If you are a regular attendee of the Annual HIMSS conference, you probably have a gauge on how to navigate the humongous halls filled with 1000’s of exhibitors, educational sessions, learning pavilions and the many other networking areas throughout the hall. If you’re a first time attendee like me, you’ve probably heard about how vast and intense a mega conference like this can be to maneuver through. So, have you been preparing yourself for what’s to come?
With HIMSS20 rapidly approaching, my colleagues recently shared with me priceless tips and tricks they’ve noted over the last few years while exhibiting and attending the mega-conference. Below I have compiled a list of these best practices to prep for the upcoming show.
Pick up your event badge at Orlando International Airport or Hotel. Badges are available for pickup at several hotels including Hyatt Regency Orlando, Rosen Center, Rosen Plaza, and more. Check with your hotel to see if badge pick up is available, or grab it before you leave the airport upon arrival.
Download the HIMSS Mobile App. According to the HIMSS website, You can download the official event app by searching HIMSS Events. Get info on sessions, floor maps, news, exhibitor listings and more, right in the palm of your hand.
Give yourself plenty of travel time. HIMSS is a huge conference that tens of thousands attend every year. Don’t be late for the many networking events, educational sessions and speeches that are scheduled throughout the event.
Wear Comfortable Shoes. This advice was given to me by several different people. Needless to say, once you arrive at the Convention Center, you’re on your feet walking the vast halls.
Maps are your friend! Be sure to utilize the maps for the conference. Interactive maps are available via the mobile app or can be found here. Maps will also be given on onsite.
Always make sure you have your badge on site. Your Badge is required for entry, therefore without it you are basically out of luck. Be sure to always have your badge on hand.
Take advantage of free educational sessions. Not only are there larger educational sessions hosted by HIMSS; Vendors and Exhibitors host sessions within their booths as well. You can join our free educational session on Wed, March 11, 2020 at 3:00pm in booth 2875. We’ll be covering Interoperability pitfalls within a multi EHR environment.
HIMSS provides shuttles for exhibitors and attendees, use them! Free shuttles are available and run between the airport, affiliated hotels and the Orange County Convention Center
Come equipped with your toughest health IT questions for the vendors in the exhibit hall. All the participating exhibitors are here for you. They’ve taken the time to bring their top representatives to answer all your questions and present you with solutions you may not even know you need. Take advantage of having thousands of educational sources to answer your biggest questions.
And there you have it, the top tips and tricks that I’ve received for the upcoming HIMSS20 conference. This event takes place in Orlando FL, March 9-12, 2020 at the Orange County Convention Center. I’ll keep you updated on how valuable these tips turn out to be after the show, and you be sure to make note of any additional tips that should be added to this list.
