‘All Hands on Deck’ Annual Meeting 2020

‘All Hands on Deck’ at Annual Meeting

It’s safe to say that the MAFP Annual Meeting in 2020, held July 17-21 at the Baytowne Conference Center in Sandestin, Fla., was unusual. The COVID-19 pandemic caused restrictions on indoor activities, prohibitions on travel, and enabled new ways to participate.

Despite challenges, MAFP persevered to have a successful in-person event during a year when many other associations cancelled all of their events. Live attendees at our CME sessions, devotionals and other events wore masks and sat 6 feet apart from each other, observing the CDC’s social distancing guidelines to prevent the virus’s spread. To accommodate virtual attendees and virtual speakers, the CME sessions were streamed live online. Some activities at the Baytowne Conference Center were changed to outdoor events or changed to day activities.

Temperature checks became routine as attendees at all events were screened upon arrival. Certain doors in the meeting rooms were designated as entrances only and exits only to cut down on physical interaction. All food was served by a hotel staff member to minimize the risks of sharing serving utensils.

The exhibit hall transformed in order to accommodate vendors and to allow attendees to meet them. Each booth was draped with clear plastic side dividers and booths were spaced six feet apart. The exhibit hall was sprayed with disinfectant each evening as the exhibit hall closed to keep everyone safe.

Final attendance numbers were 90 live attendees and 21 virtual attendees for a total of 111. Add to that 9 speakers, 92 family members of attendees, and 61 exhibitors for a total attendance of 273.

The event kicked off with CME sessions Sunday. Then Sunday night’s Family Fun Night

Next Meeting: July 17-21, 2021

with a pirate theme was held outdoors at the Marina Beach. In addition to paddle boards, kayaks and the beach to entertain attendees, there was kid-friendly food, music, and a magic show performed by pirate entertainers.

CME sessions were held Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday with sunrise devotionals, yoga classes and bingo held in the mornings. On Monday the Academy held its Annual Business Session as normal, electing new officers and board members. Members were able to enjoy the golf tournament on the resort.

New officers and board members were sworn in at the Annual Luncheon which took the place of the Annual Dinner. At that event, new AAFP Fellows were inducted plus Family Physician of the Year and New Physician of the Year awards were presented.

MAFP President Dr. Bill Grantham and his wife, Gay inspired the nautical theme. Caption

Families like Lucy Suggs and Dr. JeanAnn Suggs enjoyed a round of Bingo.

Mississippi family physician Dr. Lessa Phillips was a favorite speaker during the CME.

Ahoy mateys! The littlest attendees wore pirate garb as they participated in a magic and comedy show at Family Fun Night on the beach. Dr. Angela Jones of Poplarville gave a Sunrise Devotional to participants spaced six feet apart.

Socially-distant seating for 100 doctors in a single meeting hall. This same view was used for a video as physicians said ‘thank you’ to AAFP Executive Director Doug Henley upon his retirement.

Chelsea Wells offered yoga each day of the Annual Meeting for attendees. Family Fun Night on the Marina Beach featured cornhole and water sports. Dr. Sarah Grabmiller and her family.

Drs. Brad Suggs and Bill Grantham ‘gRRRReeted’ folks at Family Fun Night.