My original intent for this post was to assume the role of a health IT project manager in a community-based, independent, not-for-profit hospital and identify those sessions at HIMSS12 that I would attend. 

My assumptions were that both my “CIO” and I were attending HIMSS: he would attend senior executive sessions, and I would attend those sessions that would help our organization not only maximize our pursuit of meaningful use dollars, but also, help us to sustain our investments in the clinical, business, and administrative aspects of our technology, our processes, and our people.  And, I would be on the lookout for other sessions that would help us with our other challenges as well: ICD-10 implementation, medical home, improving our processes, excelling at providing exceptional clinical experiences, etc.  I think you get my intent.

Why would I assume this fictitious role and share my experiences? 

Because many of you, including the media, ask me my opinion every year on those “not to be missed” sessions.  So I thought I would comply. 

But I couldn’t do it.  Not this year.  I became conflicted. 

There is  so much great education across our pre-conference, general education, and exhibition floor venues that I just could not decide to help you, our attendees, understand what interests me.  And this is a testament to those of you who answer the call for participation; those of you who serve as peer reviewers; and the members of the Annual Conference Education Committee who work extremely hard to make sure that HIMSS presents a compelling line-up of education to meet and exceed the demands of health IT professionals everywhere.  And, of course, those of you who attend our sessions and share your experiences  through our evaluation mechanisms.

And on behalf of HIMSS, I thank  you.  HIMSS staff, from our Meeting Services Department, to Corporate Relations, to Professional Development, our Executives, the Government Relations teams, and many others who work extremely hard to ensure that we offer you the best possible experience. 

And this year, we have various improvements planned for you that will enhance your experience. 

For the first time, what “happens in Vegas does not need to stay in Vegas,” since we’ve added the Virtual HIMSS12 conference that continues to accept registrations through April 21, 2012.  And it’s designed for those who “just can’t get to HIMSS’…like those who are back in the organization making sure that the CIO and others can attend HIMSS.

So, maybe next year I’ll provide you with my top “not to be missed” sessions.  Stay tuned.

 And enjoy the show!