New Technologies, Trends and Connections at HIMSS23
As a Consultant Advisor for iMethods, I meet periodically with fellow advisors and iMethods leadership to discuss experiences and opinions to help the company better serve its consultant community. As an Advisor, I have the opportunity to attend the HIMSS Global Conference each year. Since this is my first year on the iMethods Advisory Council, HIMSS23 was the first time I’ve been able to leverage this benefit, and I’m so glad I went!
I have been to HIMSS Global Conferences in the past, but this year – more than ever – I fully immersed myself in the keynote sessions, educational courses, exhibits and networking opportunities. I would like to commend HIMSS for putting together an outstanding line-up of keynote speakers and topics. From sessions on artificial intelligence in healthcare, to disrupters in the healthcare market, to digital transformation, the topics were on target with today’s trends and the speakers were dynamic and exciting, sharing key insights with attendees. Additionally, after each keynote session, I was able to zero in on areas of personal interest and attend some great educational sessions.
The greatest benefit of attending the Global Conference, however, is the opportunity to network with leaders in the healthcare ecosystem. I have been to other large conferences but this one attracts an exceptionally large number of exhibitors, as well as attendees. As I walked the floor of the exhibit hall, I had the opportunity to speak with numerous vendors from well-established multinational firms as well as small start-ups. Since my professional area of interest is pharmacy informatics and automation, I was able to see new and exciting innovations in the way we can deliver medical and pharmaceutical care to our patients by improving safety, meeting regulatory requirements and improving workflow. To have all this technology in one place can be a little daunting but as I targeted specific firms and/or technologies, I started having some meaningful conversations with the vendors regarding how the technologies can be applied in the real world. Having an opportunity to develop relationships with vendors is another benefit of HIMSS, as it is critical to our success. During the conference, I was able to add to my list of vendors that I can now contact as needs arise. I also connected with friends and colleagues on the exhibit floor, or in the convention center hallways, and spent time catching up with them and re-establishing relationships.
Other outstanding networking opportunities at the global conference were the after-hours gatherings. For example, iMethods sponsored a happy hour event at a local speakeasy. Not only did I see many friends and colleagues who work with iMethods, but I also had the opportunity to meet up with other friends in the healthcare industry and make plenty of new connections. I deeply enjoyed getting to discuss trends in the industry and learn about new, innovative technologies with colleagues all while expanding my professional network. Strong industry relationships are invaluable to consultants. I left the iMethods social, and the HIMSS23 Global Conference, feeling rejuvenated, and grateful that I had made the most of the opportunity to expand my knowledge about the industry, reconnect with old friends and make plenty of new ones.
