The Association holds a Statewide meeting each year. The meeting allows laryngectomees to mingle socially with each other and with medical and speech pathology professionals. It provides opportunities to increase knowledge of laryngeal cancer, treatment and recovery. Free speech evaluation and treatment is built into the program. The meeting allows laryngectomees to speak directly with the vendors with whom they deal for stoma care and speech equipment.

The Annual Meeting is held in the latter part of the year in accordance with the organization’s bylaws. It is held at a centrally located site to allow the easiest access from all parts of Florida. It may vary in length from one to two days but typically lasts a day and a half. There is usually a program for speech pathologists or speech pathology students that runs concurrently with the Annual Meeting.

Socializing is encouraged by offering a “Meet and Greet” cocktail party at the onset and a banquet with entertainment and a lavish raffle at the end of the Annual Meeting. There may be a craft sale that showcases the talents of the members. Informal gathering is promoted by the relaxed schedule of lectures.

Nationally known speech pathologists, medical professionals and experienced laryngectomees are invited to provide lectures and demonstrations on topics important to all laryngectomees regardless of method of communication.. These professionals often play a dual role as instructors in the Vic Baird Graduate Student Program. Free speech evaluations and treatment are offered as part of the Annual Meeting or as part of the VB Graduate Student Program. All intervention is directed by a licensed, experienced speech pathologist. There are also support groups for the significant persons in the laryngectomee’s life

The exhibit room is available throughout the meeting. Vendors are present who represent companies from throughout the United States. They are present to talk about the products that laryngectomees use and order since there are no local outlets that sell these specialized items. The vendors are often the owners of the companies. They provide samples and invaluable information, suggestions and demonstrations.

An annual business meeting is included in the program and provides a time to elect officers, honor the achievement of members and handle general business concerns.

The Florida Laryngectomee Association has become a tradition and continues to be a vital link between laryngectomees, professionals, students and vendors.