Y’all, ASDA Annual Session is coming to Dallas, Texas! If you’ve never been to Texas or you’ve never been to an ASDA Annual Session, then you’ve come to the right place. As chair of the Council on Sessions and a born and raised Texan, I am very excited for you to experience the place I call home!
I’m sure you have heard that everything is bigger in Texas and Dallas definitely lives up to it! Dallas is known for its beautiful skyline, art, culture, nightlife, sightseeing, sports, shopping and some good Texas hospitality. A few Texas dental students have offered some tips on what to wear, what to bring and how to make the most of meeting!
What to wear:
With a sunny forecast of lows in the low 40s and highs in the high 60s, one Dallas native says, “Texas weather can be rather unpredictable. Don’t worry about layers but grab a jacket for the evenings because sometimes the nights can be rather chilly.” – Marisa, Zitterich, Texas-Houston ’16, District 9 fundraising chair
“Dress comfortable at night, but prepare for both warm and cold weather, you can experience a mix of seasons in one day.” – Tanya Maestas, Texas-Houston ’18, president-elect and District 9 communications associate
Don’t forget that the meeting is business dress. So pack a suit for the day and something more casual for the evening (check with your district trustee on appropriate dress for evening district activities).
If you get the chance to do the boot scootin’ boogie at a local honky tonk, don’t forget your cowboy boots and hat! I’m just kidding… kind of.
What to bring:
“Bring great attitudes and high spirits! You’ll want your business professional clothes and casual clothes to have fun. Don’t forget your toiletries and any necessities you might need. Ladies, if there is more than one of you per chapter, split up bringing the curling iron and/or dryer. Leave some room for all of the goodies you are going to take back from the vendor fair!” – Tanya Maestas, Texas-Houston ’18, chapter president-elect and District 9 communications associate
“Everything is bigger in Texas, including the distance between the hotel and restaurants or bars! So, be sure to charge your phones to get your Uber and Yellow Taxi on!” – Andrea Sauerwein, UT-Houston ’16, Gold Crown Chair
“Whether its your bright smile, a ‘Howdy!’ or holding the door open for a gal, you’ll want to make sure you bring your southern hospitality.” – Andrew Naeger, Texas-Houston ’17, chapter president and chair of ASDA’s Council on Professional Issues
How to make the most of the meeting:
Don’t forget to download the app for Annual Session (search ‘ASDA Events’) because, “The best way to make the most of the meeting is to look at the schedule in advance and plan your days! Also, wake up on time!” – Matt Franzen, Texas-Houston ’17, chapter webmaster
There are numerous opportunities during Annual Session to mingle and network with dental students from all over the nation and one student says, “Meet new people! Sit with students you don’t know during lunches and dinners. You make so many new friends that way.” – Tanya Maestas, Texas-Houston ’18, President Elect and District 9 Communications Associate
“Take advantage of the presentations and be proactive of meeting students from other districts, especially if you plan on practicing in those states.” – Francisco Nieves, Texas-Houston ’16, chapter treasurer
This is going to be the biggest week ever! Welcome to Dallas, y’all!
~Adrien Lewis, Texas-Houston ’16, vice president
