The HIMSS23 Global Health Conference & Exhibition is a health information technology event unlike any other, and begins on Monday April 17th. Chicago will once again host over 40,000 like-minded professionals as they confront the challenges and barriers to Health IT, learn from experts in their field, network with friends, and attend world class education and information sessions and panels, in the hope of transforming care delivery and accelerating healthcare innovation.
So, how do you plan for the week? Here are a few tips and strategies for a great conference.
Plan Your Schedule
This one tip cannot be stressed enough. There will be variations and spontaneous meetups, but you need to arrive with a plan. McCormick Place is made up of four buildings spread over 2.6 million square feet. With three- five days and only so much time, it is imperative to have even a “loose” schedule so you can fit in the best of the conference. Here are a few lists to help you plan your schedule.
Opening Keynotes:
- Opening Tuesday Morning Keynote | April 18 | 8:30 AM – 10 AM.
Responsible AI: Prioritizing Patient Safety, Privacy, and Ethical
Considerations. - Wednesday Morning Keynote | April 19 | 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM.
Healthcare Disruption: Accelerated Opportunities for Care Delivery Alternatives. - Thursday Morning Keynote | April 20 | 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM.
Digital Transformation and Health Equity: A Global Discussion on the Journey Ahead. - Friday Morning Keynote | April 21 | 8:30 AM – 10:15 AM.
Are More Turbulent Times Ahead for Healthcare? An Economic Outlook.
The HIMSS23 Experiences
HIMSS23 offers curated programming paths, each one is designed to help you address your biggest healthcare challenges. Here’s the list:
- CXO Experience
- Cybersecurity Experience
- Innovation Experience
- Interoperability Experience
- Legislation and Policy Experience
- Machine Learning and AI Experience
- First Time Attendee Experience
Know beforehand that the CXO Experience is reserved for Executive Pass holders and C-level executives. If you’re attending the conference for the first time, it’s highly recommended to attend the First Time Attendee sessions. You’ll receive an orientation session, tips on navigating the conference, lists of topic-driven pavilions, and great educational sessions to choose from for learning as well as networking opportunities.
Networking Opportunities
This is where the fun begins! As they say, “Business is never closed on the exhibit floor.”
HIMSS23 offers an opportunity to meet new connections and reunite with old friends. That’s the best part of the conference. You’ll make a ton of connections, so bring along business cards if you like, but we find it easier to snap a photo of the business card instead. This ensures you come home with it, and don’t lose any important contact information. In the end, it’s not about closing business. It’s all about connecting, learning, and growing your network.
Here are the main Receptions:
- The Opening Reception kicks off on Monday, April 17, from 5:00 – 7:00 pm. West Building in the Skyline Ballroom W375
- The Awards Recipient Reception is for HIMSS Award winners, and also takes place Monday, from 5:00 – 7:00 pm in the Skyline Ballroom W375 VIP section.
- IGNITE THE NIGHT: This is by invitation only, and takes place on Monday, April 17th, 7:30 – 9:00 pm, hosted by Glen Tullman and Sumit Nagpal. It’s located at Ignite Glass Studios, 401 N. Armour Street.
- The Emerging Healthcare Leaders Reception is open to everyone. Registration fee is $55.00, and it takes place on Tuesday, April 18th from 6:00 – 7:30 pm at the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place, in the Prairie Room (2nd Floor).
- The Exhibit Hall Social Hour is on Wednesday, April April 19th from 4:30 – 6:00 pm, in the North & South Building Exhibit Halls. This is a great opportunity to network with fellow exhibitors.
- Laugh N’ Roll, the Thursday night special event, takes place April 20th from 7:00 – 10:30 pm, in the Wintrust Arena (Located on the McCormick Place campus). There is a $95.00 fee, $99.00 on site.
Meetups You Won’t Want to Miss!
- Medigy HITMC Awards Ceremony. Sunday, April 16th from 3:00 – 4:30pm at 2301 S Martin Luther King Dr.
- Healthcare IT Community Celebration, on Monday April 17th from 7:30 – 9:30 pm, at Gino’s East – 3rd Floor 162 E. Superior St. Don’t miss this unique celebration of the Healthcare IT Today community.
- Women in Health IT Networking Reception. This is hands down my favorite event every year! Come to listen to your peers and your she-roes, share their experience, strength, and courage, and prepare to meet many of your favorite women in person. There is a fee – $55.00, but it’s worth it. Held on Wednesday, April 19th from 6:00 – 7:30 pm, in the Marriott Marquis Chicago | Level 4 | Grand Horizon Ballroom E.
- The #HITsm, #HCLDR, #HITMC Annual Social Media Picture at #HIMSS23. Takes place on Tuesday, April 18th at 12:15pm at the @hcittoday Booth #248. You won’t want to miss this!
- You can find more meetups from the Healthcare IT Today community at this link.
A Few Closing Words of Wisdom
Pack for Chicago weather. April offers mild days with an average high of 59°F, but nights can drop to 41°F.
- Bring your dress shoes/heels, but don’t forget comfortable shoes.
- Include liquid hand sanitizer, or wipes – they come in handy.
- Pack a mask. You might need one.
- Bring gum and a water bottle. These are necessities.
- Don’t forget Advil or Tylenol.
About Boston Software Systems
If you’re checking out Machine Learning or Smart Automation systems, you’ll want to compare the offerings to Boston WorkStation.
We won’t be at HIMSS23. But, we’d love to chat with you. Schedule time to chat with us before, during, or after the conference. With 30 years of experience and a singular focus in healthcare, we understand the challenges and barriers in Health IT. We’ll provide you with competitive pricing, fixed cost structure, flexible technology options, and 5-Star support. Improve organizational efficiency, reduce pain-points, and maximize productivity in 2023!