Over the past several years, OPCA has had ongoing conversations around one key question: when is the best time to hold our educational events? Weekday versus weekend scheduling continues to be one of the most discussed topics among members—and for good reason.
In our most recent membership poll, the majority of respondents confirmed a preference for weekday events. This feedback plays an important role in how we plan and prioritize our calendar. At the same time, we recognize that weekday events are not the perfect fit for every company. Taking a production day away from the field can be challenging, and we understand the impact that can have on your business.
To help with planning, the association works to publish event dates as early as possible, allowing companies time to adjust schedules, staffing, and attendance in advance.
While weekend events may seem like a convenient alternative for some, they present challenges of their own—particularly for our vendor partners. Many vendors travel extensively throughout the year, and weekends are often one of the few opportunities they have for personal time. Their participation is critical, as vendor support helps keep registration costs affordable and enhances the overall quality of our events.
Balancing these competing needs is not simple, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution. What we can commit to is this: OPCA will continue to listen, evaluate, and adapt. We remain open to exploring new formats, alternative scheduling approaches, and additional opportunities to better serve the full membership.
Registrations are now open for OPCA’s 2026 events:
In addition, each January, OPCA hosts a Virtual Technical Session Day, providing a flexible option for members to earn required CEUs without travel.
Your feedback continues to shape the direction of the association. Thank you for your engagement, your perspective, and your commitment to making OPCA events valuable for everyone.