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Heading to San Diego?

Plan ahead to make the most of the meeting!

Attending an IAHCSMM Annual Meeting is an investment in your career, but to get the most bang for your buck, it’s important to establish your goals and game plan well in advance.

Here are some tips to help you take advantage of all the San Diego meeting has to offer:

• Pick your sessions wisely: IAHCSMM’s educational sessions are easily accessible, but there are times when two sessions will run concurrently. Review the schedule in advance and again upon registering at the meeting site, and choose the subject and speaker that best meet your needs (and the needs of your department). If you’re fortunate enough to be traveling with a co-worker, split up so you can cover more sessions. Also, if you miss a session, be sure to log onto IAHCSMM’s website (www.iahcsmm.org) to read daily meeting updates, which will include session and event summaries.
• Ask questions: Outline what you’re hoping to gain from each session. If a question arises during the session, or if any point needs clarification, speak up at the conclusion. You’ll have the speaker’s undivided attention, along with a room full of other CSSD professionals who can help shed some light on the subject.
• Be an early bird. If possible, consider arriving ahead of the official meeting kick-off, so you can participate in hands-on pre-conference workshops. Also, throughout the conference, try to arrive to sessions at least five to ten minutes before they begin to secure a seat (some sessions are so popular that they become ‘standing-room only’). Remember, early risers can also get a jumpstart on the day’s education by attending the Early Bird Discussion Groups.
• Keep your gadgets charged. While cell phones must be silenced during sessions, certain technologies – such as voice recorders and notebook computers – are helpful for keeping track of meeting notes and discussions. Bring an extra set of batteries, along with plug-in chargers that can bring your computer, phone and other gadgets back to full power from the hotel room.
• Give exhibits some good attention. Exhibits are a terrific way to stretch your legs, while also boosting your education in some innovative ways. This year, the exhibits will be host to the first-ever Vendor Learning Annexes and Poster Presentations. Of course, the exhibits also offer a golden opportunity to explore the latest products and services, and communicate one-on-one with some of the industry’s leading vendor experts.
• Work the crowd. Education can take on many forms and networking is one of them. Thousands of CSSD professionals from virtually all walks of the professional spectrum – and all corners of the globe -- will be attending the San Diego meeting, providing a unique opportunity to share information, and foster camaraderie and friendship. You’d be surprised how many others share your challenges and can offer effective solutions and support. If you have business cards, hand them out liberally – and be sure to ask for others’ cards in return. You’ll have an impressive resource database before you know it!
• Stretch your dollar. Take advantage of breakfast coupons (found in your registration packet) and attend social events and receptions. You’ll not only get a delicious meal, but will also have an opportunity to mingle with attendees, vendors, speakers, and IAHCSMM board members and staff -- all in a fun, casual setting.
• Carve out some downtime. IAHCSMM’s annual meeting has much to offer, and so does San Diego (and also the Town & Country Resort, the meeting’s host hotel). Whether it’s a quick trip to the beach, the San Diego Zoo, a trolley ride to many of San Diego’s top destinations, or simply a little sunning by the hotel pool, take some time to enjoy your stay. You’ll head home refreshed, invigorated and armed with knowledge!
• Let us know how we did. IAHCSMM strives to provide participants with the very best educational meeting, and we rely on feedback to keep us on track and help make necessary adjustments. Be sure to complete the evaluation forms. Your opinions matter and will help make our future meetings even better!
• Compile and share notes. After the meeting, go over your notes and meeting materials carefully (while the information is still fresh), and make copies of pertinent information that can be distributed to your staff, and, perhaps, even your customers, such as the OR and GI. Keep the information on file—along with the speakers’ name and contact information—for future reference.

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