers will only have from 20 to 30 minutes to present their material, the program will be very lively and will cover a broad range of topics.

How does this meeting appeal to an international audience?

This meeting should appeal to international audiences, because attendees from different countries will see a compilation of speakers that have never been assembled together previously on one stage.  There will be speakers from many different countries as well as the US to entertain and educate the audience.

Why would someone choose to attend IFED 2009?