The OAC’s National Convention is the leading educational conference designed to help individuals who struggle with their weight, and attending this meeting is a great investment in your personal journey with weight and health. However, we understand that for many who wish to attend the Convention, it may be a hardship. The Convention Scholarship Program, now in its third year, is designed to open the doors for any individual to attend and benefit from this meeting, without letting expense get in the way.

The Convention Scholarship Program is now accepting applications, and will award a limited number of full and partial scholarships to individuals who apply by Friday, February 26. The number of scholarships granted will be based on number of applications received, along with the total expenses requested. Applicants must be 18 years of age or older (or travelling with a parent or legal guardian) and have plans to attend the 2016 OAC Convention. Applicants not eligible to receive a scholarship include: health professionals seeking CE Credits; and relatives of OAC staff, National Board Members, or OAC Committee Members (or actual members of these groups). Need for scholarships will be determined with the following weighted criteria:

• Statement of Financial Need (50%);
• Impact of Obesity on Your Life (35%);
• Your Intent for Attending the Your Weight Matters Convention (15%)

The Obesity Research Team at the Milken Institute School for Public Health at the George Washington University will act as the designated third-party to handle the review of all Convention Scholarship applications, in order to ensure an unbiased selection process. The OAC will not have any involvement in the evaluation or selection of the scholarship recipients.

We invite any individual interested in receiving financial assistance to submit an application for consideration by Friday, February 26. To get full details and apply for the Convention Scholarship Program, please CLICK HERE!

OK, I am either blind or the website didn't have the info I was looking for.

Where and when is the conference?

Since the scholarship is for a percentage of the total cost, what is the cost of the conference?

It's at the top of the page :

Pricing is at http://www.ywmconvention.com/convention-details/registration-pricing/ . I belive they're opening up the rooms tomorrow so you'll be able to see full pricing at that time.

Looks like a good program. This is the first I'm learning of the annual convention and will look into it.

But D.C. in August? Let's not ask for the moon...we have the stars.

Looks like a good program. This is the first I'm learning of the annual convention and will look into it.

But D.C. in August? Let's not ask for the moon...we have the stars.

The OAC does tons of outreach and advocacy on the hill. I believe they plan on integrating that with their program this year. There will be fantastic AC going on inside the hotel and exhibit areas

It is in Washington DC at Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center! OAC has secured a competitive room rate of $129/night (single/double occupancy)! The scholarship may also pay for the hotel cost as well as registration and airplane or gas mileage. There magazines are very informative as well. I picked one up this past Wednesday when I went to my first support group.

I was thinking of going this year

I'm getting the impression that most attendees and professional participants are part of the surgery world, despite Holly Lofton's involvement. Is that correct?

I'm getting the impression that most attendees and professional participants are part of the surgery world, despite Holly Lofton's involvement. Is that correct?

Yes, that's a pretty accurate assessment.

Applied for the scholarship but was told yesterday I didn't get it. Some what disappointed as Washington DC was a great location as I could have taken the auto train. Was looking forward to learning lots of things that would have helped with this new journey and meeting lots of people. Plus it would have been halfway to my Brother whom I haven't seen in 11 years and I am sure he would have come from Pa down to Washington DC.

Does this group ever have mini regional conferences?

Does this group ever have mini regional conferences?

They do! I will post an announcement next time they're having one.

Does this group ever have mini regional conferences?

They do! I will post an announcement next time they're having one.

I am assuming you both are speaking of OAC with the mini regional conferences? I didn't know OAC had regional's. I would love to know in plenty of time to save and plan when the next one does take place However BP mini regional conferences would be a cool idea too. HINT! HINT! I would be willing to be on a community if your looking at West Palm Beach Fl for one of those BP mini conferences Alex.