When the World Chiropractic Alliance began planning its Summit '03 -- to be held May 1-3, 2003 in Washington, D.C. -- they had their work cut out for them.

"The excitement and energy at the last Summit was incredibly high, but we're determined to top ourselves for the next event," said WCA Executive Assistant Linda Bevel. "We're going to have more speakers, more political leaders, more information, more of everything!"

The theme for the Summit is "Prosperity, Passion & Political Power" and the goal is to provide the type of presentations and programs geared to all three.

Every chiropractor wants to know Prosperity -- in his or her practice and personal life. While the financial climate may not be what it was in the 1990s, WCA President Terry A. Rondberg, D.C. notes, "When we know how to bring in more patients, we can have prosperity no matter what the economy is like."

At WCA Summit 2003, doctors will get practical tools they can use to build their practice immediately. They'll learn how to:

Passion

By reigniting their Passion for subluxation-based chiropractic, doctors can reach any goal, fulfill any dream, Dr. Rondberg emphasized. "Hegel was absolutely right when he said, 'Nothing great in the world has ever been accomplished without passion.'

"D.C.s understand that simple truth better than almost anyone else and this Summit will spark that deep, inner core of passion that made us choose to be chiropractors in the first place," he noted.

Political Power

The final element of the equation -- Political Power -- has been one of the most exciting features of the WCA Summit. Unlike other chiropractic events, the WCA doesn't shy away from politics. In fact, it incorporates it into the program and brings doctors into direct contact with some of the most influential political leaders in the U.S.

"In the past, some doctors were a bit reluctant to go to a 'political' event," Ms. Bevel admits. "Many of them had a negative idea about what it meant to be political. But the positive experiences they had with Senators, Representatives, and other government officials at the first two Summits proved that political events could be effective, and actually a lot of fun."

Numerous chiropractors met with their elected officials during the 2002 event, and educated legislators and decision makers about the meaning of subluxation-based chiropractic.

"Forming a bond with members of Congress is extremely important," Dr. Rondberg emphasizes. "It's thanks to our relationships with Senators and Representatives that we were able to get the V.A. bill to include specific reference to subluxation care. Without those connections, we might very well have been limited to treating neuromusculoskeletal conditions!"

The list of speakers tentatively scheduled for the Summit '03 includes some of the top names in subluxation-based chiropractic, such as:

Application for 18.5 hours of continuing education credit has been made through Parker College of Chiropractic to all states.

The Summit will be held at the Hotel Marriott, 1331 Pennsylvania Ave., right down the street from the White House and Capitol buildings. The WCA has arranged for a special rate of $209 for single or double (call the hotel at 800/228-9290 or 202/393-2000 and be sure to mention the WCA Summit when you reserve your room).

Registration received before March 17 is $285. After March 17, the fee is $385. A fee of $50 for continuing education credits may be paid separately at the door. Registration includes one practicing D.C. and an unlimited number of non-D.C. guests (family, staff, etc.).

Doctors may register by calling the World Chiropractic Alliance at 800/347-1011 or online.