Less than two weeks from today marks the start of the 2014
HIMSS Conference & Exhibition in Orlando, Florida. From February 23-27, the annual event will bring together more than 37,000 healthcare IT professionals, clinicians, executives and vendors– all of whom are focused on creating better healthcare through technology. Here are a few things you should know before you land in sunny Florida:
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Don’t bring a lot of stuff. It sounds commonsensical, but it’s easy to do, quite unwittingly. You won’t want to awkwardly lug a heavy briefcase or large purse around all day, especially while you’re visiting with people and trying to maneuver in crowded areas. Stick with the essentials. Now is a great time to milk your mobile device for all its worth.
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The conference takes place in Orlando’s Orange County Convention Center, which spans a whopping 2.1 million square feet. To say it’s a large building would be an understatement, so do what you can to get familiar with the layout of the conference beforehand. With over 12,000 exhibitors and 300+ education programs, including keynotes, roundtable discussions and sessions, there will be a lot going on, so plan your days ahead of time as much as you can.
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If you're coming from out of town, the Florida weather will probably feel downright summery compared to what it's like at home, so get out of your hotel and explore the city! For dinner, try Miller’s Ale House, The Pub Orlando, or The Gnarly Barley, all of which are close by the Convention Center. But if you don’t mind a 20-minute drive, don’t miss a critically acclaimed gastropub called The Ravenous Pig.
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Take a break from learning and networking, and be a kid again by taking advantage of special ticket discounts to Walt Disney World. For HIMSS attendees, Disney is offering exclusive afternoon tickets, as well as discounted multi-day tickets, which include a complimentary admission to one Disney Experience. If you’re not up for the full-blown Epcot experience, though, choose the mellower version by exploring Downtown Disney, just 8 miles from the Convention Center.
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Participate in the conversation surrounding HIMSS via social media. Tweet your thoughts and observations with the hashtag #HIMSS14, and follow @HIMSS to stay on top of all conference updates.
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Visit our booth (#2003)! We’d love to visit with you, and show you our innovative charging solutions and compact mobile carts, which are all designed and manufactured in the United States. Keep an eye out for the big red Anthro logo!
Are you an HIMSS veteran? What advice would you give attendees? Tell us in the comments!