Encore Symposiums

Encore Symposium Bar Harbor 2020

COVID 19 put a halt on the Encore meeting scheduled for Bar Harbor, however, Nancy LaBrie and the Encore faculty could not be daunted. To support the educational needs of loyal CRNAs, the meeting converted to a live, online format. Here is feedback from attendees:

From B M-G
I recently attended a webinar conference, held with Zoom, presented by Encore Symposium on October 19 the 22nd 2020. The expertise of their presenters were stellar. All were CRNA\’s with their DNP. One presenter was from the NIH and gave excellant information on COVID-19\’s history, pathophysiology and management. Another was a former board member of the NBCRNA and spoke of the CPC requirements and answered all questions and clarified misunderstandings about the requirements. The Zoom meeting could not have been easier. I already had Zoom attached on my computer. The Saturday before the conference an email was sent with a link to each days\’ conference. I only had to click on the link to bring me straight to the conference presenter. Encore set it up without video of the participants, just audio. So…I enjoyed the conference without having to \”get ready\”. There was extra time at the end of each session for question and answers. I will continue to attended Encore\’s conference because of it\’s high quality presenters and killer destinations (this was suppose to be in Bar Harbor, Maine & Acadia National Park). Hoping to see old friends at next years conference in Cape Neddick, Maine @ the Cliff House.

From KG
Knowing we all have education commitments to accomplish , the Encore Anesthesia staff have been a shining star in sea of darkness. The office and the lines of communication remain open and questions are answered by a real person. Thank you for providing that service in the most tumultuous times. It is greatly appreciated.

Encore Cliff House Resort, Maine

Meeting Date: September, 2019

Meeting location: Cliff House Resort, Cape Neddick, ME

Meeting sponsor: Encore Symposiums

Strengths of the meeting:

Person #1 Location is unsurpassed on beauty. Speakers were varied in style and were all able to hold my attention. They used research based evidence. I apprecate the thumb drive that contains the lectures and cited research studies. It also included the practice CPC questions for the pharmacology portion. It was a relaxed environment with a full breakfast every morning.

Person #2 I really enjoyed the entire conference! I have not attended a conference that had such a nice “Meet and Greet” before the week began. Crabcake and duck sliders?! Yum! But, the sole purpose for going was to attend a conference and get up to date information. Which, I did! I will say that 90% of the lectures were very informative, current, and thought provoking. The 10% would really only be related to hearing about the anesthetic implications of an E.X.I.T. procedure, which I hope to never do. It was interesting, but, it didn’t update me on current topics that are relevant to my practice. There were many lectures that truly refreshed old knowledge – who thinks about the intricacies of the uptake and distribution of volatile anesthetics on a regular basis? The Post-Operative Cognitive Dysfunction lecture hit home as I’ve seen it personally. I literally texted my co-workers at our rural hospital every day of the conference to plant seeds in their heads as to how we can improve our practice.

Suggestions for improvement:

Person #1 The 7am start was a bit early for me, I would prefer 8am. Without the bonus credit we would still be done by 1:15. The hotel and Ogunquit were extremely expensive so I wouldn’t attend there again unless I stayed in a neighboring town which would make the 7am start even more of an issue.

Person #2 Just change a couple of the lectures to more current topics – perhaps more opioid free anesthesia information? “Cocktails” to utilize as we trend even further away from opioids? Even more ERAS protocols?

Note from Encore: Thank you taking the time to share your positive comments and suggestions. Encore offers a flexible schedule for those who want to begin early and end early and the option to stay later to earn bonus credits. The 7:00 a.m. scheduled was requested from the majority of CRNAs who prefer an early start to earn more credits or exit early to enjoy the area.Response from Encore Symposiums:

*Note from editor: The schedule for this meeting and all Encore meetings are posted online and include the 7am start time in the morning. Likewise, the cost for accommodations is known prior to registering for the meeting.

Value for the money:

Person #1 Seven of ten only because of the cost of accommodations.

Person #2 I know people complained about the cost of lodging, however, it was worth it! I don’t go to conferences every year so saving my CE money from last year and using that to offset the cost of the lodging was a bonus! Pictures don’t do this place justice.

Testamonial submission from attendee:

Hi Nancy, Well, you did it again. This was my 6th Encore Symposium and every one has been at a great location. I do have to say that Maine was such a delight and has moved into first place for me. I loved the weather, scenery and the peaceful sounds of the ocean. What a perfect backdrop to hear spectacular speakers who had a wealth of knowledge and information. Love the balance of both Pediatric and Adult focused lectures. Looking forward to my next Encore experience. Thank you for what you do to make these meetings so enjoyable!!! – New England at the Cliff House 2019, Cape Neddick, ME

Naples Florida 2019

Meeting Date: March 2019

Meeting location: Naples, FL

Meeting sponsor: Encore Symposiums

Strengths of the meeting:

Reviewed by JL: So much useful information. Great topics to update and refresh us. All of the speakers were really good! Definitely will be doing another conference with Encore!

Suggestions for improvement:

None, great location and great speakers.

Value for the money:

Great price for the credits!

Encore Symposiums: Bar Harbor 2018

Meeting Date: 2018

Meeting location: Bar Harbor, ME

Meeting sponsor: Encore Symposiums

Strengths of the meeting:

(reviewed by SP) The speakers were terrific. They were very engaging with their lectures and I learned a lot. The topics were very thought provoking even for CRNA’s who have been in the profession for over 20 years. The schedule was great as it allowed for so much time to explore the area which was magnificent. It was wonderful in so many ways and I will definitely attend future meetings with Encore!

(reviewed by AK) Since the meeting started at 7 am each morning it was much appreciated to have a full breakfast included.
Carrie Frederick’s lectures were by far the highlight of this conference. She is a fantastic speaker and it is clear that she is providing researches, up to date information.

Suggestions for improvement:

Sal Ciresi, is an experienced, nice guy and would be even more effective with fewer personal stories.

Value for the money:

(reviewed by SP)Great value! The meeting even included a welcome reception with outstanding food and a full breakfast each morning. I can’t say enough great things about this conference.

(reviewed by AK) Good overall value, I’ve attended several encore meetings, would like to see more new lectures added into
The mix.

Encore, Charleston 2018

Meeting review by TD and LH

Meeting Date: 2018

Meeting location: Charleston, SC

Meeting sponsor: Encore Symposiums

Strengths of the meeting:

From TD: The speakers were awesome and the variety of topics kept the meeting interesting. Each topic had several ideas that I can take home and incorporate into my practice.

I especially appreciated the efforts that some of the speakers made to involve the audience and make things interactive.

The hotel was on the quiet side of the bay and the water taxi to town was fun. It was nice looking out the window of the meeting room and seeing an aircraft carrier.

As always, Encore puts on the best breakfast of any meeting that I attend. Thanks Nancy and the rest of the team for a positive experience.

From LH: Great lecture. Presented in an interesting and informative way. I learned a lot and and I have changed my practice based on the information provided!

Value for the money: Great value for the money. Excellent speakers, great location and an amazing breakfast every day. Wonderful hotel beautiful amenities and a great town.

Encore, Hilton Head

Meeting review by Christina

Meeting Date: 2018

Meeting location: Hilton Head

Meeting sponsor: Encore Symposiums

Strengths of the meeting:

I am writing to thank you for putting together a great conference. All four lecturers were fantastic with such relevant and fascinating topics.

In particular I really enjoyed Mark Welliver and Matthew Zinder. Mark is a fantastic teacher, and I felt like I really refreshed my pharmacology and got a lot of my next-level questions answered.

Matt very generously discussed very difficult topics. It was clear that the issues he spoke with are very personal and important to him, and I could tell that he really hoped that his lectures might help someone either currently or someday. That meant a lot!

I would really like to extend a thank you to both of them in particular.

Value for the money: Great value for the money. Excellent speakers, great location and an amazing breakfast every day.

Encore Symposium, Naples FL

Meeting review by HH

Meeting Date: 3/5-5/2018

Meeting location: Naples FL

*Note: This is the comprehensive meeting that followed the CPC review.

Meeting sponsor: Encore Symposiums

Strengths of the meeting: Nancy, I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for another great conference. When choosing my annual meeting to attend, I always look to Encore first. I have enjoyed each one I’ve attended & been very impressed with the topics as well as presenters. They are always current & interesting. Your recent meeting in Naples was spectacular. Not only was the setting beautiful, but the delicious breakfast was something to look forward to each morning. I enjoyed the conference & will definitely look to Encore again next year.

Value for the money: Great value for the money. Excellent speakers, great location and an amazing breakfast every day.

Encore Symposiums Cape Cod 2017

Meeting review by TD

Meeting Date: 10/9-12/2017

Meeting location: Chatham Bar Inn, Cape Cod

Meeting sponsor: Encore Symposiums

Strengths of the meeting: Great location with topics relevant to current practice and dynamic speakers to bring them to life. This particular meeting attracted a fully engaged audience of CRNAs eager to learn and participate. Overall, a great experience.

Value for the money: Nancy puts her heart into finding the best locations and then putting together a program that causes attendees too want to attend every session. If you are combining vacation with education, you can’t do much better than this.

Meeting Review: Encore Symposiums, Palm Springs

Meeting review by JD and LB

Meeting Date: 2/22/2017

Meeting Location: Palm Springs, CA

Meeting sponsor: Encore Symposiums

Strengths of the meeting:

JD: I thoroughly enjoyed the meeting as well as the speakers. The topics were especially relevant to me and were presented by energetic speakers. The location was exceptional and I enjoyed the resort atmosphere.

Thanks for another great conference. I’ll be back next year!

LB: Encore always does a great job. The speakers are always interesting with topics that are current and relevant. Most , if not all , of this meeting’s content applied to my current position. I also gained useful tips for a family member with chronic pain.
The locations for all of Encore’s meetings are very nice. My family enjoys coming along to each place. Nancy also does a very nice job with the first night meet and greet. Families are always included and it is really nice especially after traveling all day.
An Encore rep is available at each meeting for questions or clarifications.

Value for the money: LB: All conferences have gone up in price but the facilities are always top notch, the food delicious and the clinical info always good. The resorts are also good for the families that must hang out while the CRNA is busy. So, yes, I think it is good value for the money.